August 30, 2021 – The United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the lead contractor decommissioning a former commercial nuclear fuel reprocessing center near Buffalo, New York, have held public meetings to explain the next stage in the multi-year project.

An online news article by the Olean (New York) Times Herald says some 35 western New York residents attended the meetings held by the DOE and CH2M Hill BWXT West Valley LLC (CHBWV), the lead contractor of the complicated project. CH2M Hill is an engineering and contracting firm based in Colorado.

CHBWV, on a its website, says it was selected by the DOE to conduct Phase I Decommissioning activities at the WVDP under an 8.6-year, $461.4 million contract that began in August 2011. In 2020, the DOE extended CHBWV’s cleanup contract to last through June 2023. The new total contract value may run as high as $836 million. Link to article

August 30, 2021 – Thirty‐five West Valley area residents and others attended a town hall meeting Wednesday on the proposed open‐air demolition of the Main Plant Process Building at the West Valley Demonstration Project.

Two meetings for up to 25 residents each were scheduled by the U.S. Department of Energy, the contractor, CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley, LLC and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Attendance at the West Valley Hose Co. Firemen’s Hall was limited due to federal COVID‐19 protocols.

Ashford Supervisor John Pfeffer, a member of the West Valley Citizens Task Force, said he understands the science behind the planned demolition and supports it. “I’m quite pleased they (town hall) did it,” Pfeffer said on Friday. “The intent was to have residents to have an opportunity to hear the details of the plan.” Link to article

August 28, 2021 – Thirty‐five West Valley area residents and others attended a town hall meeting Wednesday on the proposed open‐air demolition of the Main Plant Process Building at the West Valley Demonstration Project.

Two meetings for up to 25 residents each were scheduled by the U.S. Department of Energy, the contractor, CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley, LLC and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Attendance at the West Valley Hose Co. Firemen’s Hall was limited due to federal COVID‐19 protocols.

Ashford Supervisor John Pfeffer, a member of the West Valley Citizens Task Force, said he understands the science behind the planned demolition and supports it. “I’m quite pleased they (town hall) did it,” Pfeffer said on Friday.

“The intent was to have residents to have an opportunity to hear the details of the plan.” Link to article

August 25, 2021 – Judy Dinse and her husband live just a few miles from the West Valley Demonstration Project. She said when they purchased the home, they had no idea they were moving right near a former nuclear waste site.

“My husband has COPD, I have [multiple sclerosis]. You add anything more to that – it’s not good,” Dinse said.

They were among the southern tier residents attending a public meeting Wednesday night to find out more information on what the plan is for the plant’s main building.

“Ultimately we want to remove all the facilities at West Valley as part of our remediation of the site. This is the last major facility that we have left on the site,” said Department of Energy Director Bryan Bower. Link to article

August 24, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Energy will conduct two public information meetings Wednesday on the planned demolition of the Main Plant Process Building at the West Valley Demonstration Project.

The town hall meeting will be held at the West Valley Volunteer Hose Company Firemen’s Memorial Hall from 5:30 to 6:30 and 7 to 8 p.m.

This meeting will include presentations, informational stations, demonstrations, and subject matter experts to answer questions. Link to article