EM and West Valley Demonstration Project Site gained ground in the deactivation of a Cold War facility.
Office of Environmental Management
May 14, 2019
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WEST VALLEY, N.Y. – EM and its cleanup contractor at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) Site gained ground in the deactivation of a Cold War facility after recently relocating two 69,000-pound containers for eventual offsite disposal.
Workers with CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV) are deactivating the Fuel Receiving and Storage facility for future demolition. The work includes removing asbestos-containing material from the facility, which was used to receive and store spent nuclear fuel during fuel reprocessing operations from 1966 to 1972.
“This accomplishment allows for the continuation of the Fuel Receiving and Storage facility deactivation,” EM WVDP Director Bryan Bower said. “By performing this work now, we can use our highly skilled workforce to further reduce legacy risks.”
The containers, each with a 14-inch-thick inner concrete shield and 2-inch-thick exterior steel shield, were used to store low-level waste left by the facility’s water treatment system.
Workers used cranes and a tractor-trailer to move the containers from a cask loading area inside the facility to a secure outdoor storage area.
“Our team continues to use their combined knowledge to safely and deliberately complete high risk work activities,” CHBWV President Scott Anderson said. “I’m proud of their efforts and accomplishments and the work they continue to do on this project.”