Introduction

[Helen P. Villasor <helen.villasor@srs.gov>]

I am Helen Villasor, a senior public involvement specialist, who supports the Waste Management Committee of a Site-Specific Advisory Board (SSAB) at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken, South Carolina. The SSAB is comprised of 25 individuals from South Carolina and Georgia. Chosen by an independent panel of citizens from approximately 250 applicants, the board members reflect the cultural diversity of the population affected by SRS.  

The members, who serve two- or three-year terms, represent all walks of life, including the business world, academia, local government, environmental and special interest groups, and the general public. Two of the members specifically represent economically disadvantaged persons.

In addition to providing independent recommendations to the Department of Energy, the SSAB also provides meaningful and timely input to the Environmental Protection Agency Region IV, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control on environmental remediation, waste management and related issues.

In the next ten days, I hope to participate in gaining useful public participation dialogue that I can take back to the SSAB which will enable the members to work more effectively with regulators on regulatory issues and concerns.