safety performance cleanup closure U.S. Department of Energy • Volume 1, Issue No. 10 • December 4, 2009 EM Taps Peer Reviews to Help Manage Its Big Projects When it comes to managing big construction projects, the Offi ce of Environmental Management is in the fi rst stages of a culture change. EM Assistant Secretary Inés Triay has made it one of her top priorities to bring new budget and schedule discipline to the $15 billion of large-scale waste treatment plants and other specialized facilities that EM is building at its sites around the country. In the past, delays and cost overruns on those projects have led to critical reviews of EM’s performance by the Government Accountability Offi ce and other auditors. To change that, Triay has committed EM to adopting the successful Construction Project Review model for managing large, complex projects fi rst developed by the Department of Energy’s Offi ce of Science in the early 1980s and later adopted by the National Nuclear Security Administration as well. In This Issue It is a team approach built around peer reviews conducted at regular intervals by experts drawn from throughout EM and other parts of DOE. Reviewers have no Construction Project Reviews .....1 continued on page 2 Biomass Groundbreaking ...... 1 Breaking Ground for a New Green Era In Brief ...... 1 People ...... 3 at Savannah River On a cool, sunny fall day, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu joined Senator Lindsey Graham, South Carolina’s senior senator, and other members of the South Carolina – IN BRIEF – and Georgia Congressional delegations to break ground on a new renewable energy fueled facility at the Savannah River Site (SRS). Oak Ridge: Incinerator’s Mission Complete The Toxic Substances Control Act Incinerator located in East Tennes- see Technology Park was perma- nently shut down on December 2 after handling its fi nal load of liquid and solid waste. During 18 years of operation, the incinerator treated more than 35 Letting the wood chips fl y at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Biomass Cogen- million pounds of hazardous and eration Facility at the Savannah River Site, the shovelers were, from left to right: U.S. polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) Representative Gresham Barrett (R-S.C.); U.S. Representative John Barrow (D-Ga.); mixed waste from approximately House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.); Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, U.S. Representative Joe Wilson (R-S.C.); Ameresco President and CEO George Sakellaris; twenty DOE sites. For much of that U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.); South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford and time, the incinerator was the only DOE-Savannah River Manager Jeffrey Allison. facility in the United States permit- ted and authorized to treat PCB The new Biomass Cogeneration Facility will replace a deteriorating, ineffi cient coal mixed waste. powerhouse and oil-fi red boilers and generate savings of approximately $35 million continued on page 6 continued on page 4 December 4, 2009 • U.S. Department of Energy • Office of Environmental Management • 2
Construction Project Raines, who chaired the review committee on WTP, noted that another Reviews change its report called for was ending . . . continued from page 1 the practice of having the contractor and DOE maintain separate reserve connection to the projects they assess accounts for their respective liabilities and can offer independent and objective in the event the contract is terminated. advice as critics and advisors. That change was made after the report Dan Lehman, who oversees was issued, giving managers more fl ex- construction reviews for the Offi ce ibility in allocating funds. “As a result of Science, said they don’t focus on of the review, headquarters focused on process or checking the right boxes. getting that done,” Raines said. Their key feature, he said, is bringing in knowledgeable people “who are able And, after issues identifi ed in the to ask the right questions with the goal Bob Raines, Acting Deputy Assistant review of the Portsmouth DUF6 plant of fi nding out facts, analyzing the facts Secretary for Project Management, were addressed, DOE’s Offi ce of in real time based on their experience, supervises EM’s Construction Project Engineering Construction Management, providing feedback to the project, and Review process. which serves as the Department’s anticipating problems.” budget watchdog, upgraded its rating Waste Treatment Plant, the Salt Waste on the project to indicate it has greater Processing Facility at SRS and the confi dence it will be fi nished on time Uranium-233 Project at Oak Ridge and within budget. have been completed and the report