SRS Ecology Environmental Information Document

Intermediate time scale response of atmospheric CO2 following prescribed fire in a longleaf pine forest

“…The surface fuel is dominated by longleaf pine leaf litter, but some grasses, such as dog‐fennel ( Eupatorium compositifolium ) and broomsedge ( Andropogon spp.) are also present [ Wike et al , ]. The United States Forest Service–Savannah River does not allow extensive understory growth as a precautionary measure to limit the potential for extensive wildfires.…”

Radionuclides of the Savannah River Site Environment: Recent Data and Monitoring Techniques in Support of WAES TTX#3

“…The Savannah River is not currently used for any largescale irrigation projects downriver of the Site. The groundwater at SRS migrates through the subsurface, primarily discharging into the Site streams, the Savannah River Swamp, and the Savannah River (Wike et al, 2006).…”

Changes in 137Cs concentrations in soil and vegetation on the floodplain of the Savannah River over a 30 year period

“…The Creek Plantation floodplain swamp is forested by bald cypress Taxodium distichum and water tupelo Nyssa aquatica in wetter areas and by bottomland hardwoods at higher elevations. The soil group on the Savannah River floodplain is referred to as the Chastain-Tawcaw-Shellbluff Association (Wike et al, 2005). Chastain soils, which compose 60% of the association, are poorly drained and contain substantial clay.…”

“…Clay, which is an important constituent of most Creek Plantation soils (Wike et al, 2005), can bind 137 Cs and slow its downward movement. However, core samples from the center of the floodplain indicated that 137 Cs activity concentrations decreased in shallow soils (0-7.6 cm) and increased at greater depths as a likely result of the downward transport of 137 Cs by diffusion or leaching.…”

“…Such processes may diminish with time as vegetation growth provides greater protection from erosion and as 137 Cs binds more tightly to soil particles. Creek Plantation soils have a high clay content and were protected by extensive vegetation cover (Wike et al, 2005), two characteristics that could reduce the rate of 137 Cs loss and lengthen the ecological half-life.…”