FR 2021-03506

The document from the Federal Register announces an upcoming virtual meeting of the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB) for the Savannah River Site. Scheduled for March 22, 2021, the meeting is designed to discuss recommendations on environmental restoration and waste management efforts. The public is invited to participate by attending the online session or submitting comments before and after the meeting.

Summary of the Document

The announcement outlines the virtual nature of the meeting, which will occur from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The stated purpose of the Advisory Board is to offer guidance to the Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management and site management in relation to environmental restoration and waste management activities at the Savannah River Site. Attendees are required to pre-register by sending an email ahead of time, and there is a process in place for written comments to be submitted.

Significant Issues or Concerns

There are several notable concerns related to the announcement:

• Public Engagement Limitations: The meeting does not cater to live public commentary, potentially reducing levels of public engagement. Although written comments can be submitted, the absence of immediate verbal interaction may limit dynamic discussions and immediate feedback on issues raised during the meeting.

• Lack of Transparency on Meeting Outcomes: The document does not provide clarity on expected outcomes or objectives aside from discussing site priorities. Without explicit goals or anticipated results, it may be difficult for stakeholders to gauge the meeting's impact or value.

• Complexity in Comment Submission: Multiple deadlines for submitting public comments—both preceding and succeeding the meeting—may lead to confusion among those wishing to participate. Clearer guidelines would enhance participant understanding and engagement.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

Broad Public Impact

The virtual meeting format represents both a challenge and an opportunity for broader public involvement. On the one hand, the accessibility of an online format allows more people the opportunity to observe and understand environmental management processes. On the other hand, the lack of live interaction could reduce the sense of involvement and diminish the ability of attendees to influence proceedings directly.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders directly involved or affected by the site’s management, such as local communities or environmental groups, the meeting is an opportunity to voice concerns and influence decision-making through written commentary. However, the lack of live commentary may pose a barrier for those who prefer or rely upon real-time communication.

In conclusion, while the meeting fosters participation through convenient online methods and handles important environmental governance issues, a greater emphasis on interactivity and clearer communication about outcomes would enhance its effectiveness and public value.