Different disposal plan may be needed Nov 10, 2009
Savannah River Site's Community Reuse Organization, in a paper unveiled Monday, calls for more dialogue and interest in a topic its vice chairman, David Jameson, believes will have lingering implications for the Aiken-Augusta community ... The concept of reprocessing could even be tested at Savannah River Site ... If it is built, radioactive material stored at 121 temporary sites in 39 states -- including Savannah River Site -- would have a permanent resting place. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Mobile fair on SRS jobs will visit Augusta today Nov 10, 2009
A mobile job fair, sharing information on how to get a Recovery Act job at Savannah River Site, will be in Augusta today. The Road To Recovery Tour will stop at the Augusta Career Center, 601 Greene St. from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Information will be provided on how people can obtain a job at SRS.. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Giving freedom a miss Nov 10, 2009
Despite a National Day of Remembrance for nuclear workers of the Cold War era - celebrated Oct. 30 at Savannah River Site - the country as a whole has not adequately thanked and honored those who won the Cold War. Perhaps on a future anniversary. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Renaissance woman Nov 9, 2009
She moved to Augusta to accept a job at Savannah River Site, where she worked for 10 year in the publishing and design departments, and also in the AutoCAD department, where she drew nuclear reactor pumps. She also wrote government proposals, which later proved beneficial when she needed to write contracts in her own business, she said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Let's welcome Medal of Honor recipient Jack Jacobs Nov 8, 2009
Although this dinner has been sold out for more than a month, you may still have an opportunity to meet Col. Jacobs since he graciously accepted invitations to speak at a number of other locations throughout the CSRA. He will be speaking to ten separate audiences including large audiences at Fort Gordon, the Savannah River Site and the Augusta Exchange Club. HOWEVER, THE EVENT that is open to the general public will be at Harlem Middle School. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Mary Norwood maintains Augusta roots Nov 8, 2009
They shared that interest with their oldest of six children, taking her to romp along the Savannah River and teaching her to appreciate architecture even as she rode her bike around her Forest Hills neighborhood or to her grandparents' homes in Sand Hills. "Just think about those streets, just amazing wonderful communities," Mrs. Norwood said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Corps may raise Lake Thurmond during work Nov 7, 2009
That practice has come under more scrutiny in recent years as residents and lake-area businesses have suffered in years when drought has lowered the lakes on the Savannah River. Mr. Birdwell said the 326 level will be maintained through sometime in February, after which the corps can move additional water from Lake Hartwell to raise Thurmond as high as 328. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Lessons From Oil Industry May Help Address Groundwater Crisis Nov 4, 2009
3, 2009) Although declining streamflows and half-full reservoirs have gotten most of the attention in water conflicts around the United States, some of the worst battles of the next century may be over groundwater, experts say -- a critical resource often taken for granted until it begins to run out. Aquifers are being depleted much faster than they are being replenished in many places, wells are drying up, massive lawsuits are already erupting and the problems have barely begun. (Science Daily)
OMI isn't on water plant vendor short list Nov 4, 2009
Before OMI, the city was routinely fined by EPD. In 1999, the city paid $160,000 for a series of environmental violations and spills, including a line collapse that backed 1 million gallons of raw sewage into the Savannah River. Before that, the city had been issued at least 10 consent and administrative orders for deficiencies dating to 1982 and had paid fines totaling $203,690. (The Augusta Chronicle)
NRC inspectors find minor violations at MOX Nov 4, 2009
8 million MOX facility, scheduled to open at Savannah River Site in 2016, is designed to dispose of 34 metric tons of surplus weapons-grade plutonium by using small amounts to make fuel for commercial reactors. The inspections evaluated construction of principal structures and included quality assurance activities related to design verification and documentation control; problem identification, resolution and corrective actions; structural steel and support activities; structural concrete... (The Augusta Chronicle)
Funds for nuclear reprocessing sit idle as energy needs grow Nov 3, 2009
All it would take is using money in the Nuclear Waste Fund to convert one of the unused facilities at the Savannah River Site into a national center for reprocessing. We need all sources of energy, especially nuclear power, to help our economy recover and grow. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
My Opinion: Thomas Oliver » Nov 2, 2009
When the newly named executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority looks out on the Savannah River as two tugboats dock a ship from Asia, he imagines a line from Chicago to Dallas. The Senate Finance Committee must be participating in a prison rehabilitation program. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Quality connections Nov 2, 2009
