Savannah River Site risks prompt Aiken resident to press council on local nuclear emergency plans

At the Feb. 24 meeting of the Aiken City Council, Dr. Rose Hayes asked city leaders to explain local planning and public preparedness for potential nuclear releases from the nearby Savannah River Site (SRS).

Hayes, who described herself as having served 20 years as a federal safety and health officer and as a former chair of the Savannah River Advisory Council's nuclear materials committee, told council she receives regular reports from the Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission and EPA and remains concerned about aging storage at SRS. "My reason for appearing before the council this evening is to inquire about the local agency planning for work, potential worst case scenarios involving nuclear releases," she said.

Hayes summarized several technical and regulatory points…