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Sara Lovtang, Damon Delistraty, Elizabeth Rochette, The biologically active zone in upland habitats at the Hanford Site, Washington, USA: Focus on plant rooting depth and biomobilization, Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, Volume 14, Issue 4, 1 July 2018, Pages 442–446, https://doi.org/10.1002/ieam.4044
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Abstract
We challenge the suggestion by Sample et al. (2015) that a depth of 305 cm (10 ft) exceeds the depth of biological activity in soils at the Hanford Site, Washington, USA, or similar sites. Instead, we support the standard point of compliance, identified in the Model Toxics Control Act in the state of Washington, which specifies a depth of 457 cm (15 ft) for the protection of both human and ecological receptors at the Hanford Site. Our position is based on additional information considered in our expanded review of the literature, the influence of a changing environment over time, plant community dynamics at the Hanford Site, and inherent uncertainty in the Sample et al. (2015) analysis. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:442–446. © 2018 SETAC
We support the implementation of the standard point of compliance in the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) regulation (457 cm [15 ft]), based on additional information considered in our expanded review of the literature.
Bitterbrush, one of the deeper‐rooted shrubs at Hanford, Washington, USA, do occur in the potential vegetation types on site. Using an ecological lens we explore the deep‐rooted plants that are found at Hanford and the strengths and weaknesses of rooting studies done on site.
The types of fill and barriers used at Hanford Site allow for plants, and deep‐rooted plants have occurred on them.
