EM Leadership Team Member Views Cleanup Progress at West Valley

Pictured at left, Greg Sosson, U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) associate principal deputy assistant secretary for field operations, tours the Remote-Handled Waste Facility at the West Valley Demonstration Project. Here, Kevin Slomba, waste operations and compliance manager for EM cleanup contractor CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley, shows Sosson how workers use robotic manipulators in the facility to safely perform work remotely.

WEST VALLEY, N.Y. - Greg Sosson, associate principal deputy assistant secretary for field operations of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM), recently visited the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) to observe nuclear cleanup efforts and meet with federal and contractor employees.

EM crews at WVDP are working to demolish the Main Plant Process Building, one of the last major facilities at the site. Its successful deconstruction will further reduce environmental risks and position the site for the next phase in cleanup. The demolition is expected to be completed in fiscal year 2025, which begins this October.

"We were pleased to have hosted Greg at our EM site," WVDP Director Bryan Bower said. "It's important to see the work up close that's being accomplished at the site, and how this work fits into DOE's overall mission and cleanup strategy."

During his visit, Sosson and the WVDP team members discussed cleanup topics such as project-phased facility decommissioning prior to viewing cleanup projects. Tour stops included the Main Plant deconstruction area, Remote-Handled Waste Facility, waste storage areas, the Sewage Treatment Plant, and disposal areas licensed by New York state and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

"My observation of the Main Plant Process Building demolition confirms West Valley's continued vigilance in maintaining a safe operation," Sosson said.

Jennifer Dundas, assistant director of WVDP's Office of Technical Services, thanked Sosson for visiting the site and observing the dedicated team that continues to perform work in a manner protecting workers, the public and the environment.

"Without our incredible workforce, there would be no cleanup or risk reduction for our communities and the environment," Dundas said.

-Contributor: Joseph Pillittere