Supported by donations from Vit Plant employees, members of AST purchased shoes based on size needs provided by SARC. Bechtel also contributed $2,500 to fund additional footwear needs throughout the year. The shoes were delivered to SARC for distribution to families before the start of the school year.

New shoes do more than meet a child’s basic needs. They provide the confidence they need to start the school year off on the right foot. For local families, they also provide relief by easing the financial burden of back-to-school shopping.

“When a child feels good about themselves, they typically perform better socially and academically,” said JP Boyd, AST Chair.  “We hope to be a small resource for underprivileged children.”

By partnering with SARC, the fundraiser strengthens the Vit Plant’s efforts to support families across Benton and Franklin counties and connect resources directly to those who need them most.

 “It takes a village when it comes to supporting victims of crime, and being able to provide these to our clients is not only helpful but healing,” said Rosanna Herrera, SARC’s program director of crisis and prevention. “It shows them that even a stranger supports them and thinks of them in really hard times.”

The Support, Advocacy, and Resource Center is a non-profit organization providing crisis and prevention services, as well as support and advocacy for individuals and families.

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.

This donation will help provide transportation, lodging, and educational experiences for students participating in the college tour program. The Club tours students through colleges and universities across Washington state to gain firsthand exposure to campus life, academic programs, and potential career pathways.

The Boys & Girls Clubs College Tour program is designed to provide students in Benton and Franklin counties with opportunities to pursue higher education and access to resources that support their academic success.

“As a former Club kid, I understand how impactful it can be to step onto a college campus and begin imagining what’s possible for your future,” said Brian Hartman, Bechtel senior vice president and Vit Plant project director. “We are proud to support the Boys & Girls Clubs as it creates opportunities for local students to explore higher education, build confidence, and prepare for successful futures.”

This year’s tour will bring 30-40 students to Washington State University in Pullman on July 14. Additionally, 25-30 students will also meet with professors at Columbia Basin College on July 28 to learn about Digital Marketing and Supply and Demand programs offered.

This donation reflects Bechtel’s more than 20 years of support to Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties and its commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders and innovators in the Tri-Cities community.

“College tours give our youth the chance to explore different career paths, ask questions, and experience college life firsthand,” said Miryam Hurtado, Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties Workforce Readiness Director. “For many students, it’s an opportunity to see what’s possible for their future. We’re incredibly grateful for Bechtel’s continued partnership in helping open those doors.”

For media inquiries contact:

Josh Peterson, BGClub, josh.peterson@greatclubs.org

Kevin Romero, Bechtel, kromero1@bechtel.us

Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties

Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties is committed to empowering all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Clubs provide a broad range of programs and activities focused on our priority outcomes of Academic Success, Health & Wellbeing, Character & Leadership, and Life & Workforce Readiness. Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties serves more than 4,000 members each year at 29 Club locations. www.greatclubs.org

Diversity’s Got Talent is a four-week program providing participants ages 11 and older with opportunities to explore acting, singing, and dancing in a welcoming and inclusive environment for youth of all abilities. Through the program, the students develop confidence, creativity, and teamwork skills all while gaining memorable experiences in the performing arts.

“Fostering an environment where kids of all abilities are included helps build a mindset of succeeding together,” said Brian Coombe, Bechtel’s deputy project manager for High-Level Waste at the Hanford Vit Plant. “Every child deserves a chance to create their own story and discover their talents. We’re proud to support this program and this new partnership between CAA and ACT.”

This sponsorship reflects Bechtel’s commitment to supporting programs that expand opportunities for youth and strengthen inclusion and belonging throughout the Tri-Cities.

“At ACT, we believe every young person deserves access to the joy, confidence, and connection that come from the performing arts,” said Zackery Alexzander Stephens, Executive Director of the Academy of Children’s Theatre. “By partnering with Columbia Ability Alliance, we’re able to offer a thoughtful and supportive program designed around the needs of the students participating. With Bechtel’s generous support, we’re also able to make Diversity’s Got Talent fully accessible to participants and their families by offering it at no cost.”

“Performing arts reveal the unique strengths within every individual,” said Michael Novakovich, President & CEO of Columbia Ability Alliance. “Through this partnership with the ACT, and thanks to Bechtel’s generous support, young people of all abilities will share the stage, discover new possibilities, and inspire one another. Together, they will create something far greater than a performance; they will demonstrate the extraordinary potential of an inclusive community.”

Diversity’s Got Talent begins in early July and concludes with its free final performance on July 30. For additional information, email Jessica@actstaff.org or visit The Academy of Children’s Theatre website.

Brian Hartman, Project Director of the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant 
Bechtel Senior Vice President

The Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP), better known as the Hanford Vit Plant, marked 2025 as a historic year as our team immobilized the first Hanford tank waste into a glass form that is stable and will protect the Columbia River and community.

This milestone represents a transition from readiness to results – and marks the beginning of sustained waste treatment at one of the most complex environmental cleanup facilities ever built. 

Designed and commissioned by Bechtel National Inc. for the Department of Energy (DOE), the Vit Plant exemplifies innovation, teamwork and an unwavering dedication to safety, quality and mission.

Making history at Hanford

Transforming the first Hanford tank waste into glass was the capstone to a year defined by significant achievement and forward progress.

Last year began with continued production of “clean” test glass, allowing skilled operators to build proficiency and prepare for rigorous readiness testing. This included simulated waste treatment commissioning and pouring glass from both melters.

By July, our team had completed all required operational readiness tests, including DOE’s comprehensive Operational Readiness Review. Authorization soon followed to begin hot commissioning and receive the first transfer of tank waste.

By year’s end, our team successfully vitrified the initial tank waste, treated over 30,000 gallons, and produced more than 25 containers of glass. These operations further recovered over 50,000 gallons of Double Shell Tank space that supports the ongoing retrieval of tank waste from the Single Shell tanks and reduction of risk to the environment.  We concluded the year by transferring the first containers to the Integrated Disposal Facility, managed by Central Plateau Cleanup Company, for secure, long-term storage.

Our progress extended well beyond low-activity waste hot commissioning. The High-Level Waste (HLW) team advanced design completion and met all 2025 performance goals ahead of schedule. The HLW construction team made significant progress on weathering in the facility, installing more than 30 major pieces of equipment and shield doors through the facility’s roof, along with critical structural steel.

Each accomplishment in 2025 moved the project closer to sustained, full-scale treatment of Hanford’s legacy tank waste.

Commitment to safety

Safety will always be at the core of everything we do. A key component of safety is mental health.

A standout initiative in 2025 was the launch of new mental health first aid training aligned with Bechtel’s industry support of these programs. More than 90 team members completed the program, gaining tools to identify warning signs of mental health struggles, provide immediate support in crisis situations, and connect team members with professional resources and ongoing help.

Community impact

Bechtel’s impact reaches beyond our facility gates.

In 2025, Bechtel and the Vit Plant invested in our community’s vitality. Notable contributions include:

- Supported STEM education and women in engineering through during Engineers Week, with employees mentoring and inspiring future professionals.

- Collaborated with the local chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction with their Girls Rock in the Trades camp. It provides young women hands-on experience and education about career opportunities in the construction industry. Bechtel supplied Personal Protective Equipment for participants, and vit plant team members shared their experiences in the construction field.

- Donated more than $135,000 to United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties, supporting vital programs and services for children.

- Raised over $25,000 for Special Olympics through the annual Polar Plunge, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

These investments reflect a long-standing commitment to the Tri-Cities community.

Looking ahead

The achievements of 2025 mark a turning point in history – not a finish line.

Our historic achievements in 2025 reflect a collaborative effort among the DOE, One Hanford contractor partners, the Central Washington Building Trades, regulators, and the local community.

Bechtel’s focus in 2026 remains clear: safe, consistent vitrification of low-activity waste and continued advancement of the High-Level Waste mission.

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When complete, the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.

A total of 30 Vit Plant employees took the pledge to plunge into the chilly Columbia River. Fundraising initiatives extended beyond charging into the Columbia River. Creative activities across the Vit Plant included nacho feeds and “pie-in-the-face” events – helping drive employee engagement and donations.

