U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) crews at the West Valley Demonstration Project have safely removed sections of contaminated ventilation duct as part of ongoing demolition of the Main Plant Process Building.
Office of Environmental Management
June 11, 2024
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WEST VALLEY, N.Y. – U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) crews at the West Valley Demonstration Project have safely removed sections of contaminated ventilation duct as part of ongoing demolition of the Main Plant Process Building.
The 26-inch-diameter duct had carried exhaust from past operations. It was located in the plant’s Vent Wash Room, a cell housing a ventilation "scrubber” that removed airborne particulates resulting from fuel reprocessing operations that ceased in 1972. The 19 sections of the duct were removed from that space during deactivation activities in 2021 and placed in another area of the plant so they could be taken out during the current demolition phase.
After removing the duct sections from the Vent Wash Room in 2021, crews removed debris, applied fixative to the cell, grouted the floor and placed the duct sections into containment bags to control contamination for removal.
Crews use construction equipment to safely remove packaged ventilation duct sections from the Vent Wash Room as part of the demolition of the Main Plant Process Building at the West Valley Demonstration Project.
EM and cleanup contractor CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV) incorporated feedback from workers that supported the safe deactivation of the Vent Wash Room. The workers proposed performing work remotely with a saw used to cut the ventilation duct to limit potential radiation exposure.
“Using lessons learned and a deliberate approach from previous demolition activities has been an excellent combination for safety and success,” said Stephen Bousquet, EM West Valley assistant director of Project Management. “Combining their expertise and communication skills helped to make this work evolution safe, smooth and compliant.”
CHBWV Facility Disposition Manager Tom Dogal reiterated Bousquet’s sentiment.
“Extensive planning, engineered controls and the right people allow us to perform our cleanup mission safely and compliantly,” Dogal said. “Teamwork and communication kept them focused on the task to ensure a smooth, deliberate and successful outcome.”
The Main Plant is one of the last major facilities at West Valley. Its successful demolition will further reduce environmental risks and position the site for the next phase in cleanup. The demolition is expected to be completed in fiscal year 2025, which begins this October.
-Contributor: Joseph Pillittere
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