January 1998 Meeting Minutes

SRS Citizens Advisory Board
January 27, 1998 8:30 a.m.
Holiday Inn Oceanfront
Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Members Present

Members absent were Ken Goad, Thelonious Jones, Deborah Simone and Lane Parker. Currently, there are five Board vacancies. The Department of Energy (DOE) Designated Federal Official present was Tom Heenan. J. Walter Joseph of Aiken, S.C. served as the CAB Facilitator.

The meeting was open to the public and posted in the Federal Register in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).

Key Decisions Made by the Board

All officers were re-elected to their current positions with two exceptions. Karen Patterson was elected Education Subcommittee Chair and P.K. Smith was elected Risk Management & Future Use Subcommittee Chair.

The Board adopted a recommendation supporting the preferred alternative in the Rocky Flats Draft EIS for selecting SRS to stabilize scrub alloy; plutonium fluoride residues; and sand, slag and crucible residues in F Canyon.

Approval of Minutes

The November meeting minutes were approved with no changes.

Agency Update

Ann Ragan of SCDHEC announced that there is ongoing dialogue with Bill Reinig of Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness. The board had received a letter where Mr. Reinig expressed his dissatisfaction with the SCDHEC fish advisory. A meeting is planned between Mr. Reinig and the SCDHEC technical advisory counsel. Jim Brownlow of SCDHEC stated his group was collecting and sampling fish and would like to discuss their analysis with the ER&WM Subcommittee.

Camilla Warren of EPA announced that a fish fact sheet had been prepared and provided to the SRS CAB Outreach Subcommittee. She welcomed any feedback on the fact sheet. She also requested that EPA be advised of ongoing activities involving the Accelerating Cleanup Plan and introduced Laurie Hunt, an intern from Emory University studying health education.

Tom Heenan presented a "What's Happening" information sheet (see attached) that provides an update on operational activities and stressed progress within the programs. He also gave a brief recap of Secretary Pena's visit to SRS in December noting SRS rated high in all areas considered in decision-making by the Secretary ----safety, workforce competency, track record, infrastructure and ability to absorb new work, cost and cost effectiveness, community support and political support. He also stated he heard wonderful feedback on the remarks made by Ann Loadholt during breakfast with Secretary and appreciated the supportive comments.

There was also discussion regarding the Shutdown of the Riverwater System Record of Decision and a recent article in the Augusta Chronicle. Bill Lawless stated that apparently DOE had decided not to follow the preferred alternative in the Record of Decision, changing course in light of pressure from EPA and SCDHEC according to the Augusta Chronicle. Camilla Warren of EPA stated there were discrepancies in the article and in fact EPA was not involved in the decision. Mr. Lawless had drafted a letter to DOE regarding the issue (see attached) and requested comments prior to formalizing it.

Public Comments

Trish McCracken, Augusta, Ga.

Ms. McCracken stated she would like her comments to CRESP and her newsletter officially entered into the record. She also asked for contract numbers of any Board members holding contracts with SRS subcontractors. (Only one member did and they were provided.) She also requested the scope of work on all board contracts and asked for access to SRS photographs.

Administrative Subcommittee Report

Subcommittee Chair Beaurine Wilkins conducted officer elections. All officers were re-elected to their current positions with two exceptions. Karen Patterson was elected Education Subcommittee Chair and P.K. Smith was elected Risk Management & Future Use Subcommittee Chair.

The proposal to amend the bylaws will be presented in March 1998, due to a lack of two-thirds of the full Board in attendance.

Nuclear Materials Management Subcommittee Report

Subcommittee Chair Tom Costikyan introduced Don Bridges of DOE to give a presentation regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Management of Certain Plutonium Residues and Scrub Allow Stored at Rocky Flats (see attached slides). Mr. Bridges discussed the SRS Stabilization Program which began in late 1994 and includes processing of various plutonium and uranium solutions and solids. The entire program is scheduled for completion in 2003. He noted the progress in the stabilization program and discussed significant accomplishments. Next he discussed the Rocky Flats Site and the past Rocky Flats-Savannah River production relationship. DOE plans to close Rocky Flats as a result of the end of nuclear weapons production. Mr. Bridges said the amount of material involved in the Draft EIS and noted the total quantity is a very small fraction of the plutonium inventory at SRS. He also noted that processing the proposed materials will have essentially no impact on the SRS Stabilization Program. Mr. Bridges discussed the alternatives within the Draft EIS and discussed final disposition of nuclear materials stabilized at SRS.

Discussion revolved around final disposition, DOE-HQ's commitment to the stabilizing nuclear materials, worker safety and handling of materials, and equity issues. Tom Costikyan then presented the subcommittee's motion supporting the preferred alternative in the Draft EIS for selecting SRS to stabilize scrub alloy; plutonium fluoride residues; and sand, slag and crucible residues in F Canyon. Bill Lawless moved the Board accept the recommendation and Brendolyn Jenkins seconded. The motion was approved with 16 members in favor and one abstention.

