Key takeaways from Day One of the National Cleanup Workshop 2022

Thursday, September 22 marked the first full day of the National Cleanup Workshop 2022 in Arlington, Virginia. Local government officials, Department of Energy (DOE) leadership, and industry leaders gathered today to discuss a new era of cleanup success.

Sessions today included remarks from Representatives Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.) and Susie Lee (D-Nev.), Ike White, Senior Advisor for DOE Environmental Management (EM) and Sam Brinton, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition for DOE Nuclear Energy (NE); perspectives on the next phase of cleanup and the future of the EM workforce; and lessons learned for improving project performance.

Local communities are key partners. In his remarks, White highlighted the integral roles that the local communities play in the success of the EM mission. He also thanked the communities for their many years of partnership with the Department in working to clean up sites nationwide.

Brinton also touched on the key role of communities in the consent-based siting process for spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste, noting that "consent-based siting centers on meeting the needs of communities. It is not only the right thing to do, but also the best chance of success."

Local communities also emerged as pivotal players in developing the future of the EM workforce. Early education within site communities and drawing from local talent were both emphasized during the day's proceedings.

Cleanup has bipartisan support. Reps. Fleischmann and Lee both noted that the cleanup mission touts support from both sides of the aisle in Congress. 

"Environmental cleanup is the linchpin for success," Rep. Fleischmann said in regard to moving forward with a "cleanup to re-claim" model at sites. 

Rep. Lee commented on the bipartisan support for moving closer to consent-based solutions both in her home state of Nevada and for sites across the country.

Both members of Congress encouraged constituencies nationwide to talk with their representatives "early and often."

Safety is a priority. The culture of safety was a key theme across multiple panels. Site managers and contractors from Portsmouth, Oak Ridge, and Idaho all highlighted the emphasis placed on safety at their sites.

"Everything we do is for the safety of the workers, the community, and the environment," Greg Wilkett, Site Project Director for FBP said.

Industry leaders also touched on the continued role safety will play in improving project performance, drawing from lessons learned over the past several decades of cleanup.