The spring Environmental Management (EM) Site-Specific Advisory Board (SSAB) Chairs meeting was held at the DOE-EM headquarters in Washington D.C. on March 21-22, 2023. Representatives from all eight SSABs met for 2 days to discuss current and upcoming
Idaho Cleanup Project Citizens Advisory Board
October 11, 2023
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Debi Farber and Bob Skinner, ICP CAB members, pose with ICP Field Manager, Connie Flohr, in front of the United States Capitol building during the Spring EM SSAB Chairs Meeting.
The spring Environmental Management (EM) Site-Specific Advisory Board (SSAB) Chairs meeting was held at the DOE-EM headquarters in Washington D.C. on March 21-22, 2023. Representatives from all eight SSABs met for 2 days to discuss current and upcoming activities. We were joined by EM senior leaders including Senior Advisor William “Ike” White and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Avery. Also in attendance was Idaho Cleanup Project (ICP) Field Manager, Connie Flohr. The spring weather was delightful and the infamous cherry trees were in full bloom. During a group dinner, the ICP CAB had a surprise sighting and impromptu meet and greet with former Idaho Governor, Dirk Kempthorne.
Day one started off with the ever favorite SSAB round robin presentations where each site is given an opportunity to brief the other SSABs on activities, accomplishments, and challenges. This is an informative session during which the different boards are able to discuss and share ideas on best practices and ways to improve member and community engagement.
Meeting topics included budget updates including an educational hands-on budget simulation exercise, the EM Minority Serving Institutions Partnership and Community Capacity Building Programs, the EM International Program, and overviews of the National Lab Network and Technology Department.
Debi Farber
Ms. Farber is a principal geologist with Arcadis U.S. Inc., a large engineering consulting firm. While Arcadis does have a Federal services business line, Ms. Farber has no DOE/EM work currently. She works within the chemical and manufacturing arenas with projects focusing on hydrogeology, chlorinated solvents, pesticides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Ms. Farber is a native Idahoan and natural scientist with 18 years of experience as a geologist. She received her Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Idaho and her Master of Science in Geoscience from Texas Tech University. With a solid understanding of geological/hydrogeological systems, Ms. Farber is interested in ensuring the environment is being protected and maintained. She is a member of the National Ground Water Association and the Idaho Association of Professional Geologists. She is interested in environmental and public health issues and currently resides in Boise, Idaho.
