EM Update | Vol. 14, Issue 22 | June 7, 2022

• Savannah River National Lab Debuts Regulatory Center of Excellence
• Waste Treatment Plant Facility Completes Exhaust Treatment Testing
• Savannah River Site Uses Oil as 'Bait' to Help Destroy Solvents in Groundwater
• Moab Site Partners With USGS on Revegetation Effort
• Hanford Site Appoints New Patrol Chief
• Oak Ridge Launches News Show to Showcase Cleanup Progress
• Paducah Community Leaders Learn About EM Site, Past and Present
• Animal Magnetism for Idaho Students at Science-Based Zoo Event

Savannah River National Lab Debuts Regulatory Center of Excellence

Vahid Majidi, director of the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), right, joins Stephanie Jacobs, director of the Regulatory Center of Excellence, left, and Connie Herman, SRNL director of environmental and legacy management, in signing the Regulatory Center of Excellence charter on May 23.

AIKEN, S.C. – The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) has established the Regulatory Center of Excellence (RCE) as an expert resource charged with helping EM and others manage complex issues involving science, government and communications.

The interactions of local, state, tribal and federal agencies with the public they serve, industry and each other often create the need for unique technical, regulatory and communications approaches, lab managers said.

The SRNL center was created to provide innovative strategies that address challenges at DOE sites, drawing upon the collective expertise of the South Carolina laboratory, the Network of National Laboratories for Environmental Management and Stewardship, the private consulting firm Longenecker and Associates, and SRNL’s university partners.

The need for the RCE stems not only from the need for accelerated and technical solutions to challenges but also from the need for improved communications with site stakeholders, regulators and communities, said Connie Herman, SRNL’s associate lab director for environmental and legacy management.

“The transparency of, and understanding for, what you are doing and what does this mean [to the public] is certainly key,” she said. Herman noted that as EM’s lab, SRNL was tasked with seeing how the lab could help DOE sites improve the way they communicate.

“The vision [for the RCE] is consistent with the direction of DOE-EM and their engagement strategies,” said Herman. “Now we’re seeing in the DOE-EM 2022-2032 Strategic Vision, each site specifically spells out their strategy for communication and engagement with the public, tribal leaders, regulators and the community — something that was not there in the past,” she said.

Specifically, the RCE will:

• Build a diverse network of experts and researchers to support DOE interactions with regulators and community leaders.
• Leverage EM experience and best practices to support other DOE missions that involve complex environmental issues requiring effective regulatory and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Provide counsel to federal program owners, other federal partners, state regulators, tribal governments, local governments, redevelopment organizations, and members of the community in the development of risk-informed strategies for environmental cleanup and closure within the bounds of their respective regulatory agreements.
• Recommend strategies to build upon existing community interactions to strengthen communications and mitigate stakeholder concerns.

SRNL, the Savannah River Site and the site’s other tenant organizations have enjoyed strong relationships with regulators and the surrounding communities. Herman said the RCE team wanted to examine those relationships and see what could be applied or replicated at other DOE sites.

“What SRNL and our partners bring to the table is the demonstrated ability to facilitate communications between DOE sites, communities and regulators, and bringing in those groups’ perspectives,” said Herman.

-Contributor: Chris O'Neil

Waste Treatment Plant Facility Completes Exhaust Treatment Testing

A crew member inspects part of the Low-Activity Waste Facility’s exhaust treatment system at the Hanford Site’s Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant.

RICHLAND, Wash. – Workers at the Hanford Site’s Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) have completed critical testing of the exhaust treatment system, or offgas system, in the Low-Activity Waste (LAW) Facility.

This testing demonstrated that offgas system air valves will function as designed during an abnormal event, such as an unexpected power loss during plant operations. During events such as a power loss, it is necessary to maintain safety systems, like the offgas system, that protect the LAW Facility from hazardous gases generated by the melter during vitrification, when radioactive and chemical waste are mixed with glass-forming materials.

“The entire team worked through a number of challenges to finish the testing," said Rick Holmes, general manager for Waste Treatment Completion Company, a subcontractor to project lead Bechtel National, Inc. “We had great support from our plant engineering teammates, the plant management completions team and operations staff located in the control room."

During vitrification, the LAW Facility offgas system will filter, clean and scrub melter exhaust to ensure worker, public and environmental safety. Melter exhaust will be treated to remove particulates, mercury, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and acid gases.

During Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste Program operations, waste treated to remove radioactive cesium and solids at the Hanford Tank Farms will be fed directly to the LAW Facility’s melters. The waste and glass-forming materials will be mixed, heated to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit and poured into specially designed stainless-steel containers. The containers will then be transported to the site’s Integrated Disposal Facility.

-Contributor: Tyler Oates

Savannah River Site Uses Oil as 'Bait' to Help Destroy Solvents in Groundwater

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions environmental engineers Bryce Garner, left, and Adam Willey ask questions of lead operator Daniel Ferrell, right, from field services contractor Cascade Environmental, as he describes how equipment injects oil and iron into the aquifer beneath the Savannah River Site.

AIKEN, S.C. – Engineers from EM contractor Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) have successfully reduced degreasing solvents beneath the Savannah River Site (SRS), using a technology that injects a form of iron and oil into groundwater.

“The oil attracts the Cold War cleaning solvents while the iron degrades and neutralizes the contamination,” said Shannan Lucero, SRNS manager for area closure projects.

During the nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union, tons of grease-cleaning solvents were released from production buildings in the site's M Area into clay-bottom holding ponds, known as basins. Although it was the best technology at the time for storing this type of waste, the solvents began to slowly — over decades — leach into the groundwater, forming a plume beneath SRS.

Use of innovative technology to close basins and eliminate the chemical solvents beneath the open fields where the production facilities once stood has led to exceptional cleanup success.

“Though half of the chemicals have already been safely and harmlessly removed, we will continue to effectively operate cleanup equipment impacting the two primary areas where these solvents have pooled within the plume,” said SRNS Environmental Engineer Branden Kramer. “We know the solvents will naturally move from the water into the oil, allowing the iron to finish the job. It’s kind of like feeding your pet a pill wrapped in cheese.”

SRNS purchased tons of commercially manufactured micron-sized iron bits encased in tiny globules of oil. Employees injected that mixture into the ground at the most needed locations. Studies have shown the iron neutralizes about 90% of the affected solvent.

“It’s amazingly effective in its simplicity. We’re really excited about the potential this cleanup technology presents for us and other Department of Energy sites,” said Kramer.

“Environmental cleanup at SRS is often like a series of ongoing, often overlapping battles with different types of waste,” said Lucero. “Some of the waste above ground and some below, some chemical and some radioactive. We’re attacking it with cost-effective, innovative, and frequently low-energy, sustainable green technology. We’re confident this will lead us to achieving our long-term cleanup goals for the site.”

Lucero also expressed her appreciation for the dedication and resourcefulness of the people within the Area Closure Projects organization of SRNS, DOE and SRS regulators.

“This groundwater remediation project in M Area is a great example of the safe and steady progress continually being made across the Savannah River Site,” she said.

-Contributor: DT Townsend

Moab Site Partners With USGS on Revegetation Effort

Moab Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Project Federal Cleanup Director Russell McCallister, right, looks on as Moab Site Revegetation Manager Katrina Lund, an EM contractor pictured third from right, leads a tour for U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) biologist Becky Mann, left, and USGS Southwest Science Center Director Scott VanderKooi, second from right.

MOAB, Utah – Biologists from EM’s Moab Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) Project and the local U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) office are collaborating on an experiment to revegetate a challenging area of the cleanup site.

In the fall of 2020, staff members from both agencies installed 336 revegetation plots in an underperforming area — basically nothing grows. Vegetation challenges in that area include flooding during high water from the adjacent Colorado River, topsoil removal in past remediation activities, poor soil quality, noxious weed growth, lack of precipitation and bottomlands with little to no drainage.

The experimental plots were designed to be scientifically sound and statistically strong, with three different seed mixes planted. Sixteen different treatments were performed, including mulch, some of which came from onsite chipped trees; soil amendments like fertilizers; installation of mesh wire on the topsoil to capture wind-blown seeds and debris; the inoculation of biocrust soil stabilizers; and mowing. Staff also created an irrigation system so that select plots are watered on a specific schedule.

The first round of plot data was collected last summer, creating a data baseline. The next round will be collected this month. Promising results are already being seen, with more vegetation growth in some plots.

