A recent DOE assessment found no deficiencies in EM’s solid waste program at the Savannah River Site (SRS).
Office of Environmental Management
February 18, 2020
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AIKEN, S.C. – A recent DOE assessment found no deficiencies in EM’s solid waste program at the Savannah River Site (SRS).
DOE’s Office of Enterprise Assessments (EA) performs independent assessments for DOE senior leadership that report on whether national security material and information assets are appropriately protected and whether Department operations provide for the safety of DOE employees and the public.
The assessment of the SRS Solid Waste Program was performed to verify compliance in characterizing and dispositioning radioactive waste, such as low-level, mixed, and transuranic waste.
"Overall, SRS’s waste management program ensures proper characterization, packaging, and shipping of radioactive waste for disposal, and both the DOE Office of Environmental Management Savannah River Operations Office (DOE-SR) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Savannah River Field Office (NNSA-SRFO) maintain adequate operational awareness of the radioactive waste management activities," the report says.
The solid waste program supports EM and NNSA missions at the site, including projects to down blend plutonium and expedite removal of the material from the state.
“Disposing of contaminated waste from facilities in underground trenches and vaults, or other approved safe methods, along with monitoring to prevent unintentional spread of contamination from waste disposal units, is our mission,” said Kerri Crawford, solid waste programs manager at EM contractor Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS). “The solid waste management program at SRS is vital to the safety and security of our nation.”
The SRS Solid Waste Program performed a thorough self-assessment to prepare for the EA visit, including procedure and document reviews, and staff interviews to identify needed adjustments.
Janice Lawson, deputy vice president for EM operations at SRNS, expressed appreciation for the work of SRNS employees to prepare for the assessment.
“The report commends our structure and consistency, and I want to thank our employees for their continued commitment to maintaining excellence,” Lawson said.