SRS liquid waste program receives three DOE project management awards

AIKEN, S.C. (September 29, 2025) — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently recognized the Office of Environmental Management (EM) liquid waste program at Savannah River Site (SRS) for superior performance and exemplary service in project management.

The U.S. Department of Energy-Savannah River and Savannah River Mission Completion team members gather in front of Saltstone Disposal Unit (SDU) 8, the third mega-size unit built at the Savannah River Site. The SDU 8/9 project team won the Project Management Achievement Award from DOE.

The DOE-Savannah River Operations Office (DOE-SR) and liquid waste contractor Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC) earned three awards in DOE’s annual recognition of contributions made in project management across the complex.

DOE-Savannah River’s Charles Comeau captured the Federal Project Director of the Year Award, exemplifying superior project management and achieving outstanding results.

“I am very humbled to receive this award,” Comeau said. “While this is an individual award, I appreciate that I would not be receiving the award if not for the hard work and dedication of my federal and contractor team.”

Comeau led the Saltstone Disposal Unit (SDU) 8 and 9 project to completion seven months ahead of schedule and over $60 million under budget and provided critical leadership to SDUs 10, 11 and 12. The mega-size units are integral to EM's ability to safely dispose of legacy liquid waste at SRS. He also supported underground ventilation system and utility shaft projects at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, showcasing exceptional leadership and commitment to EM’s mission.

Under Comeau’s leadership, the SDU projects earned two DOE awards.

The SDU 8 and 9 project team received the Project Management Achievement Award, which recognizes a team for significant results in completing a project within cost and schedule.

The Project Controls Excellence Award went to the SDU 10,11 and 12 project team. The SRS team managing the $496 million projects demonstrated superior project controls, rigorous data integrity, and continuous improvement in practices, according to DOE.

DOE-SR Manager Edwin Deshong said these achievements in project management support EM efforts to address the legacy waste of the past.

“The SRS liquid waste program is meeting DOE’s cleanup responsibilities safely and efficiently using innovative solutions and lessons learned. Congratulations to all the team members and thank you for a job well done.”

SRMC President and Program Manager Dr. Thomas Burns Jr. said receiving the DOE project management awards is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and exceptional project management skills of the SRMC team.

“This recognition from our customer reflects our unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence in every project we undertake,” Burns said. “Our success in winning these prestigious awards highlights the collaborative effort and ownership demonstrated by our employees, solidifying our reputation as leaders in the industry.”

The U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Project Director of the Year Award went to Charles Comeau at the Savannah River Site.

Media Contact:

Colleen Hart, SRMC

(803) 208-2428

Colleen.Hart@srs.gov