The study was intended to last two years, but staff members from both agencies think they may continue with the experiments. The information and knowledge gained through these experiments could help EM achieve the vision of having self-sustaining native plant populations on the remediated areas of the site.

-Contributor: Barbara Michel

Hanford Site Appoints New Patrol Chief

New Hanford Patrol Chief Lorin Cyr.

RICHLAND, Wash. – The EM Richland Operations Office (RL) and contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) have appointed a new chief of Hanford Patrol, carrying on a tradition of experienced leadership for the protective force that safeguards the Hanford Site.

The new chief, Lorin Cyr, has been with Hanford Patrol since 1985 and spent much of his tenure as the deputy chief of operations. Shortly after arriving, he was selected as a K-9 officer, continuing his passion for working with dogs that started with his time as a K-9 handler in the U.S. Army.

Cyr helped write training requirements, and assisted with the certification of explosive-detection K-9 teams in the state of Washington. He has also been a member of Hanford Patrol’s tactical response team, managed the Hanford Patrol Operations Center and was most recently the deputy chief of training and support.

Lorin Cyr, center, newly promoted to chief of Hanford Patrol, has been a member of the force since 1985. He served as a K-9 officer early in his Hanford career.

“Each chief of Hanford Patrol must bring a vast knowledge of the entire Hanford Site, including its buildings, facilities and ongoing mission activities,” said Brian Stickney, RL’s deputy manager and chief operating officer. “I’m confident that Lorin Cyr will continue exercising strong leadership of our highly trained protective force that oversees all materials and assets on the Hanford Site.”

During his 37 years of service, Cyr has seen the Hanford Site transition from defense production to cleanup operations and ultimately waste vitrification, and witnessed many developments along the way.

“Hanford Patrol was the first in the DOE complex to establish a K-9 program, traffic program and an elite force special response team,” Cyr said. “It was also the first to have resources like helicopters and boats. In that same tradition, I look forward to introducing new technology to assist current officers, such as mobile data terminals or computer-aided dispatch.”

Hanford Patrol’s last chief, Casey De Groof, had been at the helm since 2016 and was promoted to the HMIS director of safeguards and security. In addition, former Hanford Patrol Deputy Chief Steven Meyer is the new director of emergency management and preparedness for the Hanford Site. These organizational changes keep knowledgeable staff in critical roles to protect Hanford workers and support the One Hanford mission, a collaborative effort across the site that includes federal and contractor employees. 

“I have the utmost confidence Chief Cyr will continue to provide excellent leadership for the Hanford Patrol team and the protection of the people and assets at Hanford,” said De Groof.

-Contributor: Robin Wojtanik

Oak Ridge Launches News Show to Showcase Cleanup Progress

“Energycast Oak Ridge” premiered on television stations across the eastern part of Tennessee on May 22. In June, episodes will air in 22 counties across the state.

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – The Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM) has launched its first on-air newscast designed to showcase the full scope of OREM’s mission in a new way.

“Energycast Oak Ridge” premiered on television stations across eastern Tennessee on May 22.

New episodes come out on the third Sunday of the month and are posted to OREM’s YouTube channel the following Monday. Watch the first episode here.

“Our hope for this newscast is for people to understand our work and for us to take the steps to make it understandable because a lot of the time it's really complex,” said Ben Williams, OREM public relations specialist.

The newscast includes project updates at the Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and East Tennessee Technology Park. It also highlights employee successes and personal stories, as well as partnerships and major developments happening in the community made possible by OREM’s work.

“Energycast Oak Ridge” allows the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM) to introduce and spotlight employees in a new way. The first episode highlighted Rocky Stafford, a program analyst in OREM’s planning and execution division, who just returned from a one-year deployment in Kuwait.

The show has been a long running goal for OREM’s leadership and communications team, who hoped to expand visual storytelling efforts.

“We really want viewers to be proud of the people that work here,” Williams said. “Whether it's people who live in the community that we're working to protect or whether it's lawmakers determining if we continue to get tax investments, we want them to know we're committed to doing it and doing it the right way.”

This show is OREM’s latest effort to expand outreach aimed at educating employees, stakeholders and area residents about the work happening across the site. In addition to appearing on local television channels, new episodes are also shared directly with the federal and contractor workforce, regulators, local advisory boards, business leaders, and local, state, and federal officials.

