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

December 15, 2020 – EM and its cleanup contractor at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) conducted a training exercise 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 Update

December 8, 2020 – The EM West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) Site workforce surpassed its goal for this year’s food drive, collecting 125,000 pounds of items for nine area pantries, including 400 turkeys.

This year’s collection raises the site’s total food donations for people in need to more than 2 million pounds since the annual tradition began in 1989.

“The success of our food drive is a direct result of the generosity and kindness of our employees, partners, and subcontractors,” said Lettie Chilson, WVDP facility manager and food drive coordinator. “It demonstrates the positive impact that kindness can have on a community. The WVDP food drive helps to improve the quality of life for our neighbors serviced by the local pantries.” Link to update