March 8, 2022 – EM crews replaced a large culvert along a road at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) where heavy equipment will transport waste containers during the teardown of the Main Plant Process Building.

Starting demolition of that facility is an EM 2022 priority. Crews with WVDP prime contractor CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV) used a 235‐ton crane to place each section of the culvert safely, and an excavator to install the pieces that provide end support for the culvert superstructure.

“The completion of this culvert project was the result of proper planning, teamwork and safe execution from the dedicated individuals who work at the site,” said Paul Fintak, CHBWV subcontractor technical support. “This new culvert will ensure that this roadway remains safe and can handle heavy‐duty equipment for current and future cleanup operations.” Link to Update

March 5, 2022 – EM and its prime contractor CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV) completed the conversion of an onsite office building to a demolition support complex.

This reconfigured facility will support cleanup activities during the demolition of the Main Plant Process Building, an EM priority for 2022.

“The reconfiguration of this former office building will provide support for our dedicated workers who will be directly involved in the demolition of the Main Plant,” said WVDP Director Bryan Bower. “From showers to personal protective equipment, this facility will become an integral part in helping EM continue its mission of reducing legacy risks and lifecycle costs.” Link to article

February 22, 2022 – In a project that saves taxpayer money, cleanup crews refurbished a former storage facility for waste disposal operations during the teardown of the Main Plant Process Building at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP).

EM and cleanup contractor CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley completed modifications to the onsite storage facility for use in preparing containers of demolition waste for loading and shipment to an offsite disposal location. Starting demolition of the Main Plant is an EM 2022 priority. Link to update

February 19, 2022 –

Experts and contend plans to demolish the most radioactive building don’t provide enough safeguards. A similar project in Washington encountered problems.

Contractors are in the homestretch of clearing the West Valley Demonstration Project of buildings.

Fifty‐one of 55 structures have been taken down and the most contaminated of them all — the Main Plant Processing Building — is scheduled for demolition this fall.

How hot are its five stories of reinforced concrete? A trio of moved said it “could be one of the most radioactive buildings in the country.”

The demolition might be welcome news, but the manner in which contractors plan to bring the building down is causing concern, even alarm, in some quarters. Link to article

February 15 – EM and its cleanup contractor at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) have redesigned an office building to support cleanup activities as they prepare to begin the teardown of the former Main Plant Process Building, an EM 2022 priority.

“The reconfiguration of this former office building will provide support for our dedicated workers who will be directly involved in the demolition of the Main Plant,” EM WVDP Director Bryan Bower said. “This facility will become an integral part in helping EM continue its mission of reducing legacy risks and lifecycle costs.” Link to article