August 9, 2022 – EM and its cleanup contractor at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) recently overcame unique challenges and successfully finished deactivating a highly contaminated cell resembling an elevator shaft in the Main Plant Process Building.
The successful cleanup of the Product Purification Cell‐South by EM and CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV) contributed to an overall reduction in radiological hazards that will support the demolition of the Main Plant, an EM 2022 priority.
During former nuclear fuel reprocessing operations, the cell was used to house vessels associated with plutonium separation, concentration, material controls and batching for shipping.
Due to its configuration, the cell was a potentially oxygen‐deficient workspace that required additional planning and work controls, including a trained confined space rescue team. Link to Update