Currently, Muns Welding has about 15 employees, but it had 10 more in the summer while completing a project for a contractor at Savannah River Site ... I made a good living at it," Mr. Muns said. Welder by choice Mr. Muns was born in Augusta in 1962, raised by Ruth and Richard Muns in the National Hills area. His parents were in education, but he did not follow that course. While in high school, he worked for an automotive electric company. "I never minded hands-on work, getting dirty," he said.... (The Augusta Chronicle)
Utilities' revenue is tempting Nov 1, 2009
But under current agreements, that money is untouchable, and the reasons why go back to the water and sewer debacles of the 1990s -- water main blowouts, turbine failure, countywide watering bans during a drought, brown water and a sewage spill into the Savannah River -- brought on by the old preconsolidation city government's quiet use of water revenues to balance the budget instead of improving the system ... On the sewer side, in 1999 the city had to pay $160,000 in state Environmental... (The Augusta Chronicle)
SRS honors current, former nuclear workers Oct 31, 2009
AIKEN --- Don Orth remembers beginning his career as a nuclear chemist in south Aiken County before the Savannah River Site existed ... On Nov. 28, 1950, President Harry S. Truman announced that the Savannah River Site would be built. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Stimulus grants boost Colo. employment Oct 31, 2009
The new biggest award is another remediation contract, this one awarded to Savannah River Nuclear Solutions LLC, worth slightly more than $1. 4 billion. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Work will lower Thurmond Lake Oct 31, 2009
During the past year, efforts to keep the lake fuller have included cutbacks in the volume of water released from the dam into the Savannah River. The reservoir fell to a near record low of 313. (The Augusta Chronicle)
White House: 650,000 Jobs In New Stimulus Report Oct 31, 2009
Among the largest nongovernment creators or saviors of jobs were construction company Shelco Inc. of Raleigh, N.C., with 836 jobs; and nuclear-waste cleanup firm Savannah River Nuclear Solutions LLC of Aiken, S.C., with 800 jobs. Teletech Government Solutions of Englewood, Colo. (Click2Houston, TX)
Groups sue to limit Plant Vogtle work Oct 30, 2009
The appeal was filed by Emory University School of Law's Turner Environmental Law Clinic and Diane Curran on behalf of five groups: Center for a Sustainable Coast, Savannah Riverkeeper, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Georgia Women's Action for New Directions and Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League ... Work remains under way at the Vogtle site on the Savannah River in Burke County. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Rants and raves Oct 29, 2009
EVERYTHING. A meeting and convention complex connected to the hotels on the Savannah River and activities at the Bell Auditorium and the Civic Center creates a critical mass of activities and economic possibilities. Send us your rants and raves. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Explore Savannahs squares, parks and homes Oct 29, 2009
Explore Savannahs squares, parks and homes - US and Canada- msnbc. Explore Savannahs squares, parks and homes. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Savannah Wasn't Planned to Be Pleasant Oct 28, 2009
A project now under development called Savannah River Landing will include hotels, offices, estate homes, condos, shopping, boat slips, a garden plaza and retail shopping, all along the waterfront. But developers say they'll respect Oglethorpe's original plans by leaving pedestrian-friendly spaces and blending in with the historic cityscape. (Fox News)
DuPont team will review safety at SRS Oct 28, 2009
A division of the mammoth DuPont company that once operated Savannah River Site is being brought to South Carolina to review the plant's safety programs in the wake of several recent accidents. "DuPont Safety Resources has been used at other Department of Energy sites in the past and has provided valuable and meaningful input," said Tony Umek, vice president of environment, safety, health and quality for the site's current contractor, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Faithful gators Oct 26, 2009
Female alligators aren't nearly as promiscuous as some members of the animal kingdom and typically mate with the same males for many years, according to the results of a 10-year research project at Savannah River Ecology Lab ... The studies, which are also being duplicated with gators at Savannah River Site's Par pond, required a lot of time and effort, she said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Researchers help distinguish group Oct 25, 2009
Mr. Ashley said pottery from the area has been dated to as far back as 2500 B.C.; it's the oldest pottery found in the United States, except perhaps for slightly older material from the Savannah River area. Within the past 10 years, archaeologists have been able to figure out what kind of pottery was being made, in addition to where and when it was made. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Your scariest stories Oct 25, 2009
The front-page headline was about a crash that caused a car to go into the Savannah River. No one but a woman named Naomi Smith survived, and she had not a scratch on her. (The Augusta Chronicle)