“It was an easy yes to take a pie to the face to help support Special Olympics Washington and its athletes,” said Chris Musick, general manager of the Waste Treatment Completion company, a subcontractor to Bechtel National Inc. at the project. “Seeing our workforce rally around a great cause like the Polar Plunge is what makes our team special.”

Top individual fundraisers this year included:

• Christal Torres - $4,025
• Chris Cowan - $2,645
• Kimberly Bain - $2,490
• Kaitlin Melvin - $2,070
• Jules Kempf - $1,320

Funds raised through the annual Polar Plunge directly support year-round sports training, competitions, leadership development, and health programs for Special Olympics athletes across Washington state.

Walt Taylor, WTP deputy project director with Bechtel, has been plunging annually since 2020. “Our Vit Plant staff continue to show an incredible amount of passion and generosity for our community,” he said. “We are proud to support Special Olympics Washington and the incredible athletes who inspire us to take the plunge every year.”

The Vit Plant’s continued participation in the Polar Plunge reflects a broader commitment to community partnership and employee-driven volunteerism throughout the Tri-Cities and the surrounding area.

Watch a quick highlight reel from the 2026 Polar plunge here: https://youtu.be/LW54U38uKKM

Contact: Courtney Smith, clsmith1@bechtel.us

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.

“Toys for Tots is grateful for our continued partnership with the Vit Plant; without their team members’ consistent generosity, we would not be able to meet our community needs,” said Glen Carter, local Toys for Tots coordinator and former Marine. “Every year, their contributions make up more than one-third of our donations and help us guarantee these kids have a happier holiday.”

The Vit Plant donated more than $34,000, including cash and Amazon wishlist purchases, as well as 30 boxes of toys to Toys for Tots. Another $5,000 was donated to Local 598’s Bikes for Tikes. This year, Bikes for Tikes purchased and assembled 800 bikes.

“I am honored to be part of the Vit Plant team; our employees give so generously to support Toys for Tots, Bikes for Tikes, and the children in the Tri-Cities area,” said Brian Hartman, Vit Plant project director and Bechtel senior vice president. “The Vit Plant companies – Bechtel and Amentum – and our union partners are truly committed to making our community a better place, not just in our mission to stabilize Hanford’s radioactive waste, but beyond.”

The Vit Plant successfully began turning Hanford’s radioactive waste into safe, stable glass form in October.

For photos, visit www.hanfordvitplant.com.

Contact: Darcy Richardson, (509) 308-1718 or djricha1@bechtel.us

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When complete, the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.

“Each container represents tangible progress in the mission to protect the Columbia River and community,” said Mat Irwin, the Hanford Field Office assistant manager for WTP.

The first pretreated tank waste was transferred to the plant’s Low-Activity Waste Facility in early October, when hot commissioning began. Inside that facility’s two 300-ton melters, radiological and chemical waste is combined with glass-forming materials and then heated to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit.

That process, called vitrification, transforms the waste into a stable glass form and seals it in stainless steel containers, each of which is 4 feet wide and 7.5 feet tall, weighing approximately 7 metric tons when filled. The vitrified product meets the state of Washington’s requirements for long term disposal at Hanford’s Integrated Disposal Facility.

“Our team has turned progress into momentum, and we’re committed to carrying that forward through continued operations,” said Brian Hartman, WTP project director and senior vice president with Bechtel, the contractor leading design, construction and commissioning of the plant.

The accomplishment also represents the beginning of extended hot commissioning, during which the team will build production consistency and establish a steady rhythm of performance for safe and sustained operations.

Hanford is home to 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste stored in 177 massive underground tanks. The waste was generated as part of the nation’s efforts to end World War II and win the Cold War.

The plant facilities can be viewed using the self-guided Hanford Virtual Tour available here.

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When complete, the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.

“I appreciate the hard work and determination of the entire Hanford team to deliver on this legal commitment,” said Hanford Site Manager Ray Geimer. “This achievement enables us to shift focus to safely operating the plant and to progressing solutions for the Hanford tank waste mission in its entirety.”

The Consent Decree milestone for demonstrating the ability of the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant’s Low Activity Waste facility to produce immobilized glass of acceptable quality was met on time. With start-up of the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant’s Low Activity Waste facility, the focus now shifts to safely operating the Low Activity Waste facility, advancing the direct-feed high-level waste approach, and accelerating the tank waste mission.

Hanford is home to 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste stored in 177 massive underground tanks. The waste was generated as part of the nation’s efforts to end World War II and win the Cold War.

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When complete, the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.

Hanford crews are preparing for the site’s first-ever transfer of radioactive waste from one of its large underground tanks to the Vit Plant.

Contractors on both ends of the waste transfer are coordinating practice runs to prepare for those operations.

Teams from Hanford Tank Waste Operations and Closure (H2C) and Bechtel National Inc. are working together to verify each step of the transfer process. H2C is focused on preparing the underground tank systems that hold the waste, while Bechtel leads operations at the WTP, where the waste will eventually be turned into glass. Their joint efforts include checking pump systems, testing leak detectors and coordinating procedures between waste tank and treatment plant control rooms.

“Preparing for a first-of-its-kind waste transfer takes more than technical readiness, it takes alignment, communication and teamwork,” said Andy Wiborg, Hanford director for Tank Waste Operations. “These practice runs are proving what’s possible when Hanford teams unite to advance our tank waste treatment mission.”

Practice runs will continue through June as teams align procedures and confirm that equipment is functioning as intended. These coordinated efforts are key to getting the site ready for hot commissioning — the next major step in Hanford’s tank waste cleanup, expected to begin later this summer.

During hot commissioning, the Vit Plant will receive pretreated radiological and chemical waste, combine it with glass-forming materials, and heat it to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit. This process, called vitrification, transforms the waste into a stable glass form, which is then sealed in stainless steel containers for safe disposal.

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When complete, the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.

Watch the Impact Now
Learn how the program changes lives and how you can help:

The Bite2Go program provides children with weekend kits of nonperishable food to ensure they have proper nourishment outside of school. Teachers and school staff identify students in need of the kids, and volunteers deliver them. Each kit includes a variety of easy-to-open, single-serving, nonperishable items—meals, snacks, and drinks—to help close the weekend hunger gap.

Fight Hunger, Fuel Learning

“When kids are hungry, they can’t focus and may become distracted or disruptive. That can affect the entire classroom while they fall behind,” said Brian Hartman, Bechtel Senior Vice President and Project Director at the Hanford Vit Plant. “We’re proud to partner with Second Harvest, the schools, and community organizations to help children learn, grow, and succeed.”

Bechtel’s sponsorships have supported students at:

• Jefferson Elementary, Richland School District
• Washington Elementary, Kennewick School District
• Mark Twain Elementary, Pasco School District

“With one in six kids in the Mid-Columbia facing hunger, we’re incredibly grateful for generous partners like Bechtel, whose longtime support of Bite2Go helps local students get the food they need over the weekends during the school year,” said Second Harvest CEO Jason Clark.

Bechtel and Second Harvest invite others in the Tri-Cities community to step in. Learn more about the program, how it benefits our community’s children, and how to contribute with time, treasure or talents.

Sponsorships such as Bechtel’s help offset the cost of the kits. And more can be done.

“Whether you give now to help bridge the summer hunger gap or follow Bechtel’s lead by raising your hand to adopt a school for next school year, you can be part of the solution,” Clark said.

How You Can Help:

• Donate to sponsor a student or school
• Volunteer to deliver kits
• Watch and share the video to spread the word

Visit the Bite2Go page to donate or get involved

Bechtel Principal Vice President Mark Johnson has joined the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant as the new project manager for the High-Level Waste scope.

“Mark brings execution experience to WTP from highly complex commercial liquified natural gas projects he led in Texas,” said Bechtel Senior Vice President Brian Hartman, also the WTP project director. “His long-time knowledge of Hanford and WTP will complement his national and commercial experience as we build on the foundation our HLW team has laid.”

