Recently, the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Office of Infrastructure recognized two Savannah River Site (SRS) teams with an Excellence Award.
SRS teams were comprised of members from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) and the NNSA’s Savannah River Field Office (SRFO).
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The Excellence Award program recognizes teams who go above and beyond in building coalitions, achieving mission success, leading change by anticipating challenges and creating new, scalable solutions, and delivering timely and meaningful results.
SRNS SDP team recognized by the NNSA
The SRNS Surplus Plutonium Disposition (SPD) team received an Excellence Award. They proposed a plan to advance material procurements with extensive lead times to help speed up the SPD project.
“Beginning the procurement process for extensive lead time materials will ensure adherence to the SPD project schedule and will help alleviate potential issues of acquiring like materials in the future with other NNSA projects,” said Michael Basham, SRNS project director.
The members of the team include: Michael Basham, Daniel Atkins, Tim Spieker, Mike Dansevicus, Sam Formby, James Barber, Key Meyers, Gwenn Corriero, Kevin (Jay) Buchanan, John Catledge, and Yadira Bonilla-Cuevas.
The SPD program uses the dilute, dispose, and downblend strategy to disposition surplus plutonium.
Repairs team recognized by NNSA
The Glovebox and Module Stripper Blower Repairs team also received an Excellence Award. They repair glovebox and module stripper blowers in a safe and efficient manner. The blowers are used in the Tritium Extraction Facility’s (TEF) operation and need to be repaired to continue safe operation.
Since both rebuilds required Open Glovebox Maintenance, the team used radiological controls, such as suits and ventilation monitoring systems. They coordinate the initial preparations, work execution, and post maintenance testing.
The module stripper blowers were scheduled for completion in a two-month span, but were completed in one week. The glovebox stripper blowers were scheduled for a 10-week span, but were completed in four weeks. Additional work had to be completed on the glovebox stripper blowers because of damaged wiring.
“Our TEF Open Glovebox Maintenance team is being recognized for the development and safe execution of a plan for efficient repairs of mission essential equipment,” said J.C. Epting, SRNS senior vice president, NNSA Tritium operations and programs. “This team did a tremendous job navigating and overcoming various training and equipment challenges to complete repairs well ahead of schedule, ensuring our ability to meet our mission requirements and preventing future delays.”
The members of the team included: William Rourk, Bryan Randall, Tanner Thompson, Aaron Bodiford, Steve Wilson, Orry Grubbs, Tony O’Neal, and Joshua Gaskins.
“These awards highlight the exemplary teamwork and commitment to excellence NNSA and SRNS employees exhibit daily,” said Michael Mikolanis, NNSA SRFO manager. “Congratulations to these teams, and thank you for the work you do to help make our country safer.”