It's a delicate task to sort the garbage at a nuclear era dump Oct 25, 2009
6 billion is being spent cleaning up a Savannah River site, in South Carolina ... 6 billion is being spent cleaning up a Savannah River site, in South Carolina. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Man arrested after deputy is run over Oct 24, 2009
Savannah Riverkeeper Inc. is seeking volunteers for its annual Rivers Alive Community Waterway Cleanup, scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon today. Waterways selected for litter removal include Betty's Branch, Butler Creek, Euchee Creek, Horse Creek, Jones Creek, Lake Olmstead, the Augusta Canal, Rae's Creek, Reed Creek, Rocky Creek, the Savannah River, Spirit Creek and others on request. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Alligators Surprisingly Loyal, Return to Old Flames Oct 23, 2009
Like females of other reptile species, alligators still couple with multiple males, according to study leader Stacey Lance of the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory in Georgia. (Related ). (National Geographic)
Anglers should stand up for recreational fishing Oct 23, 2009
So you decided to go fishing on Thurmond Lake this morning, heading to a favorite spot up the lake, but upon arrival you note some "No Fishing" signs posted around the area on buoys. That scenario might not ever take place on our lake, but legislation permitting off-limits zones in fresh and salt water is being drawn up as you read this. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Thomas Oliver: Georgia ports expand state's reach Oct 23, 2009
When the newly named executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority looks out on the Savannah River as two tugboats dock a ship from Asia, he imagines a line from Chicago to Dallas ... And when the Panama Canal is expanded in 2014 to allow for ships twice the size of the biggest ones docking in Savannah today, Foltz expects the Savannah River to be 6 feet deeper and his port plenty capable of sending and receiving cargo by rail to and from hubs in Memphis, New Orleans, even Columbus, Ohio ...... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Thanksgiving Day travel options Oct 23, 2009
Savannah Riverboat Cruises A sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner is served to guests aboard a Savannah Riverboat Cruise ... Take a two-hour cruise on the Savannah River and enjoy the view as you dine on roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, praline topped sweet potatoes and more. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
Report: Toxic releases high in Richmond County Oct 23, 2009
"The Savannah River is ranked fourth in the nation for total toxic discharges in 2007, reporting over 6.6 million pounds," said Emily Thomas, an issues advocate for Environment Georgia. The group held a news conference Wednesday on the banks of the Savannah River ... Industrial facilities also discharged approximately 36,802 pounds of chemicals linked to cancer into the Savannah River, making it the seventh-most polluted river in the country for cancer-causing releases. (The Augusta Chronicle)
TEE Center panel rehashes details Oct 23, 2009
Studies found potential customers overwhelmingly prefer that location, plus it's connected to hotel rooms, is near the Savannah River and would have room to expand, Mr. White said. Mr. Johnson didn't buy it, and questioned Mr. White's slide presentation showing a list of "cons" for other sites, but only "pros" for the Reynolds Street site. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Non-native snakes getting grip on Southeast Oct 23, 2009
The outcome of such an ecological invasion could include unforeseen impacts on native reptiles and threaten birds and other species, according to a study released last week by the U.S. Geological Survey, whose earlier conclusions on the Burmese python are being tested at Savannah River Ecology Laboratory in Aiken County. "This new report has some differences from the earlier paper, which was just on Burmese pythons," said post-doctoral research scientist J.D. Willson, who is studying Burmese... (The Augusta Chronicle)
Biologists aim to make woodpeckers lovebirds Oct 22, 2009
Fort Gordon's red cockaded woodpecker program began in 1996, when a male bird from Savannah River Site moved to the base. "We have 16 active clusters now and 12 potential breeding groups," Mr. Camp said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Drought facts show water policy priority Oct 20, 2009
Atlanta, however, is looking for a new water source beyond Lake Lanier and the idea has been to pump water from the Savannah River and transport it by pipeline. Sen. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Alligators surprisingly monogamous Oct 17, 2009
"Given how incredibly open and dense the alligator population is at RWR (Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge) we didn't expect to find fidelity," said Stacey Lance, a researcher at Savannah River Ecology Laboratory who led the study. "To actually find that 70 percent of our re-trapped females showed mate fidelity was really incredible. I don't think any of us expected that the same pair of alligators that bred together in 1997 would still be breeding together in 2005 and may still be producing nests... (MSNBC -- Environment)
Kroc Center just $2.6 million away from goal Oct 17, 2009
