U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management crews completed a major safety project ahead of schedule that supports reliable fire system protection throughout the Hanford Site’s buildings and facilities. May 5, 2026
Office of Environmental Management
May 5, 2026
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Pipefitter Derek Eves with Hanford Field Office contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions flushes a pipe to make sure the system reaches the required pressure.
RICHLAND, Wash. — U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management crews completed a major safety project ahead of schedule that supports reliable fire system protection throughout the Hanford Site’s buildings and facilities.
Hanford Field Office contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) conducted more than 170 top-to-bottom inspections of the site’s internal water piping systems, completing the project two years ahead of its five-year schedule.
Overall, the results demonstrated that Hanford’s internal piping systems are in good condition.
The success of this project highlights Hanford’s focus on safety, efficiency and continuous improvement, reflecting DOE’s mission to maximize taxpayer value while protecting employees and physical assets.
Pipefitters Isaias Torres, left, and Russel Barns with Hanford Field Office contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions, work on a dry pipe valve as a part of the inspection of 176 internal water piping systems.
The comprehensive inspections are part of ongoing efforts to maintain and improve fire suppression systems at Hanford.
“Finishing this task early demonstrates the team’s commitment to proactive maintenance and long-term integrity,” said Christopher Denney, fire protection engineer with the Hanford Field Office. “And it supports ongoing safety and reliability while building a strong foundation for future improvements and innovations across the site.”
The inspections confirm the integrity of the piping systems and ensure they will perform as expected during a fire.
“These inspections included a comprehensive look, opening the systems at multiple inspection points to determine if there were any obstructions, corrosion or pinhole leaks. This approach provides confidence in system reliability,” said Daniel Tucker, HMIS Fire Systems Maintenance manager.
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