EM workers recently installed a new electrical service and distribution system at the West Valley Demonstration Project.
Office of Environmental Management
September 3, 2019
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WEST VALLEY, N.Y. – EM workers recently installed a new electrical service and distribution system at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP), providing more reliable power to cleanup operations.
“The completion of this work evolution will not only bring many benefits to the future cleanup of our EM site but also to the West Valley community,” EM WVDP Deputy Director Craig Rieman said. “This infrastructure upgrade will greatly increase the site’s electrical power reliability during future decommissioning and remediation activities now and will provide a reliable source of power for future cleanup activities.”
Rieman added that the infrastructure investment will make electrical power more dependable for the surrounding West Valley area, too.
EM and cleanup contractor CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV) collaborated with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the local gas and electricity utility to relocate transmission lines, remove a decades-old electrical substation, and install modern equipment. EM and CHBWV conduct cleanup at the site in cooperation with NYSERDA.
“Our employees and subcontractors did an excellent job in planning and executing this work,” said Linda Michalczak, CHBWV projects manager. “This accomplishment speaks volumes on the importance of solid communication, teamwork, and best practices.”
Crews installed new poles, overhead power lines, and a protective fence. They also built a new electrical substation and switchgear station.
The latest electrical service and distribution system upgrades add to other recent infrastructure improvements at WVDP, including a data center, potable water system, and natural gas distribution system.