As reported in the last edition of cleanupdate, Brookhaven National Laboratory recently entered a transition period in which responsibility for operation of the Lab was to shift to Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA). The formal transition period has now ended and the transition is complete. Or is it? The real work of transition will continue for many months or, in a few cases, for several years to come.
BSA proposed changes in the way BNL will be managed in the future. DOE awarded the contract to BSA based on the strength of those proposed changes, among other things. However, there was no plan for instantaneous change from one management system to another. That would have invited confusion and disruption at BNL. As we move forward, change will be implemented carefully and in a controlled fashion so that we can all become acclimated as we go. While there remains a lot of anticipation, expectation, and even a little impatience, the chosen path forward will prove the most prudent one.
There is one thing, though, that I am confident will not change, and that is the dedication and commitment of the environmental professionals at BNL. In my short time here, I have been truly impressed with the determination of everyone, from the staff to regulators, interest groups, and the public, to make a real difference for improving the environment at BNL.
While budget resources are not unlimited and the process of obtaining
approvals may be rigorous and time consuming, the environmental team never
loses its own momentum, nor does it allow these things to detract from continuing
to strive to reach established goals. I commit to you my own determination
to be a contributor to reach those goals.