Johnson began his career at the Hanford Site at IFC Kaiser and Flour Daniel Northwest and joined Bechtel at TWRS-P in 1998. He also worked at Bechtel Hanford before joining WTP as the LAW Mechanical Handling Engineering Group Supervisor, a role he held until 2004. He then worked for Bechtel at the Yucca Mountain Project and Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant before returning to WTP, first as engineering manager for the Pretreatment Facility and then as the manager of WTP Engineering.

Since leaving WTP in 2016, Johnson has held leadership roles across Bechtel including as an executive assistant to the company’s chief executive officer and chief operating officer. He most recently was project manager for engineering, procurement, commissioning, and startup for a highly complex $12 billion liquified natural gas megaproject in Texas.

“The Hanford mission is deeply personal to me, having grown up in Eastern Washington and spent time with my family enjoying the Columbia River,” Johnson said. “I’m proud to bring my experience back to a place that helped shape me personally and professionally and to work alongside such a talented team to build a lasting legacy for our community.”

Johnson was elected as a Bechtel principal vice president in 2015. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from Washington State University and is a Registered Professional Engineer in Mechanical Engineering.

His wife, Laura Ashley Johnson, will join him in returning to the Tri-Cities community.

Felice Presti, who led the HLW scope for nearly two years, has accepted an assignment with Bechtel at its Reston, Virginia, headquarters.

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When complete, the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.

“Our progress in cold commissioning is the result of decades of preparation, dedication and collaboration between the Department and our contractor partners and is another step toward safely addressing Hanford tank waste,” said Hanford Field Office Acting Manager Brian Harkins.

With the introduction of ammonia and nitrous oxide-producing chemicals into the WTP melters to replicate tank waste, the Hanford team is ensuring systems are fully operational. Testing the plant and its systems with chemicals in simulated tank waste over the next few months is a key step in validating that all systems and equipment run safely and appropriately before nuclear waste components are introduced later this year. This achievement builds on significant progress over the last several years in the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste program across the Hanford Site.

“Leadership from DOE and strong partnerships with the trade unions, suppliers, regulators, other Hanford contractors and local community have helped make this happen,” said Bechtel National Inc. Project Director and Senior Vice President Brian Hartman. “We’re proud to be part of a mission that’s critical to the health of our community and the environment.”

Once full-scale operations begin, the plant will process an average of 5,300 gallons of tank waste per day, mixing the treated waste with glass-forming materials, heating it to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit, and pouring it into stainless steel containers for safe, long term disposal. Approximately 3.5 containers, weighing a total of 21 metric tons, will be produced each day.

The plant facilities can be viewed using the self-guided Hanford Virtual Tour available at www.Hanford.gov. Additional information is available regarding the cold commissioning process online.

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When complete, the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.

“We are preparing to introduce radiological and chemical waste into the plant,” said Mat Irwin, Hanford’s assistant manager for the Vit Plant. “These early preparations help the team become proficient in radiological operations and requirements while reinforcing a nuclear operations safety culture prior to receiving the actual waste.”

During plant operations, specially designed underground pipes will transfer radiological and chemical waste from Hanford’s large underground tanks to the plant’s Low-Activity Waste Facility. There, in a process called vitrification, the waste will be mixed with glass-forming materials and heated to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit inside one of two large melters, then poured into stainless steel containers for safe disposal.

Workers have also added new contamination and radiation signage at the Low-Activity Waste Facility. The new postings help employees grow accustomed to the hazard warnings and restrictions before plant operations begin.

The plant’s Radiological Controls team has created new programs to help workers develop proficiency in radiation safety, and weekly computer-based and hands-on learning simulations.

“The shift to radiological operations will be a significant change in our operations and safety culture, and we are preparing the people, plant and paper for this milestone,” said Chris Musick, general manager for Waste Treatment Completion Company, the main subcontractor for Bechtel National Inc., the prime contractor designing, building and commissioning the plant. “The proficiency phase symbolizes the real progress made by our team in moving closer to full plant operations later this year.”

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When complete, the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.

“This was the ultimate test to demonstrate that the emissions treatment system can respond to this worst-case scenario,” said Mat Irwin, Hanford’s acting assistant manager for the Vit Plant Project. “The test was true to life, and the plant responded exactly as it would during full operations.”

Vit Plant crews prepared for the test by adding a mixture of powdered glass-forming materials and simulated tank waste into both melters at the facility, creating conditions nearly identical to full operations. Workers then cut power to the facility and watched as the safety systems automatically activated the backup power and isolated the emissions system to prevent leakage.

“This test was exceptionally complex. It included running both melters with a cold cap for the first time ever, which is an achievement in its own right,” said Chris Musick, deputy project director for the Vit Plant. “It also spanned over a shift change for our operations team, adding another layer of complexity to the test. It demonstrated that our team, and the facility, are ready and able to respond to a loss of power.”

A cold cap is a floating mass of glass-formers and simulated, and eventually real, tank waste that forms shortly after the mixture is fed into a melter. The cold cap slowly melts into the glass pool, producing the gasses the emissions treatment system addresses.

The completion of this test demonstrates the reliability of the Low-Activity Waste Facility’s safety systems, and that the emissions treatment system is ready for the next stages of operation.

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When complete, the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.

The teams are working alongside plant engineers on challenges and design projects to gain real-world experience. The projects will run through March 2025, culminating with a presentation by each team about their projects and experiences at an end of year event. This year’s teams include:

• Five students from the School of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, working alongside the Water and Steam group on the Melter Cooling Panel Repair Skid project.
• Three students from the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, partnered with the Electrical group on the Replacement Ground Fault Detection System for an Ungrounded System.

Last year’s capstone was a huge success for Amentum at the Vit Plant and the OSU team. The team won the Industry Choice Award for their end of year presentation and two of the students, Corbin Anderson and Michael Acosta, joined Plant Engineering as Rotational Engineers.

What’s a capstone project? A capstone project is a multifaceted academic experience typically required for students during the final year of an academic program. Capstone projects often require students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their academic careers to solve real world problems. This capstone project is part of a broader partnership between Amentum at the Vit Plant and Oregon State University that helps students gain real-world experience while building a pipeline for potential future employees.

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When complete, the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.

The camp, known as Girls Rock in the Trades (GRITT), invites girls in grades 8–12 to explore and develop skills in fields traditionally marketed to men. Campers gain hands-on experience working alongside skilled tradespeople, while guest speakers offer inspiration and serve as role models by sharing their experiences working in construction.

Among the speakers were nine women from the Hanford Vit Plant who volunteered at this year’s camp, sharing their experiences and highlighting the range of occupations available in the construction industry.

Following the camp, the Vit Plant volunteers expressed excitement about having a positive effect and leaving lasting impressions on the campers.

For Desi Swart, an expediting specialist for Vit Plant lead contractor Bechtel National Inc., GRITT’s positive influence hit close to home.

“My oldest daughter, Drea, participated in GRITT last year and it sparked her love for working with her hands,” said Swart. “Prior to GRITT, she struggled with an individualized education program, self-confidence and low grades. She’s now an honors student and one of six admitted into the second year of the pre-electrical program at the local trade school, Tri-Tech Skills Center.”

Bechtel was the GRITT camp’s premier sponsor for a second year in a row. The sponsorship reflects Bechtel's broader commitment to supporting and developing the next generation of tradespeople across the U.S. and around the globe.

Mat Irwin, U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management acting assistant manager for the Vit Plant, emphasized the importance of programs like GRITT.

“These opportunities are an important part of developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople and I salute the Vit Plant volunteers who are investing in the future,” said Irwin. “Without this workforce, large-scale projects like the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant and the Hanford cleanup mission would not be possible."

Bechtel Senior Vice President and Vit Plant Project Director Brian Hartman echoed Irwin’s support of workforce development.

“Bechtel and the Vit Plant team are committed to helping our community develop the next generation of tradespeople through partnerships with local schools, trade organizations and unions,” Hartman said. “Together we can provide students with the information, resources and hands-on experience that will prepare them for a successful career in construction.”