Repository Update

Steve Gomberg of the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management provided a program briefing on a national repository for final disposition of materials requiring permanent isolation (see attached slides). Yucca Mountain in Nevada is the proposed location for spent nuclear fuel and high level waste disposal. Mr. Gomberg discussed the progress at Yucca Mountain and explained how two sections are being developed, one each for civilian and defense waste. Currently, Yucca Mountain could accept 63,000 metric tons of civilian waste compared to 7,000 metric tons of defense waste, he said. Mr. Gomberg discussed why Yucca Mountain is unique and was selected as a final repository. He also discussed the Nuclear Waste Fund Act and funding for the project.

Mr. Gomberg discussed waste package assemblies and how these waste would be placed in Yucca Mountain in drifts, explaining various emplacement scenarios. He discussed the complexity of the program, the extensive oversight and a viability assessment required by 2001 and the schedule for Yucca Mountain. Discussion revolved around pending legislation to increase the metric tons of waste accepted at Yucca Mountain and public acceptance to the project. The SRS CAB suggested the OCRWM form a citizens board at Yucca Mountain.

Materials Disposition and Nonproliferation Program

Ken Baker of DOE-HQ provided a presentation regarding nonproliferation and national security of nuclear materials. Mr. Baker discussed the dissolution of the Soviet Empire and the end of the Cold War and the means of control necessary to ensure safety of legacy materials. Large stockpile of weapons-usable material at numerous facilities and sites became a risk, he said. Inadequate accounting practices, protection and poor economic conditions have exaggerated the situation. Mr. Baker emphasized the minimal amount of highly-enriched uranium and plutonium required to make a bomb. He discussed the United States response to this threat following it's designation as a National Emergency by President Clinton in 1993. The Department of Energy asked the Counter Intelligence Agency to identify the number of sites at risk and determined $800 million was needed over a six-year period to address threat of theft or illicit diversion of weapons-usable material if it were to be acquired by a rogue nation.

Mr. Baker discussed the Materials Protection Control and Accounting Program (MCP&A), which includes upgrading security of materials at risk; preventing "brain-drain" and diversion of personnel resources; initiatives for proliferation prevention; and reduction of weapons, materials, sites and development. He discussed DOE's nonproliferation role and the priorities of the Arms Control and Nonproliferation program, which are to:

• Reduce danger to U.S. National Security
  
• Prevent the spread of nuclear weapons of mass destruction, materials, technology and expertise
  
• Detect proliferation of weapons-grade material worldwide
  
• Reverse proliferation of nuclear weapons capability
  
• Respond to emergencies
  

Tom Costikyan stated that DOE had frequently used nonproliferation as the reason for not conducting chemical processing of spent fuel because it sets a bad example. He asked for an explanation of how chemical processing related to the nonproliferation policy. Mr. Baker said he would get back to Mr. Costikyan but stated the United States wants to lead by example. Mr. Costikyan stated that leading is fine if one is being followed, however other countries continue to reprocess.

Public Comment

Bob Newman, Fripp Island, S.C. resident

Mr. Newman discussed the importance of safety and the need for compliance with all DOE orders. He stated that clear and adequate guidance should be provided and provide a balance between productivity, cost and safety. He displayed a document with numerous red tabs, stating that each red tab represented ways to gain an exemption or acceptance to an order. He stated this is not protective of workers and the environment. He encouraged the Board to seek independent advice and not rely on information from DOE representatives.

Souteastern Technology Center

Gary Hohmann gave an overview of the Southeastern Technology Center, a non-profit corporation focused on technology transfer and economic development in the CSRA. (See attached presentation.) Mr. Hohmann discussed technology transfer from the government and universities to the private business sector. He discussed current program areas including solid waste management, environmental remediation, alternative fuel, telemedicine and small business incubators. Mr. Hohmann concluded by stating that the Southeastern Technology Center is a regional asset with extensive capabilities and explained that he had been invited to share this information by the ER&WM Subcommittee.

Environmental Remediation & Waste Management Subcommittee Report

Subcommittee Co-Chair Bill Lawless introduced Howard Gnann of DOE who provided an update on the High-Level Waste Program (see attached. Mr. Gnann discussed the high-level waste mission and accomplishments to date. He also discussed recent problems with in-tank precipitation and the need to suspend operations at this facility pending further investigation. He explained that more benzene was being derived from operations than anticipated and that a team of experts is being assembled to modify the process. Mr. Gnann estimated that suspension in ITP operations could cause a six month set back however there would be no prescription changes for waste heading to Yucca Mountain since certain outages were already planned for safety analysis and maintenance. SRS has about seven years to solve the problem before suspension of ITP operations will increase the number of cans poured.

