The seven-member board was established so qualified individuals could review matters that are brought before the County Commission concerning nuclear energy, hazardous waste and/or the environment.
In carrying out these duties, the board reviews reports, examines monitoring data, conducts site visits of facilities and interacts with other governmental bodies and organizations such as the Industrial Development Board, Planning Commission and the Local Oversight Committee.
Recent activities by the board include review of environmental documents for proposed actions affecting Roane County's environment and introduction of the concepts of sustainable development as the county increases its efforts to recruit businesses in response to government downsizing.
RCERB members are appointed by the county executive and confirmed by the County Commission. Officers are elected by the board members.
Hunsaker joined ORNL in 1981 in the Integrated Analysis and Assessment Section of the Energy Division, where he served as a research associate, research staff member and as research and development group leader.
He served in ORNL's Central Management Office for two years and another two years at the Oak Ridge Centers for Manufacturing Technology. In 1995 he moved to the Environmental Science Division, and in 1996 he accepted a position in the Central Management Office.
He received a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin and a master's degree in analytical chemistry from Wayne State University. His doctorate in environmental science and engineering came from UCLA.
Hunsaker served a three-year term on the board of directors of the National Association of Environmental Professionals and a one-year term as vice president. He is also a member of the Industrial Designers Society of America, the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Sustainable Development Association.
In 1985, he received membership in the Outstanding Young Men of America and Who's Who in the South/Southwest.
He and his wife, Carolyn, live in Kingston.
ORNL, one of DOE's multiprogram national research and development facilities, is managed by Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp.