Across the country, county fairs provide an opportunity for citizens to come together and build camaraderie. Each year, EM's Portsmouth Site joins neighbors in these local events as a means of community building and outreach.
Fluor-BWXT-Portsmouth (FBP), decontamination and decommissioning contractor for the Portsmouth Site, sets up a booth at the Pike, Scioto and Ross county fairs. Site employees volunteer to work shifts and speak with the public about progress at the site, economic development in the community and educational outreach.
The booths, which feature a video highlighting milestones and community involvement from the previous year, receive thousands of visitors over two weeks.
“The video is always a highlight of the booth. It helps the public understand our work and gain an appreciation for our commitment to safety and the community," said FBP Site Project Director Greg Wilkett. “The conversations our volunteers have build relationships and foster a greater understanding of what we are doing and how that impacts the future."
The booths are popular with employees and retirees who get a chance to add visuals to the stories they’ve shared with family and friends.
“One of my favorite things is when a retiree stops by and shares stories from the past," said fair volunteer and Portsmouth Site employee Kristen Martin. “They enjoy getting a chance to talk about their job. It’s clear to see how proud they are of their work at the site."
Portsmouth Site Lead Jeremy Davis added that county fairs are an important event for southern Ohio communities.
“As members of the community, we want to support our local county fairs, as well as provide an opportunity for our neighbors to ask questions and learn more about the Portsmouth Site," he said.
While working the fairs is an excellent community outreach opportunity for the site, it takes a tremendous amount of planning and volunteer involvement. This year, nearly 60 employees served three county fairs for more than 300 hours.
-Contributor: Cindi Remy
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management