As SRS/DOE/Centerra leaked the “news” about supposed drones over SRS and unknown SRS security personnel inexplicably involved SRS Watch in the matter – though we know absolutely nothing about it – when will documentation be provided?
July 4th Update: Though it’s been a full week since SRS/DOE/Centerra leaked information about “drones over SRS” no further clarification, documentation or photos have yet been released. Is letting an unsubstantiated rumor simmer for a week – a rumor that evidently stimulated concern in some corners – a professional way to approach to this matter? We still expect the rumors to be promptly documented and call on SRS to post photos.
July 6, 2016 – Still silence from SRS/Centerra about the drone rumor. Why throw out a rumor, let it fester and not provide any documentation? On July 5, SRS emailed this to SRS Watch: “As the investigation remains open and involves other agencies, at this time SRS cannot provide you the more clarification, documents or photographs as you requested.” Now we’re wondering if SRS/Centerra actually has firm documentation about non-contractor use of drones.
SRS Watch has requested substantiation from SRS about the “drones over SRS” information it leaked on June 30 but so far we have received nothing. If DOE regards this as a serious issue we will be expecting details. Of big concern to us, was there political motivation in attempting to involve SRS Watch, which engages only in legal, peaceful activities in our SRS and DOE oversight?
SRS stated this on June 30: “The protective force at Savannah River Site (SRS) has confirmed several sightings of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) flying in SRS airspace in June. SRS takes these reports very seriously and is coordinating with appropriate federal, state, and local authorities.” Is Centerra the mentioned “protective force?” What is DOE’s role?
OK, SRS/DOE/Centerra, time to clarify your statement with more information and documentation.
SRS employees who are drone hobbyists: You may want to look at the “Savannah River Site Policy Manual,” dated September 2015 – see “CHAPTER XIII – Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Policy” – linked here.