Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer

Biography

Dr. Amoret Bunn has over 25 years of service as an environmental engineer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Her experiences range from ecological and human risk assessments and health evaluations, remediation activities for contaminated soil and groundwater, conducting environmental assessments for engineered systems, development of ecological risk assessment software, Simple MultiAttribute Rating Technique (SMART) applications, and working with groups of people with various technical training and cultural backgrounds on environmental impact assessments.

She has extensive experience preparing and leading field surveys for hazard assessments of radiological, heavy metal, and organic contaminants in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Dr. Bunn has developed decision analysis and risk management tools and applied them to a variety of environmental applications and regulatory regimes, including Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and she has participated in all phases of the CERCLA Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study process.

Dr. Bunn applied her expertise while working with a team on the deactivation, decontamination, decommissioning, and demolition of a radiologically contaminated research facility on the PNNL-Richland campus, applying the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) approach to the final verification status surveys to prepare the site for unrestricted use. Recently, this has included proof-of-concept research with using drones to detect low-levels of radiation, consistent with site closures.

Research Interest

  • Environmental assessments for siting and licensing commercial nuclear reactors
  • Conducting environmental assessments for engineered systems
  • SMART ecological risk assessments
  • Human health risk assessments
  • CERCLA documentation
  • NEPA documentation
  • MARSSIM documentation
  • Hazard assessments of metal and organic contaminants in terrestrial and aquatic environments
  • Biological and chemical security training

Disciplines and Skills

  • Data Quality Assurance
  • Decision Analysis
  • Ecological Assessment
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Human Health Risk Assessment
  • Incident Response
  • Oil Spill Response
  • Radiation Detectors
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Risk Assessment
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Systems
  • X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analysis

Education

  • PhD in Engineering, University of New Hampshire
  • MS in Civil Engineering, University of New Hampshire
  • BS in Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Affiliations and Professional Service

  • Sigma Xi

Awards and Recognitions

  • Alumni of the Year, Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire (2016)
  • Fitzner Eberhardt Award for Outstanding Contribution to Science and Engineering Education (2013)
  • Outstanding Mentor Award, Office of Science, Department of Energy (2005, 2004)
  •  Integrated Operations System, Cognizant Space Manager of the Year, Environmental Technology Division, PNNL (2005)

Publications

2022

  • Fritz B.G., D. Appriou, J.R. Counts, B.S. Sample, A.L. Bunn, J. Dimson, and M. West. 2022. "Effects of lead and arsenic in soils from former orchards on growth of three plant species." Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. PNNL-SA-166900. doi:10.1002/etc.5325

2021

  • Burger J., M. Gochfeld, A.L. Bunn, B.B. Looney, and C. Jeitner. 2021. "Role of uncertainties in protecting ecological resources during remediation and restoration." Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part A 84, no. 12:485-502. PNNL-SA-160048. doi:10.1080/15287394.2021.1887783
  • Condon C.A., P. Ivanusa, A.L. Bunn, and P.J. Jensen. 2021. "Internal Radiation Dose Evaluation For An Unruptured Post Release Tristructural Istropic Fuel Particle for Advanced and Micro-reactor Applications." Health Physics 120, no. 3:271-277. PNNL-SA-151679. doi:10.1097/HP.0000000000001310
  • Condon C.A., P. Ivanusa, J.M. Whiting, P. Mirick, A.L. Bunn, C.B. Varnum-Lowry, and P.J. Jensen. 2021. "Fate and Transport of Unruptured Tri-structural Isotropic (TRISO) Fuel Particles in the Event of Environmental Release for Advanced and Micro Reactor Applications." Journal of Environmental Radioactivity 234. PNNL-SA-156622. doi:10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106630
  • Ivanusa P., P.J. Jensen, C.A. Condon, and A.L. Bunn. 2021. "Comparison of Irradiated TRISO Fuel Radioactivity from Multiple Advanced Reactor Designs." Nuclear Technology 208, no. 3:575-585. PNNL-SA-155805. doi:10.1080/00295450.2021.1932174

2020

2019

  • Burger J., M. Gochfeld, D.S. Kosson, K.G. Brown, L. Bliss, A.L. Bunn, and J.H. Clarke, et al. 2019. "The costs of delaying remediation on human, ecological, and eco-cultural resources: Considerations for the Department of Energy: A methodological framework." Science of the Total Environment 649. PNNL-SA-137879. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.232

2018

  • Duran R., L. Romeo, J.M. Whiting, J.M. Vielma, K.K. Rose, A.L. Bunn, and J.R. Bauer. 2018. "Simulation of the 2003 Foss Barge - Point Wells Oil Spill: A Comparison between BLOSOM and GNOME oil-spill models." Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 6, no. 3:104. PNNL-SA-135644. doi:10.3390/jmse6030104
  • Nyman J., J. Nguyen, F. Smith, D. Donohue, K. Karp, T. Bartlett, and E. Hawley, et al. 2018. "Closure Strategy for Operable Unit III of the Monticello Mill Tailings Site." In 2018 Long-Term Stewardship Conference, August 20-23, 2018, Grand Junction, CO. Washington, District Of Columbia:US Department of Energy, Office of Legacy Management. PNNL-SA-134380.

