NNSA issues finding of no significant impact on Laboratory's proposed BSL-3 lab

The National Nuclear Security Administration on Monday issued a finding of no significant impact on a proposed biosafety level three lab at Los Alamos.

The proposed BSL-3 lab would be used to develop and evaluate technologies that can detect biological agents in the air or on the ground and laser based systems that can quickly identify an outbreak of an unusual disease in animals or humans.

Jill Trewhella, Bioscience (B) Division leader, said the finding of no significant impact was an important step forward for the Lab and its role in this country's battle against bioterrorist threats and natural disease outbreaks. "The BSL-3 facility will allow Los Alamos researchers to handle, with appropriate safety procedures, organisms that are potential threat agents. The facility will enhance our ability to develop advanced detection and analytical capabilities, as well as support creation of better protective strategies by enabling research on how these organisms cause disease," said Trewhella. "This work is central to the National Nuclear Security Administration's Chemical and Biological National Security Program that focuses on domestic preparedness against chemical or biological terrorist attacks. CBNP is the major sponsor for the BSL-3."

Trewhella also reiterated the Lab's committment to local communities as it moves forward with the BSL-3. "Speaking on behalf of the Laboratory, I reaffirm our commitment to continue to engage with local communities as this project advances," Trewhella said. "I have personally enjoyed the opportunity to meet with members of the public to understand better their concerns and to provide information about the BSL-3 and the contributions Los Alamos has to offer the country in the area of bioscience."

Beginning Wednesday, the NNSA report on the FONSI for the BSL-3 can be viewed in the reading room of the Community Relations (CRO) Office downtown and at the Government Information Department of the Zimmerman Library at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

To read a NNSA news release, click here. To read the NNSA's finding of no significant impact, click here. To read Trewhella's statement, click here. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required)

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