The Department of Energy''s (DOE) Star Status Award, the agency''s top safety honor, was presented Friday in West Valley, N.Y., to a DOE environmental cleanup and waste management project.
Westinghouse/West Valley Nuclear Services Co. and West Valley Demonstration Project officials were honored for achieving overall excellence in safety and health program performance. The site''s program includes management leadership, employee involvement, work site analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training.
The West Valley Project is transitioning from achieving its first goal of solidifying radioactive waste liquid to focusing on work necessary to complete the project. This includes the cleanup and closure of facilities and disposal of wastes. The project is being conducted in cooperation with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. West Valley Nuclear Services, a Westinghouse Government Services Group company, manages and operates the project.
Energy Secretary Bill Richardson also presented academic achievement awards to 18 students from several area school districts.
by Todd Nighswonger