In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact in the Southeast, the Savannah River Site mobilized teams from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Site Services, SRS Emergency Response Organization, SRS Fire Department, Centerra-SRS and U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service–Savannah River to address extensive damage, repairs and recovery efforts across the site.
Office of Environmental Management
October 29, 2024
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Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Site Services and the Savannah River Site Fire Department cleared thousands of downed trees and power lines. Power lines spanning over three miles were repaired to restore normal configuration of the site’s electrical grid.
AIKEN, S.C. — In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact in the Southeast, the Savannah River Site (SRS) mobilized teams from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) Site Services, SRS Emergency Response Organization (ERO), SRS Fire Department (SRSFD), Centerra-SRS and U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service–Savannah River to address extensive damage, repairs and recovery efforts across the site.
“The impacts of Hurricane Helene to the site and our neighboring communities were unprecedented and remain challenging for many,” said Mike Budney, manager, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Operations Office. “Team SRS stepped up response efforts immediately to ensure the safety of personnel, the environment and our nuclear facilities. I’m extremely proud of the outstanding work of our emergency preparedness and essential personnel — all of our workforce — in coming together to serve and lend support in this difficult time.”
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Site Services personnel filled over 2,500 sandbags in preparation for Hurricane Helene.
With thousands of trees uprooted and utility lines down, essential employees worked around the clock to restore SRS to normal operations.
“Nearly all major roadways at SRS were impacted by fallen trees or downed power lines. The majority of this was cleared and restored in two days,” said Donny Barfield, director, SRNS Site Services. “We plan for these extreme weather events, so our team was prepared to begin work on recovery efforts immediately.”
In preparation for the storm, SRNS Site Services and the Savannah River National Laboratory Atmospheric Technologies Group implemented the severe weather procedure. Activities included staging equipment in three response zones, filling 2,500 sandbags and adjusting shift schedules. The hurricane made landfall as a Category 4 storm late in the evening of Sept. 26, bringing wind gusts up to 82 mph.
“Nearly 80 Site Services employees consisting of heavy equipment operators, road crews and six linemen reported to the site during initial recovery efforts. The team collaborated with the SRSFD and the U.S. Forest Service to clear roadways and rescue several motorists trapped inside their vehicles,” continued Barfield.
SRSFD Fire Chief Travis Scott added, “The fire department mobilized all available personnel in the immediate aftermath of the storm, with over 50 employees actively engaged in tree removal, rescuing trapped civilians and responding to various emergencies caused by the storm. I am incredibly proud of the unified effort demonstrated by all.”
During recovery efforts, the site was in an operational emergency status, or a state of heightened alertness and operational flexibility to manage unforeseen challenges.
“In the face of Hurricane Helene, the ERO turned a potential crisis into a showcase of our strength and collaboration,” said Neal Gilmore, SRNS director of Safeguards, Security and Emergency Services. “I witnessed firsthand how our proactive emergency protocols and the swift decision-making of all site tenants enabled us to manage water intrusion and process interruptions with no significant impact to site operations. This experience has underscored the strength of our response teams and the power of coming together in times of crisis.”
SRS coordinated with offsite fuel shipments of gasoline, ethanol and diesel fuel to ensure SRS critical loads were supplied. Over 14,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel were provided to essential employees to combat offsite gas shortages. In addition, SRNS subcontractor Russell’s Pizza provided nearly 7,500 meals to responding employees. Weather and safety leave was made available to all full-service employees unable to work.
Nearly 7,500 box lunches were provided to on-duty essential personnel by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions subcontractor Russell’s Pizza.
Recovery teams were able to clear thousands of trees and power lines from SRS roadways, repair approximately three miles of power lines and replace over 30 power poles and 60 cross arms. In addition, SRS assisted the South Carolina Department of Transportation with clearing debris on South Carolina Highway 125 and U.S. Route 278, and collaborated with Dominion Energy to restore the site’s electrical grid.
Dennis Carr, SRNS president and CEO, believes responding personnel demonstrated remarkable resilience in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
“Our employees’ commitment to safety and their tireless efforts around the clock have been instrumental in restoring the site to normal operations,” said Carr. “In the face of adversity, they have not only demonstrated exceptional work ethic but have reaffirmed our dedication to each other and the community. Together, we can rebuild and emerge stronger than ever before.”
-Contributor: Mackenzie McNabb
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