2017

  • Burger J., M. Gochfeld, A.L. Bunn, J.L. Downs, C. Jeitner, T. Pittfield, and J.A. Salisbury, et al. 2017. "A Methodology to Evaluate Ecological Resources and Risk Using Two Case Studies at the Department of Energy's Hanford Site." Environmental Management 59, no. 3:357-372. PNNL-SA-124297. doi:10.1007/s00267-016-0798-8

2016

  • Burger J., M. Gochfeld, A.L. Bunn, J.L. Downs, C. Jeitner, T. Pittfield, and J.A. Salisbury. 2016. "Functional Remediation Components: A Conceptual Method of Evaluating the Effects of Remediation on Risks to Ecological Receptors." Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part A 79, no. 21:957-968. PNNL-SA-119690. doi:10.1080/15287394.2016.1201026

2014

2013

  • Bunn A.L., M.J. Truex, M. Oostrom, K.C. Carroll, and D.M. Wellman. 2013. "Integrated Systems-Based Approach to Monitoring Environmental Remediation." In Proceedings of the Annual Waste Management Symposium (WM2013): International Collaboration and Continuous Improvement, February 24-28, 2013, Phoenix, Arizona USA, 7, 5469-5477, Paper No. 13211. Tucson, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNNL-SA-92011.
  • Wellman D.M., M.J. Truex, T.C. Johnson, A.L. Bunn, and E.C. Golovich. 2013. Deep Vadose Zone-Applied Field Research Initiative Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Report. PNNL-22322. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Deep Vadose Zone-Applied Field Research Initiative Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Report

2012

  • Bunn A.L., D.M. Wellman, R.A. Deeb, E.L. Hawley, M.J. Truex, M. Peterson, and M.D. Freshley, et al. 2012. "Scientific Opportunities for Monitoring of Environmental Remediation Sites - (SOMERS)." In Annual Waste Management Symposium (WM2012): Improving the Future in Waste Management, February 26 - March 1, 2012, Phoenix, Arizona, Paper No. 12224. Phoenix, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNNL-SA-85078.
  • Bunn A.L., D.M. Wellman, R.A. Deeb, E.L. Hawley, M.J. Truex, M. Peterson, and M.D. Freshley, et al. 2012. Scientific Opportunities for Monitoring at Environmental Remediation Sites (SOMERS): Integrated Systems-Based Approaches to Monitoring. PNNL-21379. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Scientific Opportunities for Monitoring at Environmental Remediation Sites (SOMERS): Integrated Systems-Based Approaches to Monitoring

2011

  • Gerdes K.D., G.S. Chamberlain, R.S. Aylward, M. Cercy, R. Seitz, R. Ramirez, and K.L. Skubal, et al. 2011. "The Office of Groundwater & Soil Remediation Fiscal Year 2011 Research & Development Program." In 37th Annual Radioactive Waste Management Symposium (WM 2011): Global Achievements and Challenges in Waste Management, February 27 - March 3, 2011, Phoenix, Arizona, Paper No. 11513. Tucson, Arizona:Waste Management Symposia, Inc. PNNL-SA-84470.
  • Gerdes K.D., S. Chamberlain, R.S. Aylward, M. Cercy, R. Seitz, R. Ramirez, and K.L. Skubal, et al. 2011. "The Office of Groundwater & Soil Remediation Fiscal Year 2011 Research & Development Program." In Proceedings of the 37th Annual Radioactive Waste Management Symposium (WM 2011): Global Achievements and Challenges in Waste Management, February 27-March 3, 2011, Phoenix, Arizona, 2, 1526-1537. Tucson, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNNL-SA-77120.
  • Webb-Robertson B.M., A.L. Bunn, and V.L. Bailey. 2011. "Phospholipid fatty acid biomarkers in a freshwater periphyton community exposed to uranium: discovery by non-linear statistical learning." Journal of Environmental Radioactivity 102, no. 1:67-71. PNNL-SA-72816. doi:10.1016/j.jenvrad.2010.09.005

2010

2009

  • Fritz B.G., D.P. Mendoza, d. young, J.A. Stegen, and A.L. Bunn. 2009. Summary of TPH Monitoring Conducted at 100-NR-2 during CY 2008 and 2009. PNNL-18645. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Summary of TPH Monitoring Conducted at 100-NR-2 during CY 2008 and 2009
  • Miracle A.L., V.L. Bailey, S.E. Baker, A.L. Bunn, J.K. Magnuson, and B.M. Webb-Robertson. 2009. "Integration of 'omics technologies for characterization of complex microbial ecosystems - 8119." In Waste Management Symposium 2008, 832-841. Tucson, Arizona:WM Symposia. PNNL-SA-58003.