Bill Lawless next gave a brief overview of upcoming subcommittee activities, stating that comments were being provided on the independent scientific peer review of the Integrator Operable Unit Study; a history project is underway at SRS and will be reviewed by the subcommittee in February; EPA approval of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Record of Decision is expected in April 1998 and WIPP is scheduled to open in May 1998 for receipt of non-hazardous waste. Transuranic waste shipments are scheduled to begin in November 1998, he said. Mr. Lawless also briefly reviewed the progress with the SRL Seepage Basins (see attached).

Brian Hennessey of DOE gave a presentation on deed restrictions, a risk management tool (see attached). Mr. Hennessey explained baseline risk providing descriptions and EPA's method for standardizing the estimation of risk from contaminants in the environment. He discussed baseline risk as it relates to cleanup decisions under the Federal Facility Agreement and how to manage moderate risks by limiting exposure. Currently, three Records of Decision have included DOE commitment to future deed restriction in the event of transfer of property where risks from contaminants preclude residential use. The subcommittee presented a draft motion regarding deed restrictions but tabled it pending further research.

Risk Management & Future Use Subcommittee

Subcommittee Vice Chair P.K. Smith announced upcoming activities including the formation of a risk working group and an upcoming one-day workshop to review project baseline sheets used to help determine budgetary needs for the various SRS programs.

Chuck Borup, DOE and Chris Noah, WSRC provided an update on future use planning activities (see attached). Mr. Borup discussed the SRS planning hierarchy. The SRS Strategic Plan gives a broad perspective vision of the future and includes long term goals and objectives. A Comprehensive Plan guides long-range site development based on strategic goals and objectives and provides an in-depth view of SRS. This plan integrates various plan components and covers a 50-year time frame. Mr. Noah discussed past planning activities and CAB involvement in upcoming activities. The draft Comprehensive Plan is expected in October 1998. Mr. Noah discussed the Future Use Plan, a component of the Comprehensive Plan, stating this plan establishes baseline conditions and concentrates on SRS's future view. It established land use zones and analyzes compatible future uses as well. A schedule of activities was provided.

Administrative Subcommittee Report

Subcommittee Chair Beaurine Wilkins presented 1998 membership candidates to the full board and agencies. The following candidates were present and introduced themselves to the Board:

Administrative Items

Tom Heenan invited Board members to a videoconference on the budget roll-out on Monday, February 3 in Aiken, S.C.

Ann Loadholt announced that Karen Patterson, Bill Lawless, Brendolyn Jenkins, Lane Parker and Beaurine Wilkins were selected to attend a forum regarding low-level waste to be hosted by the Nevada Test Site CAB in April.

By a unanimous show of hands the Board voted to sponsor an American Nuclear Society Topical Meeting in September.

Handouts

• SRS CAB Meeting Agenda, January 27, 1998
• "What's Happening" slide, Tom Heenan, DOE-SR
• Proposal to Amend Bylaws, draft, dated Sept. 23, 1997
• Energy Daily Article, dated Sept. 10, 1997, Lane Parker, CAB
• News Editorial "Down the Toilet", Lane Parker, CAB
• Issues of Concern to CRESP, Tricia McCracken, Augusta, Ga., dated Jan. 6, 1998
• Georgia-Carolina Courier, dated January 1998, Tricia McCracken, Augusta, Ga.
• SRS Support for Rocky Flats Presentation to the CAB, Don Bridges, DOE-SR
• SRS CAB Nuclear Materials Management Subcommittee Recommendation on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Management of Certain Plutonium Residues and Scrub Allow Stored at Rocky Flats
• Program Briefing, Steve Gomberg, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management
• Southeastern Technology Center Overview slides, Gary Hohmann, STC
• High Level Waste Status Review to the CAB, Howard Gnann, DOE-SR
• SRS Environmental Restoration Division SRL Seepage Basins, Bill Lawless, CAB
• Deed Restriction: A Risk Management Tool, slides, Brian Hennessey, DOE-SR
• Draft SRS CAB Environmental Remediaiton & Waste Management Subcommittee Join Motion on the Industrial Areas Within SRS
• SRS Environmental Restoration Division 1997 Annual Report
• Update on SRS Planning Activities to the SRS CAB, Chuck Borup, DOE-SR
• Letter to Ann Loadholt from American Nuclear Society, dated October 22, 1997
• SRS Citizens Advisory Board December/January Highlights
• NEPA Monthly Operating Report, December 1997
• Recommendations Summary, dated Jan. 22, 1998
• SRS Public Involvement Calendar, February/March