Review of revegetation practices appropriate for reclamation of the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada

The Yucca Mountain site, proposed by US Department of Energy (DOE) as the nation's first high-level radioactive waste repository is located in Nye County, Nevada, approximately 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Yucca Mountain is located in a botanically unique transition zone between the Great Basin and the Mojave Desert. The environment of the proposed repository is influenced by both biotic provinces, and additionally possesses characteristics that are unique unto itself. The purpose of this report is to summarize the existing pertinent data relative to the local environmental constraints that affect reclamation; describe the observations that have been made regarding vegetation reestablishment in the absence of reclamation; and provide special horticultural considerations appropriate for harsh environments such as Yucca Mountain. Further, this report provides specific recommendations to acquire further more specific information needed to refine reclamation prescriptions specifically for Yucca Mountain. Finally, this report describes the time and procedural commitment that must be made to monitor reclamation success. 43 refs., 1 tab