The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Department of Energy (DOE) Oversight Bureau invited members of the public to visit the NMED Los Alamos Oversight Section Office Friday at 1183 Diamond Dr., Suite B. The staff are giving presentations and explaining what the environmental scientists do to monitor possible hazards in Los Alamos. Here, Site Manager Steve Yanicak shows off equipment used to measure gamma radiation. The team works closely with LANL, Yanicak said. NMED’s DOE Oversight Bureau closely monitors the environment within and around U.S. DOE facilities in New Mexico to confirm U.S. DOE environmental results and inform surrounding communities. “Conducting independent oversight of the environmental data around Los Alamos provides assurance to nearby communities,” said Resource Protection Division Acting Director Chris Catechis.
The format for the Open House consisted of several demonstration and information areas in front of
the Los Alamos Oversight Section Office. Staff were stationed at these areas to present relevant topics
and answer questions related to NMED’s oversight activities at Los Alamos National Laboratories within
the DOE Oversight Bureau’s purview. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com

Scientist Kevin Boyko, right, shows a map of locations of ground water plumes to Scott Kovac of Nuclear Watch New Mexico.Photo by Bonnie J. Goron/ladailypost.com

Environmental Scientist Lindsay Bargelt shows how the NMED checks foodstuffs for heavy metals and other contaminants of concern. Photo by Bonnie J. Goron/ladailypost.com