April 13, 2021 – The Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management today released its Strategic Vision 2021‐2031, a blueprint to the program’s anticipated accomplishments over the next decade that will protect the public and environment.

The Strategic Vision outlines goals for 2021‐2031, focused on safety, environmental cleanup priorities, innovation, and improved performance. EM is working to fulfill the commitment to clean up the environment in communities that
supported past national security and energy research programs so they can continue to grow and thrive. Link to article

April 8, 2021 – CHBWV recently received Silver Level recognition from the American Heart Association for taking significant steps to build a culture of health in the workplace. The American Heart Association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index is a self‐assessment scorecard that measures the comprehensiveness and quality of a company’s workplace health program and the overall heart health of its employees. Link to article

April 1, 2021 – The Town of Ashford has implemented a new safety precaution to help alert residents of emergency situations within the town. CodeRED, a high‐speed emergency mass notification service, has started to help keep people in the community informed of important situations within Ashford.

The CodeRED System can send emergency public safety messages and important public notifications to residents within Ashford. The town can send notifications to either all residents or just in a specific area of the town where an alert is needed.

… After hearing from residents that the town needed better communication, Pfeffer looked into ways to fix communication issues between the town and the residents. The town at the time also received $200,000 in regulatory and community support from the Department of Energy, which was to be used for things that would have an impact on the town because the Western New York Nuclear Service Center was there. With the funding, the town was able to purchase a five‐year subscription to CodeRED. Link to article

March 26, 2021 – Members of West Valley Citizens Task Force are expressing concern over the U.S. Department of Energy’s plans for the open‐air demolition of the main process plant at the West Valley Demonstration Project.

Two local members of the CTF, formed in 1996 as a watchdog for the cleanup of the former plant that reprocessed spent nuclear fuel, said that the community is also concerned that radioactivity could escape during demolition.

CTF members asked for more information from the DOE at Wednesday’s meeting to be able to judge whether the DOE’s demolition plans are sufficient. Link to article

March 25, 2021 – On Saturday, March 20, 17 supporters of the extension of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail gathered in Springville to experience a completed trail. Deb Fenn, the president of the Erie Cattaraugus County Rail Trail, explained that the majority of the walkers were from Orchard Park and are part of the founder’s club, which meant that they had donated at least one thousand dollars. She said, “I’m so very glad that you could all be with us on the first day of spring. We’re very grateful for your clear and generous contributions.”

…. At the Springville Community Trout Pond, which is adjacent to the trail, Jason Engel, the project manager for the Springville Field and Stream trout pond renovation project, spoke about the project. He said that eventually five thousand fish could be raised in the hatchery annually, and that a concrete pier with wheelchair access will be constructed for fishing. He said, “We’re going to make a better habitat for the fish.” He also talked about the upcoming Earth Day celebration, which will take place at the trout pond on April 24. Several local businesses and organizations will be involved with the event, including The West Valley Demonstration Project, The Springville Chamber of Commerce and the Springville Moose Club. … Link to article