Innovation at Work: Hanford's Waterline Risk Workshop Boosts Safety, Efficiency

New risk-ranking criteria will help prioritize repairs to the Hanford Site’s waterline system.

RICHLAND, Wash. — Infrastructure teams at the Hanford Site will soon have a new waterline risk ranking system.

Hanford Field Office (HFO) contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) held a workshop to improve how risk is assessed in the site’s waterline systems.

The effort supports the U.S. Department of Energy's mission to enhance U.S. infrastructure and ensure public safety while providing good value for taxpayers.

Innovative technologies based on geospatial data help engineers identify waterlines and their condition.

"The teamwork and fresh ideas shown by HMIS are key to reaching our goals for Hanford cleanup and U.S. infrastructure," said Vanessa Turner, HFO acting assistant manager for Mission Support. "This project boosts our operational standards and highlights our commitment to safety and efficient use of resources."

The workshop gathered key people to create a new system for ranking risks. The team used industry standards, and geospatial and historical data to consider how likely a failure is and what the impact would be. The improved approach will help teams manage the waterlines better, making them safer and more efficient.

The workshop team reviewed current systems and risk criteria to develop an improved system.

"The great teamwork and progress during this workshop show our focus on new ideas and efficiency," said Brent Stenson, HMIS Water & Sewer Utilities director.

The workshop’s success shows how Hanford is turning challenges into opportunities for improvement. The new risk ranking system, which will be tested and improved, highlights the site’s emphasis on continuous improvement. By focusing on safety and efficiency, Hanford continues to drive innovation and maximize taxpayer value, helping to achieve the broader goals of U.S. energy security and infrastructure resilience.