The GRITT camp was created by the Tri-Cities chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction and has been hosted each year by Tri-Tech Skills Center.

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When complete, the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.

The Vit Plant's Plant Engineering (PENG) and Analytical Laboratory teams have partnered with five students from Oregon State University's (OSU) school of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering (MIME) on their senior capstone project. The students have been tasked with redesigning the carrier splitter assembly for the autosampling system (ASX), which separates sample vials from the carriers used to transport samples between facilities. The students recently visited the Lab, where they got hands on experience with the ASX.

“Working with these engineering students on their capstone project provides a win-win situation," said Pete Benson, plant engineering manager. “The OSU students gain valuable real-world experience working on actual engineering challenges, and our engineers get outside assistance and perspective on important engineering design."

The carrier splitter assembly is being redesigned after the initial assembly was unable to reliably perform its function. The replacement design also encountered technical challenges. The OSU students began working with PENG in September, meeting weekly via video conference to discuss design iterations. More recently, the team 3D printed a prototype for their design and are in the process of procuring parts to build a metal prototype. Their project is on track to be complete by their winter break.

John Domjan-Yuhas and Corbin Anderson are two members of the OSU capstone team. When asked about their experience visiting the Vit Plant they said:

Engineering a Lasting Partnership

A capstone project is a multifaceted academic experience typically required for students during the final year of an academic program. Capstone projects often require students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their academic careers to solve real world problems. This capstone project is part of a broader partnership between the Vit Plant and Oregon State University that helps students gain real-world experience while building a pipeline for potential future employees.

“We're excited and grateful for the opportunity to work with the engineering team at the Hanford Vit Plant," said Dr. Sarah Oman, senior instructor at OSU'S school of MIME. “The experience that these senior mechanical engineering students are receiving during this project will be invaluable when they move into the real world."

“Not only are they learning key engineering skills and knowledge, but they are applying and refining their professional skills while working on these critical engineering problems."

In addition to the capstone project support, Amentum at the Vit Plant has signed partnership agreements with OSU to facilitate ongoing networking and recruiting activities.​

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When complete, the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.

During future Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste operations, the ASX will safely retrieve radioactive waste samples from the Low-Activity Waste Facility and deliver them to the Lab for analysis. There, Lab chemists and technicians will analyze the waste's radionuclides, metals, and organic materials and will confirm the correct glass-former “recipe" needed to produce a consistent form that meets all regulatory requirements and standards. 

“For more than a decade now, the Vit Plant and its employees have been key to ensuring we can meet the growing needs of families in the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas,” said Glen Carter, local Toys for Tots coordinator and former Marine. “We are so grateful for their continued generosity and support for Toys for Tots.”

Of the $23,000 in donations, $18,000 was designated for Toys for Tots and included cash and toy donations, Amazon wishlist purchases, and fundraisers. The remaining $5,000 was donated to Local 598’s Bikes for Tikes and went toward purchasing 50 bikes and helmets. Representatives from the Local 598’s Bikes for Tikes organization also attended the event at the Vit Plant.

“We are incredibly proud of the Vit Plant’s long partnership with Toys for Tots and our part in helping make the holidays a little brighter for children in our area,” said Brian Hartman, Vit Plant project director and Bechtel Senior Vice President. “The Vit Plant companies – Bechtel and Amentum – and employees are committed to supporting our friends and neighbors in our community.”

For photos, visit www.hanfordvitplant.com.

B-roll footage of the event can be found here.

Contact: Darcy Richardson, (509) 371-2273 or djricha1@bechtel.com

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When complete, the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.

Rick Holmes, a Bechtel Principal Vice President, has been appointed board president for the Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia (CRFMC). Holmes officially assumed this role in July and will serve in this capacity for a one-year term.

Leanne Luehrs-Purcell, the CRFMC executive director, said, “I am thrilled to have Rick as our board president this year. He has shown strong commitment to our organization, passion for our mission, and is an esteemed leader in our community. I look forward to a successful year with Rick helping to lead the organization."

Bechtel National Inc. is lead contractor for the Department of Energy’s Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant at the Hanford Site. Holmes is general manager for the Waste Treatment Completion Company, the main subcontractor to Bechtel at the plant. Holmes’ 30-year professional journey includes his entry into Bechtel in 1999, following a distinguished decade-long service as an officer in the U.S. Army. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Florida Southern College and a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Holmes also serves as a  member of the board of directors for the United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties.

“I am deeply honored to have been chosen as board president,” said Rick Holmes. “Literacy is the foundation of learning. It’s important that we invest and empower all children, parents, and schools in preparing our children to be successful and establish a lifetime love of learning.”

Founded in 1996, the CRFMC remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering parental engagement as a child’s primary educator. The foundation is dedicated to ensuring that each child attains proficient reading skills early on, thereby unlocking their full potential in both academics and life.

“Every year, we see growing need in the community and, every year, the Vit Plant team steps up and helps us meet that need,” said Carter. “We are grateful for this longstanding partnership and the Vit Plant’s commitment to helping us ensure every child in our area has a toy this holiday.”

Of the donation, $15,000 in toys and cash was designated for Toys for Tots. An additional $7,000 was raised for Bikes for Tikes. Donations to Bikes for Tikes helped purchase and assemble 1,600 bikes for the community, including some that are designated for Toys for Tots.

“We have an incredible team that gives generously to the community where they live and work,” said Valerie McCain, Vit Plant project director. “These organizations are instrumental in helping spread joy and hope to children in our area, and we are proud to support them.”

In 2022, the Vit Plant team donated nearly $300,000 to local organizations, campaigns, and programs, such as United Way of Benton-Franklin Counties, Second Harvest, and Junior Achievement.

Contact: Darcy Richardson, (509) 371-2273 or djricha1@bechtel.com

Grace Clinic is the only organization in the Tri-Cities that provides free care for patients who are low-income and uninsured in Benton and Franklin counties, which is equal to about 32,000 people in our community. What started in the basement of First United Methodist Church in Pasco has grown over the last 20 years into a place that focuses on its patients and their immediate needs through volunteer work, while achieving its mission. Its mission is to “Share Christ's love by providing free healthcare services to those in need," though its treatment is nondenominational.

For the 20^th anniversary of Grace Clinic, many local businesses and other organizations have shown their support and help, whether it be donations of money or time. Both Bechtel and Amentum have made financial donations to Grace Clinic this year.

Clinic Director Avonte Jackson said, “We are very fortunate to have the support of companies like Bechtel and Amentum to help us support people that all of us interact with on a daily basis. The investments they make in Grace Clinic go right back into our community every single day."

Grace Clinic has provided almost 100,000 patient visits in its 20 years. Services range from medical and dental, as well as mental health counseling, all free of charge to its patients. Anyone in our community who is uninsured and low income can be seen by Grace Clinic and get the help that they need so that they can get back to work and care for their families.

At Grace Clinic, the most used service is medical help. Medical services are offered every day from Tuesday through Saturday.

Grace Clinic hopes to expand its dental services soon to see more patients. Jackson added, “Oral care is important to the overall health of the body. Poor dental habits can impact a person's overall health, possibly creating other medical problems down the road." With plans to grow its dental services, the clinic is looking for more financial support to reduce the long waiting list of patients in need of this vital care.

Vit Plant Communications Manager Staci West said, “We can build our community to become stronger by helping those around us when we support organizations like Grace Clinic."

Grace Clinic always has opportunities available for people in the community to help support it and its patients. Whether through the volunteer program, monetary support, or donating food and supplies to the food cupboard, there are many ways to support the clinic and in turn help our community. The public is invited to the clinic's Amazing Grace gala on September 30 at the Red Lion in Pasco.

For more information and ways to donate please follow this link.

Contact: Staci West, (509) 371-5740 or sawest@bechtel.com

Volunteer of the Year

United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties CEO LoAnn Ayers honored Rick Holmes as Volunteer of the Year for 2021. This award recognizes the “dedication and engagement of an individual for extraordinary support” of the United Way’s mission. Holmes was the board chair during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. He is past board chair in 2022.

