The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management has expanded its radiological worker training program at the West Valley Demonstration Project to align with the site’s evolving cleanup mission. July 28, 2026
Office of Environmental Management
July 28, 2026
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Radiological training instructor JP O’Connell teaches employees how to properly remove protective gear at the West Valley Demonstration Project.
WEST VALLEY, N.Y. — The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) has expanded its radiological worker training program at the West Valley Demonstration Project to align with the site’s evolving cleanup mission.
The program has grown from a two-hour computed-based training to a 10-hour classroom training with an additional practical portion. It focuses on potential radiological hazards employees may be exposed to as they begin excavating all contaminated subsurface infrastructure and contaminated soil from the site of the Main Plant Process Building. Crews completed demolition of the 35,100-square-foot facility last year.
“As the work evolves, our training must evolve with it,” said Steve Kirschenmann, safety and radiological protection manager with EM contractor West Valley Cleanup Alliance (WVCA). “This enhanced radiological training strengthens our workforce by building the knowledge and skills for safe and compliant execution of the changing cleanup mission, as well as reaffirming good radiological work practices.”
The training covers hazard awareness, giving employees the knowledge to recognize hazards and respond appropriately. They will use radiation detection equipment to check themselves for contamination, don and doff protective clothing, and bag out potentially contaminated waste.
“Our employees are the most important part of the work we do,” WVCA President and Program Manager Jason Casper said. “Investing in our employees is important to ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to complete work safely.”
Employees whose work includes unescorted entry into radiological areas will complete Radiological Worker Level I training, while those whose work includes potentially handling radioactive materials will complete Radiological Worker Level II training.
The program reinforces continuous learning. Employees will complete a two-year requalification, an annual refresher and quarterly computer based training designed to ensure that essential knowledge remains current and readily retained.
“The enhanced training displays West Valley’s continued commitment to ensuring safe work,” said Jennifer Dundas, assistant director of the EM West Valley Office of Technical Services. “As the scope of work continues to change, West Valley will continue to enhance training programs.”
-Contributor: Sarah Morris
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