August 22, 2020 – A Facility Disposition crew at EM’s West Valley Demonstration Project replaced the hoist in the Equipment Decontamination Room during essential mission-critical operations. This was the first work activity that involved both COVID-19 protocols and radiological personal protective equipment; and is associated with the future demolition of the Main Plant Process Building – an EM2020 Priority. The site is currently in Phase 2 of its Work Resumption Plan.

“This is a good example of what can be accomplished when issues are discussed and ideas are shared,” said Dale Macklem. “Open communication allows employees and supervisors to be more engaged, and understand that what they do matters in our future success.” Link to article

August 20, 2020 – New President and General Manager John Rendall and Deputy General Manager Kelly Wooley at CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley, LLC were introduced at the Aug. 12 Ashford Town Board meeting and gave updates on recent progress at the West Valley Demonstration Project.

Rendall has previously served as CHBWV vice president and deputy general manager and has taken over the president’s position from Scott Anderson. Wooley previously worked as Vice President, Safety, Health, Security and Quality Program at CH2MHill Plateau Remediation Company and will assist Rendall in supporting and implementing the overall project functions of the CHBWV contract. Link to article

August 20, 2020 – Crews recently demolished the 7,000‐squarefoot utility room building at the West Valley Demonstration Project.

Built in 1964, the utility room was used to produce and distribute various utilities required for Main Plant processes. This is the sixth of seven Main Plant support structures demolished, and brings EM’s total number of structures removed at West Valley to 67, said

spokesman Joseph Pillittere.

The utility room was constructed with a steel frame, concrete block, and masonry exterior. The single story building measures 79 feet wide, 88 feet long and 23 feet high. Link to article

August 18, 2020 – Crews recently demolished the 6,955 square foot Utility Room building (UR) at the West Valley Demonstration Project. Built in 1964, the UR was used to produce and distribute various utilities required for Main Plant processes. This is the sixth of seven Main Plant support structures demolished, and brings EM’s total number of structures removed at West Valley to 67.

The UR was constructed with a steel frame, concrete block, and masonry exterior. The single story building measures 79 feet wide, 88 feet long and 23 feet high. Link to Update

August 13, 2020 – The Indigenous Women’s Initiatives and the WNY Peace Center gifted the Buffalo History Museum last Thursday with photographs connected to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in addition to a petition from the nuclear bombing survivors.

This event took place outdoors at the Buffalo History Museum exactly 75 years after the bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. Through these gifts to the museum, the Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs hopes to encourage activities for peace and the elimination of nuclear weapons. Link to article