The Phase 1 Study process will evaluate the Potential Areas of Study (PAS) to facilitate the agencies reaching consensus on a Phase 2 decommissioning decision. DOE and NYSERDA will assign Subject Matter Experts (SME) for each PAS. A SME may be assigned to multiple PAS. DOE and NYSERDA will provide relevant background information on the PAS, including input received from stakeholders, to SME. The SME will evaluate their respective PAS and recommend to DOE and NYSERDA Phase 1 Studies.
If differences of opinion prevent the SME from making a recommendation, the SME may consult with the Independent Scientific Panel (ISP) in an attempt to resolve differences.
Please review Phase 1 Study Guidance Document under Document tab (Guidance for Identifying and Conducting Potential Phase 1 Studies) for more details.
Potential Areas of Study (PAS):
- Erosion
- Groundwater flow and contaminant transport
- Catastrophic release of contamination and impact on Lake Erie
- Slope stability and slope failure
- Seismic hazard
- Probabilistic vs. deterministic dose and risk analysis
- Alternate approaches to, costs of, and risks associated with complete waste and tank exhumation
- Viability, cost, and benefit of partial exhumation of waste and removal of contamination
- Exhumation uncertainties and benefit of pilot exhumation activities
- In-place closure containment technologies
- Engineered barrier performance
- Additional characterization needs
- Cost discounting and cost benefit analyses over long time periods
Subject Matter Expert Responsibilities:
- Form a collaborative working group
- Evaluate potential area of study to determine whether further study will facilitate interagency consensus
- Recommend a study or suite of studies to facilitate consensus
- Assist in scoping of studies
- Oversee study implementation
- Review study results and present findings and recommendations
- Consider stakeholder input and provide updates and responses to stakeholder comments and questions
Independent Scientific Panel Responsibilities:
- Provide independent scientific guidance to DOE and NYSERDA and to the SME working groups during the identification and scoping of Phase 1 Studies
- Review study plans and activities, as needed
- Provide guidance to DOE, NYSERDA, and SME working groups to keep the Phase 1 Studies process moving, as needed
- Assist in resolving differences of opinion among SMEs and between the DOE and NYSERDA, as needed
- Consider stakeholder input
- Provide opinions, updates, and responses to stakeholder questions and comments
The following individuals will serve as the ISP in the West Valley Phase 1 Studies.
- Dr. John Garrick
- Dr. James Clarke
- Dr. Chris Whipple
- Dr. Kristin Shrader-Frechette
Dr. B. John Garrick: Ph.D. and M.S. in Engineering and Applied Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, a M.S. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a B.S. in Physics from Brigham Young University; he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering and is a past President of the Society for Risk Analysis; he is an executive consultant on the application of the risk sciences to complex technological systems in the space, defense, chemical, marine, transportation, and nuclear fields.
Dr. James Clarke: Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vanderbilt University; he is an expert in risk analysis, investigation & remediation of contaminated sites, long term management of legacy nuclear & hazardous waste sites, contaminant transport, and environmental forensics.
Dr. Chris Whipple: Principal with ENVIRON International Corporation in Emeryville, CA. He holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Engineering Science; he is a Member of the National Academy of Engineering and is a past President of the Society for Risk Analysis. He chaired and served on the National Academy of Sciences Board On Radioactive Waste Management.
Dr. Kristin Shrader-Frechette: O’Neil Family Professor, Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame; she directs the Center for Environmental Justice and Children's Health; she has served on many National Academy of Science boards/panels and on the US EPA Science Advisory Board, and has done post-docs in economics and hydrogeology.