At the breakfast, Ayers noted the significant difference Holmes has made in the community and his mentorship and strategic advice during the pandemic. She also honored his wife, Joy Holmes, for her commitment to the community. Joy is a board member for the Children’s Reading Foundation and an active United Way volunteer. Awardees make a significant contribution through volunteer service, as a role model for others in the community, and by inspiring others to volunteer, according to the United Way.

Holmes is general manager of the Waste Treatment Completion Company, a limited liability company owned by Bechtel and Amentum performing work at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant in Richland, Wash.

Live United Award

Bechtel National Inc. received the 2021 Live United Award for its outstanding leadership through a high level of employee participation in special events, employee campaign, corporate gift or sponsorship, and volunteer engagement, according to the United Way.

Corporate Leadership Award

Amentum received the 2021 Corporate Leadership Award for its “extraordinary focus on community service and corporate social responsibility.” Their team has a high level of involvement by employees in the annual United Way campaign at the Hanford Vit Plant.

Volunteer Tri-Cities

In addition to corporate donations to the United Way, both Bechtel and Amentum have sponsored the United Way’s Volunteer Tri-Cities program that connects nonprofits with members of the community on volunteer needs and interests. The website is www.volunteertricities.org.

Contact: Staci West, (509) 371-5740 or sawest@bechtel.com

Vit Plant employees also dropped off toys, made online donations, and purchased hundreds of toys from an Amazon wishlist that were delivered directly to the Toys for Tots organization.

“Our team’s generosity is helping make sure every child has a gift to open this holiday, ,” said Staci West, Vit Plant communications manager. “ We’re committed to help our neighbors in need, especially during a pandemic, and to strengthen our community’s resiliency .”

Glen Carter, local Toys for Tots coordinator, accepted the donation at the drop-off event.

“We have partnered with the Vit Plant for more than decade now, and they are always instrumental in helping us meet our goals,” said Carter. “We’ve seen community needs rise steadily over the past few years, and we are so grateful for continued generosity of the Vit Plant employees, Bechtel, and Amentum.”

An additional $5,000 was donated by Bechtel to the Local 598 Bikes for Tikes campaign, which also supports Toys for Tots. Donations to Bikes for Tikes helped purchase and assemble 2,000 bikes for the community, including 350 that are designated for Toys for Tots.

Contact: Darcy Richardson, (509) 371-2273 or djricha1@bechtel.com

“Bechtel’s generous support has allowed thousands of young people throughout the Tri-Cities area to receive JA’s essential work readiness and financial literacy programs,” said Tamra Meyer, Director of Central Washington & Southeastern Washington. “This vital partnership ensures local students gain the skills and knowledge they need to plan their future and define success on their own terms. This know-how is proving to be of the utmost importance during the pandemic as we need to show students that they can still build a strong future, despite unexpected downturns.”

Bechtel leadership also participated as speakers for JA’s new free program Lunch With Leaders, where business leaders across the state met with students virtually, discussed their career journey, and answered student questions. Deputy Project Director Felice Presti and WTP Controller Manager Cynethia Sims each discussed details about why they chose their career, their typical day, what motivates them, and much more.

“It was a great pleasure to connect with the students,” Presti said. “This opportunity allowed me to share skills and knowledge that the students can use in the future. By providing work readiness programs and resources, Junior Achievement is empowering our local students with the skills to work towards a brighter future.”

Junior Achievement is one of four nonprofits in Bechtel’s global stewardship program, which supports STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education and humanitarian engineering efforts with Foundation gifts and company volunteers. Since 2011, Bechtel has donated a total of $235,000 to Junior Achievement of Washington, Southeastern Washington Chapter, and has contributed US$4.5 million to Junior Achievement globally.

Contact: Staci A. West, 509-378-0308 or sawest@bechtel.com

“Year after year, the Vit Plant is instrumental in helping us make sure local children receive toys for Christmas,” Glen Carter, Toys for Tots coordinator, said. “We are so grateful for their employees’ continued support, especially with the pandemic. This year, we’ve seen a significant decrease in donations and increase in requests, and their donations will be key to meeting local needs.”

With workers at the jobsite north of Richland and working remotely, Vit Plant employees shopped via an online wishlist, donated online, and dropped toys off at a drive-thru event Saturday at the Toyota Center in Kennewick. Griggs Department Store transported the toys to the Toys for Tots location at the Benton-Franklin County Fairgrounds. About $9,000 in toys were donated via the wishlist, more than $6,500 was donated online, and hundreds more toys were collected Saturday. Bechtel National, Inc. donated an additional $2,500.

To close the year out, the Vit Plant donated $32,000 to 12 other local organizations, such as the Domestic Violence Shelter, 2^nd Harvest Food Bank, Yakima County Food Bank, and the Benton Franklin Crisis Center. Employees also sponsored more than 60 children as part of the Department of Children, Youth, & Families (DCYF) Giving Trees Campaign.

Bechtel National Inc. also renewed its commitments to the Bikes for Tikes, STEM Foundation, Arc of the Tri-Cities, Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-Columbia, Communities in Schools, and Modern Living Services with more than $10,000.

“Our employees are committed to this community, both through their generous giving and their dedication to this project,” Valerie McCain, Vit Plant project director, said. “We are so proud to be able to support Toys for Tots and these other organizations, particularly when needs are so high this year.”

The Vit Plant team comprises employees from Bechtel National, Inc., Amentum, and Central Washington Building Trades.

For photos, visit www.hanfordvitplant.com.

The donation comes as part of the Foundation’s new $3 million COVID-19 Relief Fund set up to support urgent human needs in communities across the world where Bechtel employees live and work.

“Bechtel has been a member of the Tri-Cities community for more than 40 years,” said Valerie McCain, Bechtel principal vice president. “This is an amazing and resilient community. I’m honored that we can help our friends and neighbors in these most challenging of times.”

“We stand with other companies in our community in helping mitigate the impacts of this pandemic on our neighbors,” she said. “By supporting the United Way’s fund, we are supporting many nonprofits working at the frontlines helping those in greatest need.”

LoAnn Ayers, president and CEO of the United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties, said the funds will provide much-needed support to nonprofits across the Tri-Cities.

“This generous gift provides an incredible infusion to help individuals and families struggling with hunger, depression, family violence and abuse,” Ayers said. “We will use it to do what we are best at — bolster the capacity of local nonprofits to fill critical gaps in services. It will help local nonprofits, which have been draining their savings, continue to meet extraordinary demand.”

“We’re having a hard time meeting the growing needs of the community this year and actually temporarily suspended operations because we were completely out of toys,” Carter said. “With the Vit Plant’s donations, we will be able to resume operations and ensure the children in our area receive a gift this Christmas.”

Vit Plant employees were notified of the Toys for Tots shortage yesterday morning, and, in less than 24 hours, they raised $13,000, adding to the $12,000 they had raised over the past month. The total Toys for Tots donation was $25,000. An additional $9,000 was donated to Bikes for Tikes. Bechtel followed up with a donation of $2,500 to each campaign. Donations to Bikes for Tikes helped purchase and assemble 2,000 bikes for the community, including 350 that are designated for Toys for Tots.

“Our project team proves year after year that they are committed to the community where they live and work, giving generously and wholeheartedly of both their time and money,” Valerie McCain, Vit Plant project director, said. “We are extremely happy that we can help the Toys for Tots organization re-open and help bring hope and joy to the children in our community this holiday season.”

In 2019, the Vit Plant team donated more than $425,000 to local organizations, campaigns, and programs, such as United Way of Benton-Franklin Counties, Second Harvest, and Junior Achievement. Employees also logged thousands of volunteer hours, teaching Junior Achievement classes, participating in DiscoverE, sorting food for Second Harvest, and assembling bikes for Bikes for Tikes.

Funding from Bechtel supports ongoing service to Second Harvest’s “Bite2Go” backpack program and local school pantries each school year. Both programs address a critical need, with one in five kids in Benton and Franklin counties being food-insecure, meaning they don’t have access to enough healthy food and might not know where their next meal is coming from.