2008

  • Miracle A.L., A.L. Bunn, J.M. Brandenberger, D.J. Gaspar, and J.A. Ward. 2008. "Fate and transport of titania nanoparticles in freshwater mesocosms." In Proceedings of the International Environmental Nanotechnology Conference: Applications and Implications, October 7-9, 2008, Chicago, Illinois. Washington Dc:Environmental Protection Agency. PNNL-SA-62622.
  • Small J.A., A.L. Bunn, C.A. McKinstry, A.D. Peacock, and A.L. Miracle. 2008. "Investigating Freshwater Periphyton Community Response to Uranium with Phospholipid Fatty Acid and Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis Analyses." Journal of Environmental Radioactivity 99, no. 4:730-738. PNNL-SA-55162.

2007

2005

  • Neitzel D.A., A.L. Bunn, S.D. Cannon, J.P. Duncan, R.A. Fowler, B.G. Fritz, and D.W. Harvey, et al. 2005. Hanford Site National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Characterization Report, Revision 17. PNNL-6415 Rev. 17. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Hanford Site National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Characterization Report, Revision 17
  • Scott M.J., C.A. Brandt, A.L. Bunn, D.W. Engel, P.W. Eslinger, T.B. Miley, and B.A. Napier, et al. 2005. "Modeling long-term risk to environmental and human systems at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation: Scope and findings from the initial model." Environmental Management 35, no. 1:84-98. PNNL-SA-37678.

2004

  • Downs J.L., M.A. Simmons, J.A. Stegen, A.L. Bunn, B.L. Tiller, S.L. Thorsten, and R.K. Zufelt. 2004. Ecological Characterization Data for the 2004 Composite Analysis. PNNL-14884. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Ecological Characterization Data for the 2004 Composite Analysis
  • Last G.V., V.J. Rohay, F.J. Schelling, A.L. Bunn, M.A. Delamare, R.L. Dirkes, and R.D. Hildebrand, et al. 2004. "A Comprehensive and Systematic Approach to Developing and Documenting Conceptual Models of Contaminant Release and Migration at the Hanford Site." Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment 18, no. 2:109-116. PNNL-SA-36387.
  • Neitzel D.A., A.L. Bunn, S.D. Cannon, J.P. Duncan, R.A. Fowler, B.G. Fritz, and D.W. Harvey, et al. 2004. Hanford Site National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Characterization Report. PNNL-6415 Rev. 16. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Hanford Site National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Characterization Report

2003

2002

  • Anderson D.M., M.J. Scott, A.L. Bunn, R.A. Fowler, E.L. Prendergast, T.B. Miley, and T.O. Eschbach, et al. 2002. 2001 Columbia River Recreation Survey -- Implications for Hanford Site Integrated Assessment. PNNL-13840. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. 2001 Columbia River Recreation Survey -- Implications for Hanford Site Integrated Assessment
  • Freshley M.D., A.L. Bunn, G.W. Gee, T.J. Gilmore, C.T. Kincaid, R.E. Peterson, and A.L. Ward, et al. 2002. Groundwater Protection Program Science and Technology Summary Description. PNNL-14092. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Groundwater Protection Program Science and Technology Summary Description
  • Kincaid C.T., P.W. Eslinger, D.W. Engel, W.E. Nichols, R.W. Bryce, and A.L. Bunn. 2002. "A Stochastic Assessment of Nuclear Waste Management Practices at the Hanford Site, Washington." In Scientific basis for nuclear waste management XXV : symposium held November 26-29, 2001, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. / Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings., edited by BP McGrail, G.A. Cragnolino, 713, 275-283. Warrendale, Pennsylvania:Materials Research Society. PNNL-SA-35580.
  • Lober R.W., R.M. Yasek, J.G. Morse, J.W. Buck, C.C. Henderson, T.L. Sams, and A.L. Bunn, et al. 2002. "INTEGRATING RISK ANALYSES AND TOOLS AT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY HANFORD SITE." In Waste Management Symposium 2002. Tucson, Arizona:Waste Management Symposium 2002. PNNL-SA-35746.
  • Neitzel D.A., A.L. Bunn, J.P. Duncan, T.O. Eschbach, R.A. Fowler, B.G. Fritz, and S.M. Goodwin, et al. 2002. Hanford Site National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Characterization. PNNL-6415-Rev. 14. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Hanford Site National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Characterization