6 million away from goal 101709 - The Augusta Chronicle. After just nine months, the Salvation Army's Kroc Center has raised $17. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Agencies spent billions of stimulus money on noncompetitive contracts Oct 16, 2009
3 billion to Savannah River Nuclear Solutions LLC and $1 billion to CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation. National Cancer Institute contractor SAIC-Frederick received a $303 million award under the stimulus that was either noncompetitive or non-fixed-price as well, according to the list. (FCW.com)
In nuclear cleanups, not even rabbit droppings can be ignored Oct 16, 2009
Radiation is also a concern at the Savannah River nuclear site in South Carolina, where neighbors can enter a lottery every year to be allowed to hunt deer ... In the 1980s, researchers found turtles contaminated with radioactive materials on a hog farm near the Savannah River plant ... Radiation is also a concern at the Savannah River nuclear site in South Carolina, where neighbors can enter a lottery every year to be allowed to hunt deer. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Docks keep feet high, dry Oct 16, 2009
Perhaps you've noticed that at Lake Springs and Keg Creek ramps on Thurmond Lake, you can park your boat without getting your feet wet, thanks to new or extended courtesy docks. "I just told our contractors that we wanted to fix it so that the docks can be used as long as the ramps can be," said Aaron P. Wahus, park operations manager at the lake. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Flyin' Cowboy owners plan to expand menu Oct 16, 2009
A Small Business Forum designed to offer small companies more opportunities at Savannah River Site will be held at the Augusta Marriott Hotel from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 2. The event is an effort to ensure small businesses have the opportunity to secure contracts related to supporting American Reinvestment and Recovery Act projects at the U.S. Energy Department facility. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Airport manager at Daniel Field will retire Oct 16, 2009
His father, Willis M. "Buster" Boshears Sr., and uncle, Forrest Boshears, were instrumental in the growth of aviation in the Central Savannah River Area. Mr. Boshears' last day will be Jan. 1. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Injuries at SRS bring reminder on safety Oct 16, 2009
A series of unrelated injuries at Savannah River Site prompted an unusual memo Thursday reminding all site workers to place more emphasis on safety. "Fellow coworkers, I am concerned about the recent injuries that have occurred at the Savannah River Site," wrote manager Jeff Allison, in an e-mail to all employees. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Love in the Swamp: Alligators Pair for Life Oct 15, 2009
"I don't think any of us expected that the same pair of alligators that bred together in 1997 would still be breeding together in 2005, and may still be producing nests together to this day," Stacey Lance of the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory said in releasing the study. The researchers found that one male was responsible for all the offspring produced by one female in 2000, 2002, and 2004. (ABC News)
Allison stays on as SRS site manager, for now Oct 15, 2009
Embattled Savannah River Site manager Jeff Allison might be staying on as the U.S. Energy Department's senior official -- at least for now. After weeks of wrangling over what was characterized as a forced transfer to another position in Washington, the department's assistant secretary for environmental management, Dr. Ines Triay, has released details of a broad personnel reorganization that leaves Mr. Allison's job intact. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Savannah River Basin plan is all wrong Oct 15, 2009
In the past the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has fought residents around Thurmond Lake who want to reduce releases to keep from destroying economics and recreation around the lake. Corps arguments ranged from how releases less than 3,600 cubic feet per second would cause havoc, to downstream interests, to the expected serious harm to endangered species below the dam. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Man dies from rattlesnake bite Oct 15, 2009
John Willson, a snake researcher at the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Lab, said the snake was likely a timber rattler. Such bites rarely are deadly, he said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Lake Lanier ruling has little impact on Augusta Oct 14, 2009
A federal judge's ruling that could halt metro Atlanta's access to Lake Lanier's drinking water will have little impact on the Augusta region, which depends heavily on the Savannah River. "We are operating under the premise that is has no effect and will have no effect," said Ron Cross, the chairman of the Savannah-Upper Ogeechee Council, a state committee studying future water needs in the 19-county east Georgia area. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Man bitten, killed by rattlesnake Oct 13, 2009
Timber rattlesnakes are the most common in the wooded area, said John Willson, a snake researcher at the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Lab. But timber rattlesnake bites rarely are deadly, he said. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Utah firm will install heating, air at MOX plant Oct 13, 2009
