December 22, 2020 – Congressman Brian Higgins, D-NY-26, outlined components of the omnibus budget package of particular interest to Western New York. The legislation, approved by the House of Representatives, directs funding for the federal government for fiscal year 2021.

Higgins said, “2020 has been a challenging year in many ways. We are looking forward to a new year that rises to meet the challenges before the nation centered on rebuilding and reuniting with a renewed focus on the issues most important to the American people. This budget begins that process.” Link to article

December 19, 2020 – One of the most radioactive buildings in the United States is slated for open-air demolition 35 miles southeast, upwind and upstream of Buffalo and the Seneca Nation Cattaraugus Territory.

The U.S. Department of Energy plans to demolish the above-ground part of the Main Plant Process Building at the West Valley nuclear site this spring. The building, between 1966 and 1972, housed Nuclear Fuel Services’ chemical extraction of plutonium and uranium from intensely radioactive nuclear power and weapons fuel, leaving behind immense amounts of radioactivity. Some ended up on and in the walls, floors and ceilings inside the building.

The question is: Can the demolition be done without spreading radioactivity throughout Western and Central New York, Canada, the Seneca Nation and communities downwind and downstream? Link to article

December 18, 2020 – EM and its prime contractor CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV) recently grouted the General Purpose Cell (GPC). The GPC is a large cell that is nearly 30 feet below grade and will remain until the below grade portion of the Main Plant Process Building is removed in the future.

The grout was placed in the GPC to provide structural stability to allow heavy demolition equipment to drive over the below grade rooms, while the Main Plant Process Building is being demolished. Work was performed by the facility disposition team, which is responsible for deactivation and demolition activities. Link to article

December 21, 2020 – West Valley Demonstration project Public Notice of 2021 quarterly Public Meetings. Link to Notice

December 16, 2020 – Officials from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management and its cleanup contractor at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) conducted a training exercise recently with local emergency response agencies, held virtually due to the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Based on a hypothetical emergency, the exercise tested the skills and response of the local agencies and WVDP’s security force and operational response team. Participants were tested on their ability to minimize the scenario’s potential impact to employees, the public, and the environment. Representatives from Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department, Cattaraugus County Special Response Team, and West Valley Volunteer Hose Fire and Rescue took part in the event. Link to article