“We cannot thank Bechtel enough for their generous ongoing support of our childhood hunger programs. Their continuing contributions help us reach high-need, underserved students to improve their overall health and security,” said Chelsea Armstrong, Regional Executive Director.

Bite2Go weekend food kits are currently sent home to 750 students in 17 area schools each week. Kits include meals and snacks in a mix of easy-to-open, nonperishable, single-serving items that don’t require cooking. Sponsorships by local corporations, businesses, churches and individuals offset Second Harvest’s costs of purchasing the specialty items.

“We were eager to support Second Harvest’s programs to combat childhood hunger,” said Valerie McCain, Bechtel principal vice president. “As a company focused on building a next generation of workers who excel in science, technology, engineering and math, we have to look at what impacts a student’s ability to learn.

“Students who are hungry can’t learn. Our partnership with Second Harvest helps ensure students can focus on learning, not on whether they’ll have a meal that day.”

A portion of Bechtel’s donation serves as “gap funding,” or funds that prevent lapses in service and ensure kids who normally receive Bite2Go kits have uninterrupted service. In the Bite2Go program, teachers, counselors and administrative staff identify the students in need and provide weekly meal kits of nonperishable food and drink for over a weekend. Many companies, schools and nonprofit organizations support this program and staff the kit development and distribution.

Bechtel also supports five Second Harvest pantries that are located at specific schools and district offices and serve elementary through college-aged students. For example, a recently opened Finley School District pantry receives support from Second Harvest directly funded through Bechtel’s donation. Generous funding provides ongoing servicing of the pantries, stocking them with healthy produce and other perishable and non-perishable foods. In the past eight months, more than 39,000 meals have been provided to local students in need.

Both programs make food supplies available to thousands of local students in need.

Employee donations included nearly $300,000 to the United Way, $12,000 to Toys for Tots, and $15,000 to Second Harvest. Vit Plant employees also supported Junior Achievement, the Giving Tree Program, and the Local 598 pipefitters’ Bikes for Tikes campaign.

“Our employees take a lot of pride in our community, both in the way they approach their work—building a Vit Plant that will safely process Hanford’s waste and protect the river—and in the way they consistently give back to our community with their time and money,” Staci West, Bechtel Communications manager said.

Donations include $450,000 in corporate contributions from Bechtel and AECOM.

Vit Plant employees gave their time too, logging thousands of volunteer hours throughout the community. They taught Junior Achievement classes, participated in DiscoverE and STEM programs, sorted food for Second Harvest, and assembled bikes for Bikes for Tikes.

About Bechtel National Inc.

Bechtel National Inc. (BNI), is a leading engineering, procurement, construction, and project management contractor for the U.S. government. BNI’s successes include many large, first-of-a-kind signature projects in federally owned site management, environmental restoration, defense, space, energy, as well as national and homeland security. BNI is a member of the Bechtel group of companies.

“I have been continuously impressed by the generosity of our employees since I joined the Vit Plant,” said Valerie McCain, Bechtel principal vice president and Vit Plant project director. “They truly care about their community and supporting the people in it throughout the year, culminating with the Toys for Tots campaign.”

Vit Plant workers and Bechtel also made financial donations to the Local 598 pipefitters’ annual Bikes for Tikes campaign while helping build bikes at a November event. This year, the pipefitters are purchasing and assembling 350 bicycles and helmets for Toys for Tots.

“We are grateful for the continued support of the Vit Plant team,” said Glen Carter, assistant local Toys for Tots coordinator. “Every year, they are instrumental to helping us reach our goals and provide area children in need with gifts this holiday season.”

Local business Griggs/Ace Hardware also contributed to the Vit Plant’s efforts by providing bikes and transportation.

About Bechtel National, Inc.:

Bechtel National, Inc. (BNI), is a leading engineering, procurement, construction, and project management contractor for the U.S. government. BNI’s successes include many large, first-of-a-kind signature projects in federally owned site management, environmental restoration, defense, space, energy, as well as national and homeland security. BNI is a member of the Bechtel group of companies.

The gift will provide funding for student lounge coffee, diversity efforts, and curriculum enhancement through technology equipment.

“We appreciate and value our relationship with Washington State University and are pleased to continue supporting the engineering and architecture programs through these donations,” said Brian Reilly, Bechtel Senior Vice President and Project Director at the Hanford Vit Plant, in a letter to the university.

Scott Richey, area manager for One System at the Vit Plant and a WSU College of Engineering alum, traveled to Pullman to deliver the donation, meet with students, and tour the campus.

“It was a great trip to Pullman to meet with the students who will see the direct impact of this donation and to inspire a new generation of STEM professionals,” Richey said.

The donation continues Bechtel’s history of partnering with the university to provide valued developmental opportunities for students and meaningful employment that will serve them well in the future.

“Our students were thrilled by the support they received from Bechtel,” said Mary Rezac, Dean of Voiland College. “We were truly fortunate Scott could share his passion for engineering with our students, and we look forward to continuing this private-public partnership.”

“Our successful procurement spending supported the positive progress made with continued construction and startup efforts for the Department of Energy’s Direct Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) vitrification approach,” said Frank Salaman, BNI’s manager of Procurement and Subcontracts. “We purchased quality-driven equipment, supplies, and services throughout the U.S. while also increasing business with companies in Washington, Oregon, and here in the Tri-Cities.”

Of the $211 million, 60 percent or $126 million was spent in Washington and Oregon with $94 million of that in the Tri-Cities, where the Vit Plant is based. Local businesses provided goods and services such as safety supplies, small tools, electrical supplies, and vehicle maintenance.

The Vit Plant workforce remains on pace to support the DFLAW approach to begin treating Hanford’s low-activity tank waste by 2022. The main Low-Activity Waste vitrification facility has a construction complete contract milestone in June 2018. A supporting Analytical Laboratory is nearly complete, and the 20 support facilities that make up the utility systems are also largely complete and undergoing initial startup and testing work.

“Procurement opportunities have changed as work transitions from the construction to the startup and testing phase,” Salaman explained. “Startup phase procurements focus on spare parts for machinery and equipment; tools and materials for testing and maintaining plant equipment; consumables such as worker safety equipment, and office supplies and routine business services.”

Since Bechtel began construction of the Vit Plant, it has spent more than $4 billion in goods and services with companies across the United States. Of that, $1.94 billion has been in Washington and Oregon, with $1.36 billion in the Tri-Cities.

Employee donations in 2017 included $400,000 to the United Way of Benton-Franklin Counties, $28,000 to Second Harvest, and $24,000 to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots campaign. Additional support went to the March of Dimes, Junior Achievement, and the Giving Tree program that benefits children in foster care.

The giving includes nearly $300,000 in corporate contributions by Bechtel and AECOM.

“We are extremely proud of our employees and their commitment to give back to the communities where they work,” Staci West, Bechtel Communications manager at the Vit Plant, said. “Every year, they come forward and give generously, both with their time and money, to help ensure we live in a community we can be proud of.”

Vit Plant employees also volunteered thousands of hours throughout the community. They participated in activities, such as sorting food at the Second Harvest distribution center, teaching Junior Achievement classes, donating blood to the American Red Cross, and participating in DiscoverE and other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math programs.

Vit Plant employees and Bechtel designated $11,000 of the total donation to the Local 598 pipefitters’ annual Bikes for Tikes campaign. This year, the pipefitters are purchasing and assembling 600 bicycles and helmets for Toys for Tots.

“Every year, the generous donations from Bechtel, AECOM, and their employees help us fulfill our mission – to ensure every child within our program receives a toy this holiday season,” Michael Ridgel, local Toys for Tots coordinator said. “We are extremely grateful for their continued support.”

Local businesses Griggs/Ace Hardware and Vintners Logistics also contributed to the Vit Plant’s efforts. Griggs/Ace Hardware ensured the bicycle orders were fulfilled in time for Christmas delivery. Vintners Logistics will deliver the toys and bikes to Toys for Tots.

