Page 3 - SRNS Today January 2022

JANUARY 2022 | SRNS TODAY | 3

4,000th environmental

compliance cleanup

milestone achieved

Over the years, multiple permits were obtained to successfully complete several phases involving the cleanup of D Area at SRS. SRNS personnel managed the demolition of structures
and steamlines (above) that crisscrossed this major remediation project.
S ite employees recently achieved their 4,000th environmental “Working together with the best interests of all involved is the primary

objective of this process,” said McFalls. “The mutual respect displayed,
cleanup milestone since 1993, when state and federal
regulators enacted the Federal Facility Agreement
(FFA). SRNS has been responsible for the Site’s environmental positive reinforcement given for innovative ideas and the sharing
of expectations are but a few reasons this concept has been so
cleanup program since August 2008, when it became the Site’s successful and rewarding. It’s a comprehensive and proven approach
management and operations contractor. to environmental cleanup established here at the Savannah River Site.”
“Hitting this milestone validates the extraordinary level of Examples of milestones achieved using this process include:
performance achieved and level of dedication found within our 1. Grouted and permanently closed two nuclear reactor buildings.
workforce regarding cleanup projects, programs and compliance
across the Savannah River Site (SRS),” said Rick Sprague, SRNS 2. Prevented nearly 7,000 curies of tritium from entering the
Senior Vice President, Environment, Safety, Health and Quality. Savannah River and saved $208 million by drawing up irrigated
“Our goal is not simply to meet expectations, but to excel within all water containing legacy tritium through 62-acres of pine trees,
aspects of our responsibilities related to environmental monitoring, which harmlessly released the isotope into the atmosphere through
testing and remediation. That’s an extremely important priority for photosynthesis.
our company.” 3. Constructed a large underground, water-permeable wall made
SRNS FFA Liaison Shelia McFalls noted that each of the 4,000 of 1.5 million pounds of iron filings from reclaimed automobile
milestones was completed on or ahead of schedule, maintaining a engines. The wall neutralizes Cold War-era chemical solvents found
standard of excellence throughout the decades. “Not once did we in the aquifer beneath SRS and acts like a giant water filter to
miss a deadline. Often, we came in ahead of schedule, sometimes remove and break down degreasing solvents.
months ahead,” she said. “I think we all have reason to take pride in 4. Completed cleanup of more than 90 acres of coal ash-
that. I’m proud of my co-workers’ exceptional work ethic.” contaminated land a year earlier than scheduled and saved $8
This multi-decade achievement involved a wide range of cleanup million. This mammoth cleanup task consolidated more than
initiatives, permits, testing and projects. McFalls emphasized that 400,000 cubic yards of coal ash under protective geosynthetic
it was accomplished by partnering with regulators, using a Core material and thick earthen caps.
Team Process. The Core Team consisted of decision-makers from SRS also maintained compliance with more than 500 regulatory
DOE, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the South Carolina permits, having no major issues or concerns identified by regulators.
Department of Health and Environmental Control. It was supported “I’m looking forward to see what happens next. We have several
by the Project Team including SRNS’ and regulatory agencies’ major projects on the horizon and high expectations regarding our
technical subject matter experts.
future milestones,” said Sprague.