The Environmental Systems Research Program was initiated in mid fiscal year 1998 to focus INEEL science and engineering resources on DOE EM technical needs. The program takes a forward-looking view of EM's mission by establishing the technical foundation to support both current and anticipated technical issues in disposition, remediation, and waste management.

The ESR Program is structured to support two types of research activities. The first activities, called core or fundamental research, focuses on improving our understanding of physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes that control environmental systems. A more comprehensive understanding of these processes supports development of new methodologies and research tools to help us detect and assess environmental threats and prevent or mitigate environmental harm. The second research activity includes problem driven investigations focused on understanding and solving an identified problem.

ESR research projects are selected through a peer review process that utilizes both internal and external reviewers. The ESR research portfolio is then developed from those projects that pass peer-review. The portfolio is structured with a three-year planning cycle in mind to accommodate reanalysis and restructuring as needed. During FY2000, the INEEL has strategically shifted its focus with respect to environmental science--establishing the Subsurface Science Initiative, and Waste Management Initiatives. In response, the ESR program has been restructured to better leverage and support the Laboratory focus. The FY2002 portfolio has two main research areas in Subsurface Science and Waste Management Science. Access the 2002 Portfolio to learn more about our current research projects. Previous year annual reports can also be accessed from this web site.