AIKEN, S.C. (December 5, 2024) — The impressive service to the nuclear industry by a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) contractor at the Savannah River Site (SRS) has been recognized by a nuclear advocacy group.
Kent Rosenberger, right, deputy director of Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality at Savannah River Mission Completion, was honored with the Nuclear Service Award by Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA). Jim Marra, CNTA nuclear technology adviser, presented the award to Rosenberger.
Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA) — a local non-profit educating the public on the truth of nuclear technology and energy — awarded Kent Rosenberger with the 2024 Nuclear Service Award. It was presented at the 33rd Annual Teller Lecture hosted by CNTA earlier this fall.
The award recognizes accomplishments in applying nuclear technology, advancing education in nuclear technology, increasing public awareness of the benefits of nuclear technology, and promoting and defending the safe and effective use of nuclear technology.
Rosenberger serves as the deputy director of Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality at Savannah River Mission Completion, which is the EM contractor responsible for treating and safely disposing of millions of gallons of radioactive waste remaining in underground tanks at SRS.
He has a 34-year track record marked with distinguished accomplishments that have advanced the nuclear industry, not only at SRS but across the nation.
In a letter of recommendation, Douglas Tonkay, former director of EM’s Office of Waste Disposal, said Rosenberger’s advice and knowledge are invaluable to the cleanup program.
“Kent is highly respected by his peers as a vital leader for remediating radioactive tank waste at the Savannah River Site, as a subject matter expert assisting cleanup at other sites, and as a contributor to the Office of Environmental Management for support in developing policies and technical requirements for safe and efficient management of radioactive waste,” Tonkay said. “In addition, his attention to detail on challenging issues and his insightful comments and recommendations have positioned EM for optimal success in achieving its mission at SRS and the entire complex.”
Some of Rosenberger’s most notable accomplishments benefiting the nuclear industry include:
Being instrumental in developing the regulatory framework and performance assessments supporting successful operational closure of SRS radioactive waste Tanks 5, 6, 12, 16, 18, and 19;
Developing the necessary waste determination and supporting performance assessment leading to DOE and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approvals for disposal of salt solution as low-level waste in the SRS Saltstone Facility; and,
Creating the SRS Radiological Technology Center, which was tasked with monitoring new technologies, equipment, and technical information; disseminating and implementing the information at SRS; conducting facility tours; and supporting vendor demonstrations.
Allison Hamilton Molnar, CNTA executive director, said it was a clear choice for CNTA to honor Rosenberger for this year’s Nuclear Service Award.
“Kent’s leadership in the innovative solutions to some of our nation’s most significant radioactive waste management challenges is quite impressive,” Hamilton Molnar said. “CNTA is pleased to be able to honor his nuclear service with this recognition.
SRMC comprises parent company BWX Technologies, Inc. with partners Amentum and Fluor. Its team brings the capabilities necessary to accelerate cleanup at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site through safe nuclear operations, optimized and integrated mission execution, and strong corporate governance.
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