May 6, 2022 – The Cattaraugus Creek Water Walkerz and Onondowaga’ Water Protectors began this year’s Earth Day event at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) in Ashford

This annual Earth Day event pays tribute to Mother Earth and brings attention to the importance of protecting the Cattaraugus Creek and Lake Erie watershed for future generations.

The WVDP is an appropriate starting point due to its proximity to the Nation Territory and ongoing cleanup efforts to reduce environmental risks.

Walkers from the Seneca Nation, local community, and visitors gathered to participate in a sunrise ceremony to kickoff the event. Link to article

April 26, 2022

Update 1: EM has requested a fiscal year (FY) 2023 budget of $7.64 billion, an amount that will enable the program to continue making strong, steady and sustained progress on priorities to clean up legacy nuclear sites now and in the years ahead.

The budget proposal reflects a firm commitment to support remediation activities in communities that historically supported or continue to support nuclear weapons programs and government‐sponsored nuclear research. It positions EM for continuing success.

Update 2: Landmark skyline changes would continue across EM sites through key investments proposed in EM’s fiscal year (FY) 2023 budget request, reflecting the Administration’s strong commitment to cleaning up the environment in a new era of steady, sustained achievement.

Link to Updates

April 19, 2022 – Workers at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) recently removed a large ventilation duct from the Main Plant Process Building, another step in reducing risk and preparing the facility for demolition, an EM 2022 priority.

As part of deactivation activities, crews finished cutting and removing the 26‐inch‐diameter duct that carried exhaust from past operations at the building.

“The effort in the Vent Wash Room was successful because of the extensive planning, and deliberate and safe execution of the work,” said Steve Bousquet, EM’s WVDP deputy federal project director for the Main Plant project. “The WVDP team continues DOE’s mission to reduce legacy risks while protecting employees, the public and the environment.” Link to Update

April 7, 2022 – The Department of Energy and cleanup contractor CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley completed the demolition of the load‐in facility at the West Valley Demonstration Project, the last ancillary support structure that surrounds the main plant process building. This recent demolition brings DOE’s total number of structures removed at West Valley to 69.

DOE WVDP Director Bryan Bower commended the team for its work.

“The work of our team of dedicated employees continues to ready the site for the future demolition of the main plant process building, while reducing legacy risks at the site,” Bower stated.

The 4,500‐square‐foot, two‐level building, which had been used for several purposes over the years, is no longer needed for EM’s cleanup. It is set to join the list of main plant ancillary structures already torn down, helping shrink the site’s cleanup footprint. Those six support structures were used for everything from reducing the size of waste for disposal to providing space for offices, utilities and laundry services. Link to article

April 7, 2022 – Demolition of the Load‐In Facility at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP), the last ancillary support structure that surrounds the Main Plant Process Building, was recently completed.

This recent demolition brings the Department of Energy’s total number of structures removed at West Valley to 69.

DOE WVDP Director Bryan Bower commended the team for its work.

“The work of our team of dedicated employees continues to ready the site for the future demolition of the Main Plant Process Building, while reducing legacy risks at the site,” he said.

The 4,500‐square‐foot, two‐level building, which had been used for several purposes over the year, is no longer needed for EM’s cleanup. It is set to join the list of Main Plant ancillary structures already torn down, helping shrink the site’s cleanup footprint. Link to article