MISSION
The EM SSAB was created to involve stakeholders more directly in DOE EM cleanup decisions. When stakeholders share their opinions by becoming involved in clean-up discussions, federal decision-makers and cleanup activities are improved. Public input helps agencies to make decisions that are cost-effective, community-specific and environmentally sound, which lead to faster, safer cleanups.
In accordance with its charter, the EM SSAB exists to provide the Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management, the appropriate Site Manager(s), and any other DOE officials the Assistant Secretary designates, with information, advice, and recommendations concerning issues affecting the EM Program at various sites. Specifically, at the request of the Assistant Secretary or the Site Managers, the Board may provide advice and recommendations concerning the following EM site-specific issues: clean-up standards and environmental restoration; waste management and disposition; stabilization and disposition of non-stockpile nuclear materials; excess facilities; future land use and long term stewardship; risk assessment and management; and clean-up science and technology activities.
The EM SSAB’s activities are governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), which was enacted to ensure that the general public has access to advisory board deliberations and recommendations. While only one FACA-chartered EM SSAB exists, 8 local boards have been organized under its umbrella charter. They include the Hanford Advisory Board, Idaho National Laboratory Citizens Advisory Board, Northern New Mexico Citizens’ Advisory Board, Nevada SSAB, Oak Ridge SSAB, Savannah River Site Citizens Advisory Board, and Portsmouth SSAB and Paducah Citizens Advisory Board.
Local site Board membership, which reflects a full diversity of views, cultures, and demographics from affected communities and regions, is composed primarily of people who are directly affected by site cleanup activities. Members include stakeholders from local governments, Tribal Nations, environmental and civic groups, labor organizations, universities, industry, and other interested citizens.
LOCAL SITE BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES
- Submitting advice and recommendations to EM on site-specific issues.
- Representing and communicating the diversity of community views in their discussions.
- Keeping the public informed on key issues, upcoming decisions, and board recommendations.
DOE'S OBLIGATIONS TO THE LOCAL SITE BOARDS
- Keeping the Board informed about key issues and upcoming decisions.
- Requesting advice well in advance of DOE deadlines.
- Considering and responding in a timely manner to all Board recommendations.
- Providing adequate funding for administrative and technical support.