For Immediate Release 
Date 6/28/2017
Bechtel Steps Up to Help Tri-Cities Build Performing Arts Center

With a donation of $30,000 to help build the Vista Arts Center, Bechtel National, Inc., is demonstrating its commitment to transform the Tri-Cities through a performing and visual arts center.  

“Bechtel has been a part of the Tri-Cities community for more than 40 years. We believe the arts are a key component of a culturally vibrant community, and we want to invest in its future,” said Peggy McCullough, Bechtel National, Inc. senior vice president. “The arts spark creativity and innovation and bridge time and distance.” 

A recent branding survey that identified the need for a performing arts center in the Tri-Cities gave Bechtel the added incentive to donate. 

Julie Wiley, Fundraising Chair for the Vista Arts Center, said the non-profit Arts Center Task Force is depending on businesses such as Bechtel and individuals within the community to step up to the challenge of funding the Center through donations and grants. “Unlike other entertainment proposals that have come before the community, we are not seeking sales or property tax increases,” Wiley affirmed. “Therefore, it’s critical that the community step up if they want to make the Vista Arts Center a reality. The Task Force appreciates Bechtel’s vision and commitment to the arts, and we ask other businesses and individuals to step up and follow their example.”

Vista Arts Center is planned to have an 800-seat theatre with full acoustics and technical support, an art gallery, and a multipurpose room that can serve as a smaller performance venue, meeting space, or education space. The Center will be located at the heart of the Vista Field Redevelopment Project and is envisioned as a catalyst for further development of the area as an urban center for the region and an arts and entertainment district.

The Vista Arts Center will benefit the Tri-Cities through economic development, tourism, recruitment and retention of a vibrant workforce, educational opportunities for all ages, and a home for the area’s performing and visual artists. Additionally, it will serve mid-sized touring groups who want a more intimate performing venue.

Bechtel is among the initial Capital Club donors to the Vista Arts Center building project. “The Capital Club recognizes donations of $20,000 or more. Donors also have the opportunity to secure naming rights to the Center and its components,” said Wiley.

Contacts:
Kathryn Lang, Arts Center Task Force 
Email: kslang@frontier.com
Telephone: 509-375-3474, 509-521-1863 mobile

Staci West, Communications Manager, Bechtel National Inc. 
Email: sawest@bechtel.com
Telephone: 509-371-5740
 

It’s an exciting time for the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP), or Vit Plant. Bechtel and the Department of Energy recently completed a new contract modification that formalizes work we began in 2014 on a new sequenced approach called Direct Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW). The significant progress we’ve made the past few years, and the new contract, position us to begin vitrification of low-activity waste as soon as 2022. 

Under the DFLAW approach, we will complete construction of the WTP Low-Activity Waste (LAW) Facility and support facilities before finishing the Pretreatment and High-Level Waste facilities. The original WTP plan called for all of these facilities to be completed and brought online simultaneously. DFLAW allows waste from the tank farms to be delivered directly into the LAW Facility for processing rather than first being processed in the Pretreatment Facility.

Our success with DFLAW will serve as the foundation for completing the Pretreatment and High-Level Waste facilities as we leverage the expertise and learnings gained through that first phase. 

I’m confident in our ability to make glass as soon as 2022. Bechtel and AECOM share a workforce of nearly 3,000 people who are dedicated to making it happen. 

The Vit Plant, when complete, will be the world’s largest and most complex vitrification facility. And the waste is the most complex in the world – with a mix of radioactive constituents, as well as more than 1,800 different chemicals to process and treat. When operational, the Vit Plant will process daily 30 times more waste than the world’s current largest vitrification plant.

In 2017, we will complete installation of the last engineered piece of major equipment in the LAW Facility and complete the final structural assembly of two melters that serve as the heart of LAW – with completion of that facility anticipated in 2018. We will continue our efforts to restart construction for the remaining facilities with a year-long vessel testing campaign for the Pretreatment Facility and continuing civil construction build out of the High-Level Waste Facility.

The success of DFLAW – and our ability to begin making glass in as soon as five years – depends upon our performance, as well as the collaboration of our stakeholders around the community and country. A mammoth undertaking such as the Vit Plant requires the involvement and support of all of our employees and the hundreds more with DOE, oversight boards, and our regulators. We value the continuous support we receive from Hanford Communities and the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) in representing to other constituencies the progress and priorities of the Vit Plant.

Beyond their dedication to the Vit Plant, our employees are some of the most generous I’ve ever worked with in my career. In 2016, Bechtel and AECOM employees donated more than $584,000 to nonprofits in the Tri-Cities, as well as thousands of volunteer hours. They spearhead fundraisers on a regular basis, gathering donations at the holidays for special campaigns and throughout the year. On top of individual employees’ donations, Bechtel provides charitable donations to nearly 50 organizations and causes in the Tri-Cities, including the United Way, Friends of Badger Mountain, Second Harvest, Columbia Basin College and the Washington STEM Education Foundation.

We look forward to the continued physical progress we’ll make this year toward achieving DFLAW as soon as 2022 and to continuing this journey with our employees and with the Tri-Cities community.

“Toys for Tots is one of our favorite events of the year because it provides us with the opportunity to give back to the community and to honor the Marines as well as the many veterans who work at the Vit Plant,” said Danny Hydrick, Vit Plant manager of construction. 

Vit Plant employees and Bechtel designated $11,000 of the total donation to the Local 598 pipefitters’ annual Bikes for Tikes campaign. This year, the pipefitters are purchasing and assembling 500 bicycles and helmets for Toys for Tots.

“We continue to be impressed by the consistent generosity of the Vit Plant employees and companies. Every year, they come together and help our local Toys for Tots organization meet our community’s needs and create brighter holidays for children in our area,” said Glen Carter, local Toys for Toys coordinator. 

In 2016, Vit Plant employees and parent companies Bechtel and AECOM donated nearly $570,000 to area community organizations and charities. Recipients included the United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties, Second Harvest, Junior Achievement, March of Dimes, and others.

Local businesses Griggs/Ace Hardware and Vintners Logistics also contributed to the Vit Plant’s efforts. Griggs/Ace Hardware ensured the bicycle orders were fulfilled in time for Christmas delivery. Vintners Logistics will deliver the toys and bikes to Toys for Tots.

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About Bechtel National, Inc.:

Bechtel National, Inc. (BNI), is a leading engineering, procurement, construction, and project management contractor for the U.S. government. BNI’s successes include many large, first-of-a-kind signature projects in federally owned site management, environmental restoration, defense, space, energy, as well as national and homeland security. BNI is a member of the Bechtel group of companies.

Event Photos

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Danny Hydrick, Bechtel's Manager of Construction at the Hanford Vit Plant, address the crowd dressed as Santa Claus to announce the totals from the Vit Plant's 2016 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots campaign at the construction site. Vit Plant employees donated thousands of toys and more than $29,000 to the campaign. Peggy McCullough, Bechtel's Project Director at the Vit Plant, joined in the festivities by dressing as Mrs. Claus. 

Glen Carter, Toys for Tots coordinator, thanks the crowd for the contributions to the Vit Plant's 2016 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots campaign at the construction site. Vit Plant employees donated thousands of toys and more than $29,000 to the campaign. 

Marines and Bechtel employees work together to load toys from the Vit Plant's 2016 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots campaign into a trailer to prepare them for delivery to needy families in the community.

Marines and Bechtel employees work together to load toys from the Vit Plant's 2016 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots campaign into a trailer to prepare them for delivery to needy families in the community.

Marines and Bechtel employees work together to load toys from the Vit Plant's 2016 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots campaign into a trailer to prepare them for delivery to needy families in the community.

“Bechtel has a corporate commitment to enhancing the communities in which it works through charitable contributions and personal stewardship, and we encourage our employees to do the same,” said Vit Plant Project Director Peggy McCullough.

“However, the generosity of employees on this project exceeds anything I’ve seen on other projects and in other communities,” she said.

Most recently, Vit Plant employees donated thousands of toys and more than $35,000 to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots campaign.

Additional recipients included the United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties, Second Harvest, Junior Achievement, March of Dimes and others.