But beyond the specifi c gains that have on the IWTU review, which was already been generated, Raines sees conducted last month, is now being the real value of the reviews in the prepared. opportunities they create for sharing The reports have praised some best practices across the complex and aspects of the projects’ management bringing needed resources to bear on a and criticized others. They have also particular project. “We are letting our included broad recommendations, sites know that there are more resources observations and, in some cases, have available to help the projects deliver,” called for specifi c actions to be taken. he said. “By sharing information across the complex, we will provide the “We have acted quickly on the recom- support they need to complete projects Ken Picha, Headquarters WTP Sponsor mendations the review teams have on time and on budget.” made and we will continue to do so,” EM conducted its fi rst review in April said Bob Raines, who supervises the The reviews create an analytic at the Depleted Uranium Hexafl uoride review process as EM’s Acting Deputy approach that helps managers maintain (DUF6) Conversion Facility at Assistant Secretary for Project Manage- a laser-like focus on keeping their Portsmouth, Ohio, one of the fi ve ment. projects on budget and on schedule in large-scale construction projects it the short and long term. “Our goal is to has underway. It has since reviewed Raines said the reviews have already ensure that every proposal and project the other four: the Waste Treatment led to changes such as appointing an at each of the sites is reviewed in the and Immobilization Plant Project at executive sponsor at headquarters for context of time and cost schedules, the Hanford Site; the Uranium-233 the $12.2 billion Waste Treatment so that at the end of the day we’re Downblending and Disposition Project Plant project to help maintain open successful across the complex,” Raines at the Oak Ridge Site; the Salt Waste communications with the project’s explained. Processing Facility at the Savannah managers and shorten the chain of command. Chip Lagdon, DOE’s Chief of Nuclear River Site; and the Integrated Waste Safety, who chaired EM’s reviews of Treatment Unit (IWTU) at the Idaho Dae Chung, EM’s Principal Deputy the Portsmouth DUF6 plant and the Site. Assistant Secretary, named Ken Picha Salt Waste Processing Facility at SRS, Reports on the reviews of the to the new post of Headquarters WTP said the process can be valuable to Sponsor on September 22. Portsmouth DUF6 plant, the Hanford continued on page 3
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– PEOPLE –
Director for DOE’s Energy Technol- ogy Engineering Center (ETEC) in Canoga Park, Calif. Earlier, he served in various roles at DOE’s Savannah River Site including more than twelve years as a Remedial Project Manager in the Environmen- tal Restoration Division. Prior to joining DOE, he spent eleven years with the U.S, Army Corps of Engi- neers in project planning and study management, engineering design, and Tom Johnson construction divisions. Bill Backous Thomas Johnson was named He earned a Bachelor of Science Bill is a licensed professional engi- Deputy Director for Recovery Act degree in Civil Engineering and a neer who was most recently with the Projects at the Offi ce of Environmen- Master’s degree in Earth and Environ- Northwest Water Business Group in tal Management effective October mental Resources Management from Bellevue/Tacoma, Wash. Prior to that, 25, 2009. In his new position, he is the University of South Carolina. he was with CH2M Hill. Previously, assisting Cynthia Anderson, Director he was with the Washington State Bill Backous has joined DOE’s of the Recovery Act Program, with Department of Ecology for 22 years. Energy Technology Engineering implementation of the Recovery Act Center staff at the Santa Susana Field He also previously worked with the Projects within EM. Laboratory, in Canoga Park, Calif., as City of Seattle Public Works Depart- Using Recovery Act funds, EM has the Federal Project Director. ment, the Environmental Projection awarded nearly $6 billion in con- Agency and for a design and build tracts to create jobs across the coun- Bill succeeds Thomas Johnson in the engineering fi rm building nuclear try through the acceleration of legacy post. [see preceding item] In his new power plants. waste cleanup activities at its sites. job, he will oversee the day-to-day op- erations related to EM’s remediation Backous started his career in the U.S. Prior to being named Deputy Direc- of the former Atomic Energy Com- Navy where he was a nuclear power tor, Thomas served as Federal Project mission’s research activities at ETEC. plant mechanical operator for subma- rine propulsion systems.
