BWX Technologies director of regulatory affairs Scott Kirk will receive the Hodes Award for his role in preparing Waste Control Specialists’ application to operate an interim nuclear waste storage facility in West Texas, among other efforts.

The Southeast Compact Commission will present the award to Kirk on March 6 at the Phoenix, Ariz., Convention Center during the 2017 Waste Management Symposium. The award recognizes innovation in low-level radioactive waste operations.

Kirk, who has more than 25 years in the nuclear industry, previously worked as vice president of licensing and regulatory affairs at WCS, where he headed the company’s preparation and submission of its interim storage application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Kirk also previously served as principal liaison to the NRC for over 10 years at Nuclear Fuel Services, a BWXT company.

According to the commission’s announcement, Kirk is also being recognized for the following:

• Developing a concept for placing very low-activity LLRW in a near-surface landfill;
• Developing a near-surface disposal option for Greater than Class C (GTCC) waste that the NRC and state of Texas are currently reviewing.

“Mr. Kirk’s efforts have improved radiation health and safety and provided additional economical and safe disposal and storage options for LLRW, GTCC waste, and spent reactor fuel,” the announcement says. “His creative work clearly exemplifies the spirit and commitment that the Hodes Award is intended to recognize.”