WEST VALLEY — West Valley Cleanup Alliance, LLC (WVCA) has completed its contract transition and initiated operations as the Department of Energy’s environmental management contractor for the West Valley Demonstration Project Phase 1B Deactivation & Demolition (D&D) Contract.

“Following a very successful contract transition, WVCA is thrilled to take the next step and assume operations at West Valley,” said Jason Casper, WVCA president and program manager. “I am particularly happy to announce that, except for a few employees who decided to retire, we have retained our 300-person workforce, who are critical to our success as we begin Phase 1B of the work here.”

Under the contract, WVCA will continue the current cleanup mission to include, but not be limited to, the demolition of remaining near- and below-grade components of the main plant process building; additional facility deactivation and demolition; contaminated soils remediation and disposition; waste management and legacy waste disposition; safeguards and security; environmental monitoring; surveillance and maintenance; and program support activities.

WVCA’s management approach is based on these principles:

• Negotiate, manage, implement and execute multiple simultaneous task orders to accomplish the scope of the contract.
• Partner with the DOE and regulators to achieve end states at WVDP using successful models from other sites and capitalizing on established relationships and innovative ideas brought by new strategic partners.
• Embark on an efficient, low-risk below-grade demolition of main plant structures that is also protective of our workers, the public and the environment.
• Partnering with the DOE, execute an effective plan to dispose of the roughly 30,000 cubic feet of TRU waste currently stored at WVDP, including the development and issuance of a final waste determination for waste disposition pathways.

WVCA will also continue community engagement and outreach activities through regional education outreach programs, regional purchasing and small business priorities and other charitable giving and volunteerism efforts.

Senior Emergency Management Specialist Kevin Murray, who works at the West Valley Demonstration Project, was named the EMI SIG Contractor Member of the Year.

Murray receives Emergency Management Award 

Kevin Murray, CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV)’s Senior Emergency Management Specialist, was named the EMI SIG Contractor Member of the Year by the Emergency Management Issues Special Interest Group’s (EMI SIG) Steering Committee at its annual conference.

Murray, who works at WVDP, received this award for his outstanding service, steadfast dedication and meaningful contributions to emergency management across the Department of Energy complex.

“Your commitment to excellence in a demanding and high-risk environment has not gone unnoticed,” Ivy Oldberging-Hidalgo, EMI SIG Steering Committee Chair, said of Murray. “As a team of one, you have carried the weighty responsibility for emergency preparedness at your site.”

Julie Brown, DOE-WVDP Emergency Management Specialist III, said it was her honor to nominate Murray for this award.

“His dedication and professionalism make him an easy choice,” she said. “He is well deserving and we all at the DOE are so pleased his efforts are being recognized.”

As the senior emergency planning specialist at West Valley, Murray has the responsibility to plan, execute and oversee everything from monthly training drills and emergency relocation exercises to complex annual Integrated Exercises.

Beyond logistics, he also trains the workforce and Emergency Response Organization, coordinates with off-site responders, and ensures that critical procedures are current and effective.

“I am humbled and honored to have received this recognition,” said Murray. “I enjoy what I’m doing, so it never feels like work. I know that what I do matters and will have a positive impact on my coworkers and the community in the future. We can’t predict the future, but we can certainly be well-prepared for whatever comes our way.”

Recently, Murray had a major role in implementing an upgraded handheld radio system at the site as a proactive step in preparing the site for any potential emergency events in the future. He also volunteers with the local ski patrol, rescue teams and the West Valley Volunteer Hose Company.

“This is a proud moment for the CHBWV Team,” said CHBWV President Jason Casper. “I congratulate Kevin on his well-deserved award and recognition from EMI SIG. The site, its workforce, and the community are safer because of Kevin’s work here, and we are all better prepared in the event the day comes an emergency response is needed. For that, we are thankful for Keven’s contributions.”