AIKEN, S.C. - Energy Secretary Rick Perry conducted an all-hands meeting with Savannah River Site (SRS) employees at the conclusion of his first visit to the site last week.
During his SRS visit on Feb. 1 and 2, Secretary Perry toured EM cleanup projects, the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), and other operations. He also broke ground for construction of the Saltstone Disposal Unit 7. Read about those events in this issue of the EM Update newsletter.
“It is a privilege for me to be here today and to share what we have going on together," Secretary Perry told approximately 150 employees at a gathering simulcast to workers at other site facilities. “The DOE’s mission here is incredibly important, and I come today to salute you."
Secretary Perry noted the important roles SRS and other EM sites played in World War II and the Cold War.
“I am honored to be your partner and part of one of the most extraordinary teams in America," he said.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.) and Reps. Joe Wilson (S.C.) and Rick Allen (Ga.) joined Secretary Perry for portions of his visit, including the all-hands meeting.
Secretary Perry toured the K Area Plutonium Blend-Down, H Canyon Separations Facility, Saltstone Facility, and Defense Waste Processing Facility.
Reflecting on the innovations that he saw during his SRNL tour, Secretary Perry noted that the potential for growth for the EM national laboratory is substantial.
Secretary Perry also shared that he met with representatives from the site's surrounding communities.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
