Environmental Characterization of the Savannah River Site

SAIC’s work included a systematic characterization of the full 15,800 acres of the Lower Three Runs Stream’s canal, ponds, and stream. Field activities included gamma surveys using lanthanum bromide instrumentation at 41 transects and collecting more than 750 samples of sediment, soil, and surface water from 104 transects. SAIC teams had to penetrate to the deepest and most remote parts of the swamp to complete the project. Conducting this work in a remote, uncontrolled, natural environment with dangerous wildlife presented risks to the project team. In addition, because the investigation area was a wetland environment, SAIC project team members had to perform their work on foot – carrying all of the necessary 30 to 40 pounds of equipment per person on their backs.

SAIC field teams conducted all of the field activities, from planning to logistics, radiology and worker safety, sampling, surveys, and data management. SAIC teams consisted of three to four individuals each working day from February through May 2010. SAIC radiological control technicians worked double days, conducting the necessary radiological screening and controls for a soil contamination area, as well as assisting in both sampling and carrying equipment to and from the field site. SAIC worked in close coordination and under the direction of the Savannah River Site prime contractor, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC. The success of this project was a direct result of the combined team. Through their efforts, the field event was completed ahead of schedule without injury.