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Jeffrey M. Allison

Manager

U.S. Department of Energy

Savannah River Operations Office

Mr. Allison was appointed Manager of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Savannah River Operations Office (SR), Aiken, South Carolina, in March 2003.  He is a career member of the Senior Executive Service with more than 24 years of experience in engineering, safety, health, process development, and management of the Department’s nuclear operations, including chemical processing facilities, and laboratories.   Mr. Allison holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University.

EJ Conference, Inc. What is the Savannah River Site (SRS)?

Mr. Allison: The SRS is a DOE Environmental Management (EM) program owned, 310-square mile site with about 11,000 employees and a $2 billion budget. SR’s current mission is to solve critical cleanup challenges with smart solutions; secure nuclear materials for safe consolidation, reuse or disposal; and transform the site for our nation's future.

Today, SRS leads the DOE Complex in cleanup of the nuclear waste legacy, which is yielding important results for the site and the nation, such as:

• turning radioactive liquid waste to a solid, safe form;
• emptying and closing waste tanks with key support from regulators and the community;
• closing-in on completing the safe disposal of solid waste;
• protecting the groundwater with early actions using unique technologies; and
• completing cleanup of large contaminated areas with smart approaches

Additionally, SRS is proud to serve as the gateway for nationwide nuclear materials consolidation and ultimate disposition.  Our one-of-a-kind facilities and capabilities allow consolidation of nuclear materials from SRS and other sites to be put in a safe form for re-use or final disposition.  This consolidation is significant because it allows the de-inventorying of other facilities; avoids cost of duplicate facilities; and improves security.

SRS is also home to an entity of DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).  Building on the solid progress of the present, SR and NNSA are focused on the future and continuing vital missions for national security and energy independence by:

• converting surplus plutonium to produce electricity;
• partnering with agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation to strengthen homeland security;
• recycling tritium to replenish our Nation's nuclear weapons inventory;
• developing state-of-the-art hydrogen technology for vehicles; and
• promoting biofuels production

Unique facilities and capabilities set SRS apart as a national asset with a long-term future supporting missions of vital importance to the nation. 

Another key aspect contributing to the Site's rich history and bright future is positive working relations with community and stakeholder groups, the Citizens Advisory Board, members of Congress, and state and Federal regulators.  Environmental Justice (EJ) is one such important component of DOE's public involvement and stakeholder relations.

EJ Conference, Inc.   Who does SRS partner with to improve community relations, public participation, and Environmental Justice?

Mr. Allison: DOE Headquarters and the Environmental Protection Agency have jointly funded a SRS EJ grant with the Savannah State University (SSU) in Savannah, Georgia, since 1995.  SSU has partnered with Citizens for Environmental Justice, the Medical University of South Carolina and the National Small Town Alliance, to successfully accomplish the following results:

• established a modern Environmental Analytical Laboratory with the latest equipment available for students’ hands-on laboratory research;
• provided numerous students graduate mentoring/research internships to nurture students towards successful completion of their degrees and to guide them to pursue graduate education in the science and technology disciplines;
• conducted Teaching Radiation Energy, and Technology workshops for science and math teacher’s to train them in waste management and environmental radiation;
• coordinated Community Leadership and Black Youth Leadership Development  Institutes, technology workshops,  made-for-television dialogues, and community alliance meetings; and
• coordinated the development of community technology centers

EJ Conference, Inc.    How important is Environmental Justice (EJ) to SRS’s mission?

Mr. Allison: The importance of EJ to SRS's mission is significant regarding implementing its public participation outreach goals and promoting, among others things, collaborative partnerships among stakeholders.  SRS is committed to continue providing opportunities for public involvement such as encouraging participation in the SRS Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) meetings.  Charted in 1994, the CAB has made over 250 recommendations to DOE regarding environmental remediation, and waste management related issues.

EJ Conference, Inc.      How has Environmental Justice (EJ) changed over the last 10 years at SRS?

Mr. Allison: Due to the culture during the Cold War era (1950s – 1980s), and the nature of our mission, SRS was under a shroud of secrecy for national defense reasons.  However, in the mid 80s and after the Cold War ended, we began an active public outreach program to communicate the mission, vision, and goals.  Given the many years of silence, SRS initially struggled to gain credibility and stakeholders’ trust. Continuing to broaden the EJ Program by collaborating with the Medical University of South Carolina and the National Small Town Alliance, has allowed us to communicate with more people.

 EJ Conference, Inc,     What is the greatest challenge to Environmental Justice (EJ) at SRS and through out the country?

Mr. Allison: The greatest challenge to EJ at SRS, and through out the country, is communicating the advantages of community involvement. The average person is thinking about survival, worrying about safe schools and education while the quality of the environment and community are secondary.  Communicating these advantages to the public is crucial to heightening their involvement in this area.  Our charge as an Agency is to collaborate with our local communities to seek solutions that will benefit the environment and the welfare of all.

EJ Conference, Inc.     What is your role in the Conference?

Mr. Allison: I will serve on a government panel to present SRS's accomplishments, current missions, and activities to demonstrate our noteworthy achievements.  

EJ Conference, Inc.  When you leave this Conference ?

It is my goal for participants to leave this Conference with the knowledge that the state of Savannah River Site, including the Environmental Justice Program, is good.  We are solving today's challenges, delivering real progress and results, and clearing the way for a bright future – one that includes a strong EJ program.