Director Melendez credits LM’s early leaders, who he said charted a course LM follows to this day
December 6, 2023
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The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management celebrated its 20th anniversary on Wednesday, showing appreciation of the past and an eye toward the future.
The celebration occurred at DOE Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and included addresses from LM Director Carmelo Melendez, LM Technical Director for Long-Term Stewardship Tania Smith Taylor, and Office of Environmental Management Senior Advisor William “Ike” White, along with a virtual message from DOE Deputy Secretary David Turk.
Melendez credited LM’s early leaders who he said charted a course that LM still follows today. He said those critical decisions in the early years provided a solid foundation in preparation for LM’s sites tripling over the past 20 years.
“What we do can be simplified. We’re here to protect the public, create a better environment, serve our communities and tribal partners, and be an example of good government,” said Melendez, who thanked the LM and contractor work force and paid homage to his predecessors and LM partners throughout its 20-year history. “That’s what (former director) Dave Geiser did. That’s what (former director) Mike Owen did. That’s what we do and what Ike’s team at EM does. That’s what we all do and it’s an honor for all of us to serve taxpayers.”
LM began operations in December 2003 and has responsibility for long-term surveillance and maintenance, workforce restructuring and benefits, property management, land use planning, and community assistance for 102 sites in the United States and Puerto Rico.
During his virtual remarks, Turk highlighted several LM accomplishments (i.e., transfer of land to the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge, establishment of the LM Business Center in Morgantown, West Virginia, and the cooperation with the city of Grand Junction, Colorado, on Las Colonias Park).
“As you know, 20 years go by with striking speed, but this anniversary is an opportunity to pause and look back at our accomplishments and celebrate the hard work that made it all possible,” Turk said. “You’ve constantly gone above and beyond your duties and Secretary Granholm and our entire department are so grateful for your service. Congratulations on this incredibly important anniversary.”
White said the partnership between EM and LM is critical in cleaning up the nation’s nuclear weapons complex. Additionally, White said LM’s work provides clear milestones for EM cleanup projects.
“At EM, we needed to have targets to define success,” White said. “Now, when we transition a site to LM, that’s a measure of success. But that doesn’t mean the work is over. LM plays a key role to ensure that DOE follows through on its obligations.”
LM Technical Director for Long-Term Stewardship Tania Smith Taylor discussed LM’s early years, environmental management strategies, and international affairs efforts.
“Whether it’s safely performing the many aspects of our work at home, being a responsible steward of the environment, or being a leader on a global stage, the Office of Legacy Management marches forward with an appreciation of its past and a sense of excitement for its promising future,” Smith Taylor said.
Melendez also recognized Stephen Browning, program director for RSI EnTech, LM’s support contractor; Seth Kirshenberg, executive director of Energy Communities Alliance; and Lara Beasley, environmental division chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
After Melendez addressed the audience, a brief social event followed. Satellite celebrations occurred at the Fernald Preserve in Hamilton County, Ohio; the LM Business Center in Morgantown, West Virginia; the LM Field Support Center in Grand Junction, Colorado; the LM Operations Center in Westminster, Colorado; the Monticello, Utah, Disposal and Processing Sites; the Navajo Nation Community Outreach Network Office in Window Rock, Arizona; the Pinellas County, Florida, Site; and the Weldon Spring Site in St. Charles County, Missouri.
The event is part of a six-month campaign to celebrate LM’s 20-year anniversary. As part of that campaign, LM will release its first podcast – a four-part series – on Dec. 15 that explores various aspects of the office’s history and operations. LM will also have multiple panels and other engagement at the annual Waste Management Symposia in Phoenix, Arizona, in March.