At Amentum, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. For February, we’ll reflect on what Black History Month means to all of us while shining a light on one employee at a time. Amentum’s next spotlight is a Q&A with Ryan Frazier, Environmental Engineer for ES&T.
How did you come to join Amentum?
I joined Amentum through a legacy company in 2019.
What is your professional and personal background?
Prior to working with Amentum, I worked with one of the legacy companies at the Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility (ANCDF) where I served in an environmental oversite support role. Following ANCDF, I worked at Southern Company, Environmental Affairs.
Now, I am one of two environmental engineers supporting the Static Detonation Facility (SDC) located in Anniston, Alabama.
I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Biology/Exercise Physiology and a master’s degree in Environmental Science Management from Jacksonville State University.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.
I oversee the activities surrounding site environmental compliance. One area of focus is the Continuous Emissions Monitoring System which is a safeguard to monitor operational processes.
Additionally, I oversee hazardous and non-hazardous waste collection, storage, and disposition which affords me the opportunity to ensure all waste streams are properly managed in accordance with federal and state regulations.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?
I drafted the original Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) permit application for conventional weapons destruction at the first Static Detonation Chamber to be installed and operated in the continental United States. This application is still in use at Anniston and became a pattern for follow-on units that have been placed into operation with the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives program.
I assisted in development, execution, analysis and reporting of the closure soil sampling effort for the Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility as compared to the background closure sampling that was completed prior to construction and operation. The work performed was a key component in the clean closure of the facility and full release under the RCRA permit.
What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?
Most of all, the people! The team I work with at the Anniston SDC Facility is my extended family. I can come to work and be my authentic self without judgement.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about my faith, my family and helping make a difference in the lives of others through service.
What’s your career advice?
Be boundless! Boundaries are only limitations that one places upon themselves.
What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?
Safety is feeling secure in your surroundings and being able to return home to my family as when I left them.
What’s the best invention in the world and why?
Reese’s peanut butter cups! They are the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?
Serve others by sharing what expertise you have to offer. Additionally, respect other perspectives so the best results can be achieved.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month to me is a celebration of my culture and their unified contributions which acknowledges nothing in life is worthwhile without risk in our efforts to make the world a better place to live.