An Ogden, Utah, sheet metal contractor will receive a $44 million contract to install specialized nuclear-grade heating, ventilation and air conditioning at the mixed oxide fuel facility under construction at Savannah River Site. The company, Superior Air Handling, is a subsidiary of Harris Cos. (The Augusta Chronicle)
SRS needs permanent jobs as well Oct 12, 2009
I have just written our four CSRA U.S. senators expressing my dismay at their approval of a directive that the Department of Energy expand the missions (and jobs) at the Nevada Test Site, without so much as a whisper that Savannah River Site needs permanent jobs, too. Despite the short-term stimulus jobs, SRS is a dying operation with the environmental management cleanup mission terminal; the plutonium disposition program relatively short-term; and tritium too small to support the site. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Dam tamed flood threat Oct 11, 2009
Dam finally tamed Savannah River flood threat 101109 - The Augusta Chronicle ... Before dams and levees tamed the Savannah River's intermittent rage, floods were a way of life in Augusta for almost 200 years ... When the mammoth reservoir and dam were completed a decade later, floods from the Savannah River became a thing of the past for most Augustans. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Smith's victory was no 'fluke' Oct 11, 2009
Mike Reese, of the Savannah River Bassmasters, caught the first day's big fish of 4 ... Smith, a self-employed stonemason, said he was an original member of the River Rats some 19 years ago when that club fished the Savannah River. (The Augusta Chronicle)
BREAKING: Residents respond to Obama's award Oct 10, 2009
If we look at the first DOE nuclear weapons budget proposed by his administration, including for tritium operations at the Savannah River Site, we see little movement towards the nuclear disarmament for which he won the prize. -- Tom Clements, 58, Southeastern Nuclear Campaign Coordinator, Friends of the Earth, Columbia, SC. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Area anglers enjoying big-time success Oct 9, 2009
The trout can be caught around the Savannah River jetties as well We have jetty maps available. Just give us a call. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Loyal Alligators Display Mating Habits Of Birds Oct 8, 2009
The ten-year-study by scientists from the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory reveals that up to 70% of females chose to remain with their partner, often for many years. See also. (Science Daily)
Birth control pills messing up human evolution Oct 8, 2009
The ten-year-study by scientists from the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory reveal. . (Harper's Magazine)
Contract is awarded for MOX construction Oct 8, 2009
86 billion mixed oxide fuel facility at Savannah River Site, which will convert surplus weapons-grade plutonium into fuel for nuclear power plants. Alberici received a $44 million contract from Shaw AREVA MOX Services LLC, which is under contract to design and construct the plant. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Consumers await energy bill decline Oct 7, 2009
Every dollar of savings on energy bills will help low-income energy assistance programs, said Lola Johnson, the operations and community services director for the Central Savannah River Area Economic Opportunity Authority. "We're really excited, because this means that we're going to be able to assist a good portion of the families in need," Mrs. Johnson said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Subdivision of the week: Windmill Plantation Oct 4, 2009
Nearby attractions: Thurmond Lake, Mistletoe State Park, Fort Gordon recreation area, Wildwood Park, Savannah River, Patriots Park. Neighborhood activities: Several seasonal events, including a fall festival. (The Augusta Chronicle)
SRS staff dispute could take months Oct 3, 2009
A personnel shake-up at Savannah River Site involving veteran site manager Jeff Allison and others could take months to resolve, according to the U.S. Energy Department's assistant secretary for environmental management ... "Jeff Allison will be assisting Headquarters with the implementation of the reorganization while he continues to perform his duties as the Savannah River Site Manager." ... Also Friday, a department spokesman in Washington clarified that Dr. Adams is not the acting site... (The Augusta Chronicle)
Man suspected in rape found hiding in closet Oct 3, 2009
Richmond County sheriff's investigators arrested a former restaurant manager accused of raping a woman last month and then planning to throw her into the Savannah River. Willie Lee Cuyler, 41, was found Thursday hiding in the closet at an apartment in the 2400 block of Amsterdam Drive, according to sheriff's Sgt. Blaise Dresser. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Top SRS executive says reassignment is not final Oct 3, 2009
A messy shake-up affecting Savannah River Site's top management is expanding with allegations of threats and retaliation, claims of mismanaged stimulus programs and an ongoing inquiry by the Energy Department's Office of Inspector General ... The pending departure of the site's top executive -- DOE Savannah River Site Manager Jeffrey Allison -- was announced earlier this week by Dr. Ines Triay, DOE's assistant secretary for environmental management ... "I just wanted to inform you that, despite... (The Augusta Chronicle)