The largest single contribution was to Friends of Badger Mountain. In June, Bechtel donated $100,000 to help create a preserve on Candy Mountain in Richland.

The Candy Mountain gift is the most recent in a number of legacy projects Bechtel has supported in the Tri-Cities over the last 20 years. Other legacy projects include the Hanford REACH Interpretive Center, Bechtel Planetarium at Columbia Basin College, Family Fishing Pond, and Playground of Dreams.

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About Bechtel:
Bechtel is among the most respected engineering, project management and construction companies in the world. We stand apart for our ability to get the job done right—no matter how big, how complex or how remote. Bechtel operates through four global business units that specialize in infrastructure; mining and metals; nuclear, security and environmental; and oil, gas, and chemicals. Since its founding in 1898, Bechtel has worked on more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents. Today, our 53,000 colleagues team with customers, partners and suppliers on diverse projects in nearly 40 countries. For more information about Bechtel, visit www.bechtel.com

At Hanford, Bechtel is designing and building the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy at the Hanford Site in southeastern Washington state. The Waste Treatment Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will immobilize millions of gallons of radioactive liquid waste stored in 177 underground tanks using a process called vitrification. For more information about the Vit Plant, visit www.hanfordvitplant.com.

Bechtel National Inc. is building the plant for the Department of Energy.

“We value the relationships we have with local and regional companies and appreciate being able to work closely with our large and small business neighbors to realize the mission of the Vit Plant,” said Peggy McCullough, Vit Plant project director and Bechtel senior vice president. “Local and regional businesses are an extended part of our team and are important to the completion of the Vit Plant.”

The figures represent spending in Fiscal Year 2015.

Examples of local or regional businesses that received subcontracts for work at the Vit Plant include:

• Dade Moeller is a small local business started in 1994 and headquartered in Richland. Its first Vit Plant contract covers development and review of a radiation protection program, which includes reviewing overarching legal documents and developing and reviewing relevant Vit Plant procedures, technical basis documents and radiological safety. A second contract includes teaming with Strata-G, LLC, a veteran-owned small business based in Knoxville, Tenn., to conduct a waste management requirements gap analysis; develop waste management program plans and procedures; and identify enhancements and readiness documentation needed for moving the program to commissioning and operations.
• Horizon Distribution is a veteran-owned small business established in 1881 in Yakima, Wash. The company has supplied the Vit Plant with a variety of maintenance, repair, operations and construction needs such as tools, personal protection equipment, and electrical, plumbing, HVAC and instrumentation needs. Two custom-support projects included pallet racks and specialty shelving for the Vit Plant’s Material Handling Facility and a complete tool and material handling package for use when operations begin.
• Abadan is a small business founded in 1953 and now headquartered in Richland. Abadan has provided office technology and services to the Vit Plant since the project began. The company provides copiers, wide-format engineering plotters, scanners and associated technical support for Vit Plant needs.

Tess Klatt, Vit Plant Small Business Program manager, said Bechtel makes a concerted effort to support the local business community.

“The complexity of the Vit Plant – in the construction of four nuclear facilities in one footprint – provides opportunities for both large and small businesses in industries from professional and technical services to complex fabricated metal manufacturing,” she said.

Since Bechtel began construction of the Vit Plant, it has purchased more than $1.7 billion in goods and services from Washington and Oregon businesses with $1.2 billion of that from Tri-Cities businesses.

“Since I have been coordinator, I have been amazed by the generosity of the Vit Plant employees, Bechtel and URS,” said Glen Carter, local Toys for Tots coordinator. “Their contribution to our local Toys for Tots organization helps us meet the community’s needs year after year.”

Vit Plant employees designated $19,000 of the total donation to the Local 598 pipefitters’ annual Bikes for Tikes campaign. This year, the pipefitters are purchasing and assembling 750 bicycles and helmets for Toys for Tots.

“Vit Plant employees take a lot of pride in giving back to their community, and they really rally around this event because it’s an opportunity to show their support for the Marines and their Toys for Tots program,” said Bryan Kerr, Vit Plant manager of construction.

“This year, Bechtel is also recognizing Vit Plant employees’ outstanding safety performance and commitment to safety with a special $5,000 donation to the Local 598 pipefitters’ Bikes for Tikes campaign.”

In 2015, Vit Plant employees and parent companies Bechtel and URS donated more than $590,000 to community organizations and charities. Recipients included the United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties, Second Harvest, Junior Achievement, March of Dimes, and others.

Local businesses Griggs/Ace Hardware and Vintners Logistics also contributed to the Vit Plant’s efforts. Griggs/Ace Hardware ensured the bicycle orders were fulfilled in time for Christmas delivery. Vintners Logistics will provide delivery for the toys and bikes.

About Bechtel:

Bechtel National, Inc. is designing and building the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy at the Hanford Site in southeastern Washington state. The Waste Treatment Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will use a process called vitrification to solidify the radioactive liquid waste stored in 177 underground tanks.

Vitrification involves blending the waste with glass-forming materials and heating it to high temperatures. The molten mixture is then poured into stainless steel canisters to cool and solidify. In this glass form, the waste is stable and impervious to the environment, and its radioactivity will dissipate over hundreds to thousands of years.

The Vit Plant will cover 65 acres with four major facilities – Pretreatment, Low-Activity Waste Vitrification, High-Level Waste Vitrification, and Analytical Laboratory – as well as operations and maintenance buildings, utilities, other support facilities, and office space.

RICHLAND, Washington, June 5, 2015—Bechtel National, Inc. provided a $100,000 gift to the Friends of Badger Mountain to help create a preserve on Candy Mountain in Richland.

Friends of Badger Mountain is a group of area residents dedicated to preserving and maintaining the ridges and natural habitat in the Mid-Columbia region for the benefit of the general public and the environment. The Bechtel donation, which will be paid out over three years, will support FOBM’s campaign to raise $1.5 million to purchase land and construct a trail to the summit of Candy Mountain. Bechtel also will provide a granite marker at the new trailhead.

“Bechtel’s very generous donation to the Friends of Badger Mountain is a major contribution to our community's economic growth and quality of life that will last for generations,” said Sharon Grant, FOBM co-founder. “By this giant step, FOBM will be able to preserve and provide access to Candy Mountain and make a major addition to our intent to establish a system of trails that will connect across our four local ridges."

A global leader in the engineering and construction industry, Bechtel has a corporate commitment to enhancing the communities in which it works through charitable contributions and personal stewardship.

“Preserving the land at Candy Mountain is an exciting addition to our legacy stewardship projects that will provide lasting benefits to the Tri-Cities,” said Peggy McCullough, project director for Bechtel’s Waste Treatment Plant Project. “The trail is a natural extension of our work at Hanford to protect the Columbia River. We want everyone to enjoy the beautiful view of the river from the Candy Mountain summit for years to come.”

Other Bechtel legacy projects in the Tri-Cities include the Hanford REACH Interpretive Center, the Bechtel Planetarium at Columbia Basin College, the Family Fishing Pond, and the Playground of Dreams.

The donation will be made at a public celebration at Trailhead Park (525 Queensgate Dr.) in Richland today at 11 a.m. The event will celebrate 10 years of FOBM success at Badger Mountain and highlight future plans for Candy Mountain. For more information about the event, visit www.friendsofbadger.org.

About Bechtel:
Bechtel is among the most respected engineering, project management, and construction companies in the world. We stand apart for our ability to get the job done right—no matter how big, how complex, or how remote. Bechtel operates through four global business units that specialize in infrastructure; mining and metals; nuclear, security and environmental; and oil, gas, and chemicals. Since its founding in 1898, Bechtel has worked on more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents. Today, our 53,000 colleagues team with customers, partners, and suppliers on diverse projects in nearly 40 countries. www.bechtel.com

At Hanford, Bechtel is designing and building the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy at the Hanford Site in southeastern Washington state. The Waste Treatment Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will immobilize the radioactive liquid waste stored in 177 underground tanks using a process called vitrification. For more information about the Vit Plant, visit www.hanfordvitplant.com.