Construction Project Both Raines and Lagdon said fi eld managers and contractors have Reviews generally been receptive to the reviews, . . . continued from page 2 seeing them as efforts to help their projects succeed. contractors as well as federal project and site managers, because “it helps W.E. Murphie, manager of DOE’s them get issues resolved, things don’t Portsmouth/Paducah Offi ce, echoed linger.” that view. “The CPR [Construction Project Review] team provided And, he said, it can help prod them valuable assistance in resolving several to take a harder look at whether their issues that will signifi cantly improve people have the right skill sets to our expectations for success,” he said. succeed in their jobs and whether systems and equipment like software Lehman says adapting to this probing and digital controls they are counting Chip Lagdon, DOE’s Chief of Nuclear new approach to managing projects can on will actually work. Safety continued on page 7
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Breaking Ground . . . continued from page 1 a year in energy, operation and main- tenance costs while removing 100,000 tons per year of greenhouse gases from the site’s emissions. “If you think it’s about replacing a coal plant, you are missing the point,” Graham stressed as he introduced Secretary Chu. “We believe the Savannah River Site, South Carolina and Georgia can lead the country in this effort to become energy independent. I want it to be said about South Carolina—when it comes to energy independence in the green economy— that we led the nation.” “By investing in energy effi ciency, we are creating good jobs that can’t be Jeffrey Allison, manager of DOE’s Savannah River Operations Offi ce, welcomes Energy outsourced. This project will employ Secretary Steven Chu and members of the Georgia and South Carolina Congressional 800 workers during construction and delegations to the November 30 groundbreaking ceremony for the Biomass about 25 people during permanent Cogeneration Facility. operations,” Chu said in addressing an audience of more than 220 the new biomass facility over the term construct clean and effi cient federal stakeholders and employees during of the 20-year contract valued at $795 facilities,” he added. the groundbreaking ceremony at SRS. million. “We believe wholeheartedly in “The money from those paychecks will “We face a great national challenge President Obama’s initiative to make go straight back into the local economy on energy. The development of clean, this country energy independent,” and drive even more economic renewable sources of energy will House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn said recovery.” be the growth industry of the 21st during the groundbreaking event. “The Joining Chu and Graham for the century,” Chu said. “The only question transition to a clean-energy economy is ceremonial groundbreaking were: is—which countries will invent, inevitable.” South Carolina Governor Mark manufacture, and export these clean When the facility begins operations Sanford, House Majority Whip technologies and which countries will in December 2011, it will support 25 James Clyburn (D-S.C.); U.S. become dependent on foreign products? permanent positions in plant operations Representative Gresham Barrett “The Obama Administration believes and maintenance and another 100 in the (R-S.C.); U.S. Representative John the United States can and must be the local forestry and logging industries. Barrow (D-Ga.); U.S. Representative world leader on clean energy. Through The project will be fueled primarily Joe Wilson (R-S.C.); DOE-Savannah the investments in the American with the residues that are currently River Manager Jeffrey Allison; DOE Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we left in the forest to rot when timber is Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary are working to jump-start an American harvested. for Environmental Management Dae clean energy economy. We’re Chung; and Ameresco President and promoting domestic manufacturing and “Getting to this groundbreaking point CEO George Sakellaris. rebuilding America’s infrastructure. is the result of productive teamwork,” said DOE Savannah River Manager Under the Department’s largest And we are working very hard to make Jeffrey Allison. “DOE, Ameresco, and ever Energy Savings Performance the federal government a leader by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions [the Contract (ESPC), DOE contracted example. management and operating contractor with Ameresco Federal Solutions, Inc. “Today’s groundbreaking demonstrates for SRS] have done a tremendous job (Ameresco) in May to fi nance, design, DOE’s commitment to design and construct, operate, maintain and fuel continued on page 5
safety performance cleanup closure December 4, 2009 • U.S. Department of Energy • Office of Environmental Management • 5
Biomass Plant . . . continued from page 4 of laying the groundwork for what will be a major energy conservation benefi t to our children and our children’s children.” The existing D Area cogeneration plant at the site produces both steam and electricity. The steam is delivered through a large distribution pipeline that runs several miles from the plant to the end-user facilities. The plant also produces approximately 15 megawatts of electricity that is consumed by DOE facilities on site. The 1950s era plant is fi red by coal and would require signifi cant modifi cations to bring it into compliance with current environmental Dae Chung, right, EM’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, with U.S. Rep. John requirements and make it a reliable Barrow (D-Ga.) following the ceremony. source of energy. “There is more at stake here than just rooting for your success. This facility Ameresco will construct a steam one project. You have the chance can make an important contribution to cogeneration facility with two steam to prove to the world that energy our national energy future, and I know boilers and will be reimbursed from effi ciency savings are real and can be that’s just what we’ll do,” the Secretary actual cost savings generated during the realized in a profi table way. We will concluded. 15-year debt service payback period. all be watching your progress—and The savings will come from operating a more effi cient plant fi red with biomass instead of coal and outfi tted with new equipment better matched to SRS’s load requirements. Under the ESPC, DOE will not provide any upfront money to fund the energy effi ciency and renewable energy project. Instead, Ameresco will be reimbursed for its investment in the plant from the guaranteed energy and operational cost savings it generates over the term of the contract. After the contract ends, all future cost savings will accrue to DOE. “This is exactly the type of innovative fi nancing tools we need to unlock energy effi ciency savings,” Chu said. “And we have to get this right. As the largest Energy Savings Performance Contract in the Department’s history, Exploring WIPP: Carlsbad Field Offi ce Manager Dave Moody, left, talks with Deputy Energy Secretary Dan Poneman as EM Assistant Secretary Triay looks on we will be monitoring this project very during a November 19 tour of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, DOE’s underground closely to be sure it delivers. repository for the permanent disposal of transuranic waste located outside Carlsbad, N.M.
