FIA-23-0022 - In the Matter of Savannah River Site Watch

FOIA; Appeal Granted

Office of Hearings and Appeals

August 1, 2023
minute read time

On August 1, 2023, the Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) granted the Freedom of Information ( FOIA) Appeal filed by Savannah River Site Watch (Appellant) from a determination letter issued by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Savannah River Field Office (SRO). On appeal, the Appellant challenged the redaction of portions of an email provided with the second determination letter and the adequacy of the search in regard to its request for communications. After reviewing the redacted records, we found that there was no justification for the redaction of the email. After reaching out to SRO and the SMEs who completed the search, we also determined that they had not conducted a search reasonably calculated to uncover all relevant documents. Therefore, we remand to SRO, which shall reconsider the redactions made in the released email, clarify the scope of the request with the Appellant, conduct a new search, and issue a new determination. (OHA Case No. FIA-23-0022)

 

FIA-23-0022.pdf (152.64 KB)