For example, DOE sites in wet climates face different environmental conditions than those in arid climates. A variety of contaminants are present at different sites. At some sites, a new technology must be developed before waste can be processed to reduce or eliminate hazards. In some cases, different requirements in federal and state laws, or among federal environmental laws must be resolved. Environmental Management sites share technology and information.
Sites also learn from industry, universities, and companies and nations around the world.
For example, compliance agreements are being negotiated to resolve anticipated problems of noncompliance at DOE sites under the Federal Facility Compliance Act. DOE is a federal government organization with sites and facilities across the nation. Some DOE workers are federal government employees. However, DOE sites and facilities are managed and operated by contractors, large industrial corporations hired by the government to operate DOE sites and facilities. The federal employees have final decision-making authority on all DOE activities.