Evaluation of Buildings 23-531, -532, -535, and -536 in Block 17, Mercury, Area 23, Nevada National Security Site, Nye County, Nevada

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Field Office (NNSA/NFO) plans to install air conditioning units under the windows of dorm and recreation rooms at three dormitories (23-531, -532, -535), and make interior modifications to the Mechanical Building 23-536 in the town of Mercury at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) in Nye County, Nevada. These buildings, referred to in this report as the 23-531 Series Dormitory Complex, are within the Mercury Historic District. This upgrade project is an undertaking subject to review under Title 54 U.S.C. § 306108, commonly known as Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Title 54 U.S.C. §300101, et seq., and its implementing regulations, 36 C.F.R. Part 800. The NNSA/NFO has consulted with the Nevada SHPO and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation regarding the upgrade and modification to resources in Mercury, and has developed the Mercury Programmatic Agreement (PA) with the SHPO that specifies the approach that NNSA/NFO will take to meet its statutory obligations toward historic preservation within the district. The Mercury Historic District is located in Sections 10–12, 14, and 15, T15S R53E Mount Diablo BM (projected) in Area 23 of the NNSS. In 2010, the Nevada Test Site became the NNSS, and will be referred to as such throughout this report as appropriate. This is part of the report series "Evaluation, Finding of Effect, and Mitigation Documentation for 23-531 Series Dormitory Complex, Mercury, Area 23, Nevada National Security Site, Nye County, Nevada".