The goal of the communications team is to continue increasing viewership as the show continues. Anyone interested in subscribing to monthly emails sharing new episodes can send a request to OakRidgeEM@orem.doe.gov.

“Energycast Oak Ridge” will expand to middle Tennessee audiences, including the Nashville television market, in June. The next episode airs June 19 and will be shown in 22 counties across the state.

-Contributor: Summer Dashe

Paducah Community Leaders Learn About EM Site, Past and Present

Members of Leadership Paducah Class #35 have been introduced to a variety of community topics and industries this year, including the history and cleanup mission at EM’s Paducah Site in Kentucky.

PADUCAH, Ky. – EM is a key participant in a Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce initiative to provide current and future community leaders a deeper understanding of resources that support the regional economy of western Kentucky and southern Illinois.

“Leadership Paducah” is open to qualifying community members who have demonstrated leadership skills and an interest in learning more about the region. The most recent class is the 35th since the program’s inception in 1984.

About 30 members of the latest Leadership Paducah class recently learned about the EM Paducah Site’s history and current missions during one of the class’s monthly educational sessions.

Robert “Buz” Smith with EM’s Portsmouth/Paducah Project Office speaks to members of the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Paducah Class #35. Smith detailed the unique history of the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant.

During a presentation, program analyst Robert “Buz” Smith with EM’s Portsmouth/Paducah Project Office detailed the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant’s unique history, which included honoring former workers who met the nation’s defense and energy needs for many years.

Smith and cleanup contractor representative Steve Christmas with Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership also informed class members about the site’s cleanup mission, including groundwater remediation, utility optimization and deactivation of the massive C-333 uranium-enrichment process building.

This summer, community members will also be invited to learn more about the site’s history and cleanup mission through the relaunch of the site’s community tours. Onsite tours were paused due to COVID-19 in March 2020.

“Our Leadership Paducah class tours different employers and meets with local professionals to get a better understanding of our community,” said chamber president Sandra Wilson. “The class was very appreciative of the opportunity to hear from the Department of Energy about the Paducah Site.”

Animal Magnetism for Idaho Students at Science-Based Zoo Event

Kevin Young, an Idaho Environmental Coalition engineer, helps students build an electromagnet recently at STEAM Day at the Idaho Falls Zoo. The annual event is designed to create interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math among grade school students.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – Inquisitive grade-school students in eastern Idaho curious about science and problem solving found much to like during a recent visit to the zoo.

Idaho Environmental Coalition (IEC), EM's contractor at the DOE Idaho National Laboratory Site, recently participated in the annual STEAM Days event at the Idaho Falls Zoo. The intent of the event is to get students interested in science, technology, engineering, arts and math — STEAM — while visiting exotic animals.

More than 1,200 elementary school students from throughout the region visited as many as a dozen booths at the zoo. At IEC’s booth, students learned how to make an electromagnet. They were given a C-cell battery, insulated wire, and high-carbon steel nails, that when assembled correctly, produced a magnetic field. Students used their electromagnets to pick up paper clips and affect the needle of a small compass.

“Our hope was they would form an intuitive connection between electricity and magnetism,” said IEC engineer Kevin Young, who staffed the booth along with IEC manager Tim O’ Connor. “The result was they were very excited when they saw their electromagnet pick up a paper clip and how they could manipulate a compass.”

Young said a number of students expressed interest in learning more. Others put their sweet tooth first.

“Half of the students said they would be interested in going into science fields,” he said. “And then I heard one kid ask, ‘When do I get a snow cone?’”

Over the last decade and a half, EM and its contractors in Idaho have participated in many STEAM-related events to attract the next generation of cleanup program employees. STEAM Days at the Idaho Falls Zoo, Engineering Day at the Museum of Idaho and Earth Day are just a few examples.

According to the Idaho STEM Action Center (ISAC), 16 of the top 20 careers in the state of Idaho require STEM skills. In Idaho, STEM jobs pay double the median wage.

But there is much work to do. ISAC says that at any time thousands of STEM-related jobs go unfilled in Idaho, resulting in about a half-billion dollars of lost personal income and more than $27 million dollars in lost income tax revenue.

EM and IEC are hoping to reverse those numbers through STEM-related initiatives. Like a magnet, they are working to attract the next generation of scientists or engineers to available Idaho Cleanup Project jobs.

-Contributor: Erik Simpson

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