A meteorological tower at EM’s West Valley Demonstration Site recently underwent an annual inspection by the company Mid-State Communications.
A meteorological tower at EM’s West Valley Demonstration Site recently underwent an annual inspection by the company Mid-State Communications.

WEST VALLEY, N.Y. – A 200-foot meteorological tower critical to cleanup planning at EM’s West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) Site recently passed an annual inspection.

“The annual inspection results are good news for the site and our use of the meteorological tower information for site work,” EM WVDP Director Bryan Bower said. “This information helps provide historical data for long-term planning, weather impacts, and responses to any unplanned conditions.”

An inspector climbs a 200-foot meteorological tower at EM’s West Valley Demonstration Project Site.
An inspector climbs a 200-foot meteorological tower at EM’s West Valley Demonstration Project Site.

Demolition work is dependent on the weather, which can produce high winds, rain, snow, and ice at this upstate site, especially in winter, according to Janice Williams, vice president of regulatory strategy for WVDP cleanup contractor CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV).

“The meteorological tower is an important tool for the project and provides key risk management information that can be used for project success,” Williams said. “Being prepared is a key factor in the success of any project.”

Inspectors from the company Mid-State Communications examined the tower, including wires and concrete blocks that keep it upright and in place. The wires were re-tensioned as needed. The inspectors also climbed the tower to check the structure’s steel and replace lights.