INL Seismic Monitoring Program

The INL Seismic Monitoring Program provides earthquake data and staff expertise in support of requirements set forth by Presidential executive orders, Department of Energy (DOE) directives, orders and standards, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for seismic safety of workers and the public with regard to nuclear related operations at INL. The program supports safety of operations through continuous monitoring of earthquake activity, the development of INL seismic design criteria, assessments of seismic hazards for existing facilities and new facility siting, and early warning of potential future volcanic activity near INL. As of 2019, the INL operates 35 permanent seismic stations with either short period or broadband sensors and 34 accelerometers. Ten accelerometers are located within INL buildings and 13 of the accelerometers are located at free field sites (i.e., not within buildings) near INL facilities. Eleven accelerometers are collocated with seismic stations located on the Eastern Snake River Plain and in the surrounding Basin and Range region. 17 seismic stations are also continuous GPS sites that transmit data directly to UNAVCO.