safety performance cleanup closure December 4, 2009 • U.S. Department of Energy • Office of Environmental Management • 6
– IN BRIEF: NEWS FROM AROUND THE COMPLEX –
ford Site’s Plutonium Finishing Plant reactor fuel containing plutonium clearing the way for further demoli- from the plant to the Savannah River tion work. Site in South Carolina. Those ship- From 1949-1989, the plant produced ments were completed by May 2009. plutonium oxides and metals used in The material removed last month was the nation’s nuclear weapons program. slightly irradiated reactor fuel that was transferred to a secure storage Subsequent cleanup efforts have facility on the Hanford Site. removed several tons of plutonium- bearing material as well as nuclear continued on page 7
The Toxic Substances Control Act Incinerator at Oak Ridge has entered retirement. . . . continued from page 1 The incinerator was shut down be- cause alternate commercial facilities are now available to treat PCB mixed waste. In the future, PCB mixed waste from the DOE’s EM Program will go to commercial treatment facilities in Tennessee and Utah. Workers remove a section of a wall in the former Analytical Laboratory at Hanford’s Plutonium Finishing Plant. The work is part of the ongoing decommis- Closure of the facility under provi- sioning of the complex. sions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act is now underway. This will place the incinerator in a surveillance and maintenance mode until decontamination and decommis- sioning can be performed. Closure is to be completed by the end of 2010 and decontamination & decommis- sioning of the facility is anticipated to begin in 2014 and continue through 2016.
Hanford: Plutonium Finishing Plant Cleared of Special Nuclear Material Workers completed the removal last month of special nuclear materials An aerial view of the Plutonium Finishing Plant at Hanford where the removal of containing plutonium from the Han- special nuclear materials was completed last month.
safety performance cleanup closure December 4, 2009 • U.S. Department of Energy • Office of Environmental Management • 7
Construction Project Reviews . . . continued from page 3
take some time. “We are talking about a change in culture,” he said. “Science was no different than EM. When I got here, scientists underestimated and over promised. It took a while to get people thinking we have to deliver on what we say we are going to deliver on—scope, cost, schedule.”
Hanford Site managers provide an overview of cleanup progress to the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee. (Facing the camera are Mike Weis, left, Dave Brockman, center, and Shirley Olinger, right.) EM Update . . . continued from page 6 The managers discussed the Han- Published twice monthly by the ford Site 2015 vision and cleanup Offi ce of Environmental Management With the special nuclear material out priorities, progress at the tank farms U.S. Department of Energy of the plant, DOE and its contractors and Waste Treatment Plant and cur- 1000 Independence Avenue, SW have changed its security require- rent laboratory projects and initia- Washington, DC 20585 ments. The new security posture tives. Each manager discussed how Contributors: James Giusti, makes it easier for deactivation and their programs have communicated Cameron Hardy, Walter Perry, Dirk decontamination workers to enter and consulted with the Nez Perce Roberson, Bill Taylor and Geoff Tyree the plant and remove cleanup debris. Tribe at Hanford. The managers Using funding provided by the will next visit the Yakama Nation, Web site: www.em.doe.gov American Recovery and Reinvest- Confederated Tribes of the Uma- ment Act, contractor CH2M HILL tilla Reservation and the Wanapum Email: EMUpdateNewsletter@ Plateau Remediation Company is Band. hq.doe.gov dismantling hundreds of pieces of production equipment and is prepar- “We appreciate the continued ing to demolish all of the more than dialogue you have with us [the U.S.U.S. DDEPARTMENTEPARTMENT OFOF 40 remaining buildings in the plant NPTEC],” Brooklyn Baptiste, Vice- ENERGYENERGY complex by 2013. Chairman of the NPTEC said, “and we hope to continue our role and the Hanford: Managers Meet discussions we have had with Inés with Nez Perce Leaders (Triay) and Secretary Chu.” After the offi cial meeting, the Nez Hanford Site Managers Dave Brock- Perce Tribe’s Manager of Hanford man and Shirley Olinger and Pacifi c programs, Gabriel Bohnee, hosted Northwest Site Offi ce Manager the Hanford managers on a tour of Mike Weis held their fi rst “State the Nez Perce Reservation including of the Site” briefi ng with the Nez a visit to the Wolf Education and Perce Tribal Executive Committee Research Center which provides a (NPTEC) on November 24 at the habitat for a gray wolf pack. The Nez Perce Reservation in Lapwai, Nez Perce Tribe has been awarded Idaho. The meeting was part of the wolf management jurisdiction managers ongoing consultations for Idaho to lead the state’s wolf with Hanford affected tribes. recovery efforts.
safety performance cleanup closure