The Department of Energy, (DOE) has released a statement about the contribution of former workers in regards to the National Day of Remembrance on October 30th, 2010.
Cold War Patriots would like to thank the Department of Energy and the Department of Health and Human Services for supporting those who did their part to keep America free.
No, not to fight wars on foreign soil. The U.S. Department of Energy is recruiting volunteers to help advise the agency on radioactive waste site cleanup at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
The Northern New Mexico Citizens’ Advisory Board serves an important function in advising and making recommendations to DOE regarding waste management, stabilization of waste dump sites, nuclear materials and future land use among other critical issues. LANL legacy waste sites must be cleaned up by 2015 under an agreement with the state Environment Department.
Robert Gallegos, who works with the city of Santa Fe’s Water Division and is vice-chairman of NNMCAB, said he thinks the board has performed an important role in LANL waste site cleanups. “The biggest thing we can do is ask the questions and then bring LANL experts to forums so they can answer questions from the public,” said Gallegos, who has served three years on the board. “I’ve seen the board do that over and over again.”
“We’ve looked at the whole cleanup issue, as far as the joint investigation the New Mexico Environment Department and LANL are doing. We’re provided with a lot of data as far as the groundwater monitoring wells.”
DOE strives to make sure the board has people with diverse viewpoints, according to Menice B. Santistevan, executive director of NNMCAB. The NNMCAB is primarily made up of people who are directly affected by cleanup activities. Members are appointed for two-year terms. Board members are not paid, but receive a federal per diem for travel and meals, according to DOE.
Gallegos estimates it takes 10 to 20 hours a month to serve on the board. He thinks the time is worth it. “There’s big impacts to the surface water from the waste sites. The cleanup issues have long reaching impacts and will be expensive,” Gallegos said.
Gallegos said there is a lot of technical information to learn and digest, but anyone with an interest in waste cleanup shouldn’t be intimidated. The average citizen can understand questions such as whether to cap a waste site or remove the waste. “This is a good way for people to get involved and really understand the issues. I encourage people who have even half an interest, if they want to learn a lot and make a difference to try for this board.”
For more information or to apply for the NNMCAB, call Santistevan at 505-995-0393.
Contact Staci Matlock at 986-3055 or smatlock@sfnewmexican.com.
The Office of Health, Safety and Security (HSS) in the Department of Energy (DOE) supports and recognizes the important contribution of workers during the Cold War Era. Aptly put, the office is “Honoring the Past and Looking to the Future.” See the National Day of Remembrance graphic and proclamation below.
Friends and colleagues:
On May 22, the United States Senate unanimously approved S. RES. 151,
designating October 30, 2009, as a National Day of Remembrance for
nuclear weapons program workers and uranium miners, millers and
haulers. This act of Congress affords us all the opportunity to
recognize and honor the men and women who tirelessly served our country
by building and maintaining our nuclear forces during World War II
through the Cold War and continuing today.
Our workers helped bring victory in World War II and supported
the deterrent that brought us safely through the Cold War. Their
dedicated service continues to protect the United States and our allies
today.
In honor of our workforce, the Department of Energy
headquarters will commemorate this day with various activities,
focusing upon the theme “Honoring the Past and Looking to the Future.”
The Secretary and I also encourage each of the DOE sites and
laboratories within the DOE complex that support our country’s nuclear
weapons program to this mark special day with their own events.
As you make plans to host events and activities, DOE
headquarters would like to acknowledge your event and provide
assistance as necessary. Please contact Regina Cano (Regina.Cano@hq.doe.gov) or Pat Worthington (Pat.Worthington@hq.doe.gov) to share your plans and help answer your questions.
We thank all of you in advance for your efforts to celebrate this important day.
Sincerely,
Daniel Poneman
Deputy Secretary
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