SURF receives excellent ESHAC annual review
The most recent external review provided excellent results for ongoing efforts by SDSTA ensure safety, security, and environmental stewardship at SURF.
The 2026 review completed by the Environment, Safety, Health Advisory Committee (ESHAC) provided excellent results for ongoing efforts by the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) to ensure safety, security, and environmental stewardship across Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF).
ESHAC includes external experts in environment, safety, health specialties and management relevant to SURF, including those from the Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories and research user facilities. The committee completes an annual review and provides recommendations to advance the SDSTA’s Environment, Safety, and Health (EHS) program. This year the committee had no major recommendations in need of change for the SDSTA.
Members of SURF’s Emergency Response Team train during a mock rescue mission on the 800 Level of SURF. Team members complete this kind of real-world medical and rescue training on an ongoing basis throughout the year.
Photo by Stephen Kenny
The committee praised the ongoing efforts to prioritize safety across the facility. The ESHAC final presentation included this statement. “The organization continues to demonstrate a strong, mature understanding of risk management and safety, with Environment, Safety, and Health fully integrated into operations, construction and science as a core business principle.”
Julie Ewing is SURF’s director of environment, safety, and health.
“I would like to sincerely thank the team for making Environment, Safety, and Health a true priority, and for fostering a strong culture of safety throughout the organization,” Ewing said. “We have come a long way since I first started at SURF, and I could not be prouder to be part of this SDSTA team.”
Mike Headley, the SDSTA executive director and SURF laboratory director, echoed Ewing’s statements.
“This review is a testament to the hard work of our ESH department and everyone at SDSTA to continue to prioritize safety, health, and the environment in all areas of SURF,” Headley said.
In June, SURF recognizes National Safety Month with messages that showcase safety as SURF’s first core value. While SURF has achieved great results in this most recent ESHAC review, Ewing and others note that maintaining the organization’s excellent safety record is an ongoing effort that requires continuous review and improvement.
