Worker Learns While Following in Father’s Footsteps at West Valley

WEST VALLEY, N.Y. – Jessica Krzemien, a deactivation and decommissioning (D&D) waste operator at EM’s West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP), began learning to respect and care for the environment at a young age.

“I spent most of my time enjoying outdoor activities, so my interest in the environment came at an early age. I also helped my father with his landscaping business,” Krzemien said. “I was taught the importance of leaving a small footprint wherever I was, and to do my part in keeping nature looking beautiful.”

Krzemien continues to follow in the footsteps of her father, Jerome, a former WVDP D&D operator for 20 years. He often shared his experiences and knowledge of WVDP with his daughter.

Hired by EM’s WVDP prime contractor CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV) in February, Krzemien has worked on the Vitrification Facility demolition and more recently on the deactivation of the Main Plant Process Building.

As a local resident, Krzemien feels it’s important to be a part of the WVDP cleanup.

“I appreciate working with experienced and knowledgeable people who are willing to share their experience and expertise with me,” Krzemien said. “As a former special education teacher, I am now the student learning from WVDP veterans and subject-matter experts who, like me, are helping to reduce risks and legacy waste for generations to come."

Krzemien is assigned to the Main Plant to remove asbestos-containing material from the wall plaster inside a control room — some of the most physically challenging work at the site right now, according to CHBWV D&D Manager Dale Macklem.

“Jessica is a hard worker who is always dedicated to learning something new, and then putting that knowledge into practice. She has a bright future at WVDP,” Macklem said.