EM crews build a new security guard house at the West Valley Demonstration Project.
EM crews build a new security guard house at the West Valley Demonstration Project.

WEST VALLEY, N.Y. – As EM prepares for the next chapter of cleanup at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP), crews are constructing a new security guard house that provides more space for officers with updated offices, modern equipment, badging for site staff and storage space.

“It’s important that we provide our security force with the tools they need to perform their jobs effectively and efficiently,” said Jennifer Dundas, EM WVDP Safety and Site Programs Team leader. “This new facility and more modern equipment will help our security force to be better prepared to protect and serve our workforce and the site.”

The existing guard house was built in the early 1980s when cleanup at the site began. It has served its purpose over the years, but the site has outgrown its current capabilities. This new facility will better support the continued needs of the site as EM progresses toward the next phase of cleanup: the start of demolition of the Main Plant Process Building, an EM 2022 priority.

“Our current guard house is more than 40 years old and needed to be replaced,” said David Schuman, safeguards and security manager for EM cleanup contractor CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley. “This new facility will enhance our security presence and effectiveness, and improve officer and employee safety. Improving our ability to support the site helps us to better handle any situation that may arise.”