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.

The test brought together teams from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management’s Hanford Field Office, WTP prime contractor Bechtel National Inc., AtkinsRéalis, and VSL to assess melter and emissions treatment system challenges and provide insights for ongoing HLW Facility engineering design.

“This test highlights how strategic partnerships are shaping the future of the Hanford cleanup mission,” said Mat Irwin, Hanford’s assistant manager for the WTP. “By partnering with technical and industry experts, we are able to accelerate progress, identify potential challenges and ensure that the HLW Facility is ready to safely and efficiently treat high-level waste when operations begin.”

The team performed the test over five days at VSL, which operates the largest collection of waste glass melters in the United States, including a one-third scale of the melter and emissions treatment system like what the HLW Facility will use. It was the second of six tests to be performed to validate melter and emissions treatment system design.

“Partnerships strengthen our ability to deliver safe and reliable operations for DOE, the environment and the surrounding communities depending on this cleanup,” said Mark Johnson, HLW Facility project manager for Bechtel. “They have been invaluable to WTP, both for the Low-Activity Waste Facility and HLW.”

Bechtel is advancing the design for direct-feed high-level waste to 90% complete while enclosing the HLW Facility.

Like Hanford’s Low-Activity Waste Facility, the HLW Facility will mix tank waste with glass-forming materials in two large melters operating at 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit. The mixture will be poured into stainless steel containers for interim safe storage prior to 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). 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.

"This achievement is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team. Each gallon of immobilized waste brings us closer to a cleaner, safer environment and revitalized community,” said Brian Hartman, WTP project director and senior vice president with Bechtel National Inc., which designed, built and is commissioning the plant.

Treating waste through vitrification supports Hanford’s priorities of safely remediating contaminated sites while delivering measurable progress for taxpayers. It reinforces Hanford’s role in the cleanup mission by addressing complex environmental challenges with sustained performance.

"Treating 100,000 gallons is more than just a number; it represents our commitment to protecting the Columbia River and Tri-Cities community for future generations," added Mat Irwin, Hanford Field Office assistant manager for tank waste operations.

The waste being treated is part of the 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste generated by plutonium production during World War II and the Cold War and stored in aging underground tanks located a few miles from the Columbia River. This progress is part of dual glass-plus-grout solutions that are advancing the Hanford tank waste mission.

The Bechtel-led team has operated the plant in extended hot commissioning since October 2025. The hot commissioning process will continue over the next year, during which the team will build production consistency and establish a steady rhythm for safe and sustained operations.

Inside the Low Activity Waste 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 seven metric tons when filled. The containers are delivered to Hanford’s Integrated Disposal Facility for long-term disposal.

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). 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.

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.

A national organization has selected a Bechtel industrial hygiene and safety specialist to receive its Emerging Safety Leader Excellence Award in recognition of her innovation, leadership, and impact on workplace safety. Michelle Tatosian accepted the award at the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association's (VPPPA) Safety+ Symposium 2025 last week in St. Louis, Missouri. 

In just two years with Bechtel, Michelle has become a key player in driving safety culture at the Vit Plant's jobsite. From hazard analysis on an ammonia system to improving lockout/tagout practices and evaluating 300+ confined spaces, her hands-on approach has made a measurable difference in the safety posture.

According to the VPPPA, she was “recognized for her proactive approach to hazard prevention, leadership on high-risk systems, and deep commitment to employee engagement. Michelle's work with VPP teams and cross-functional safety initiatives reflects the innovation, integrity and people-first mindset that define the next generation of safety leaders.”

The award safety professionals with less than 10 years of experience who demonstrate exceptional dedication, leadership, and innovation. It highlights individuals making a significant impact on workplace safety - regardless of whether they’re based at a VPP site. Founded in 1985, VPPPA represents more than 1,400 companies and sites nationwide. The group promotes health and safety through collaboration, mentorship, and education.

Tony Campbell, jobsite Safety and Health manager, and Wade Bruemmer, safety culture manager, praised Michelle for her accomplishments and leadership ability.

• “Michelle has made meaningful contributions to both the site’s safety performance and its culture by identifying and addressing systemic safety risks before they became incidents. Her approach has led to measurable improvements in both hazard recognition and employee engagement.” – Tony Campbell
• “Michelle has a knack for spotting safety issues early and finding practical solutions. She’s helped improve how the site recognizes hazards, and she keeps her fellow employees engaged in safety.” – Wade Bruemmer

Michelle’s involvement in safety extends well beyond her day-to-day responsibilities. She represented the Project at the 2024 VPPPA National Conference and has served as an active member and supporter of multiple employee-led safety initiatives, including the VPP Action Team and the jobsite Area Safety Team.

Michelle is an is an Industrial Safety and Hygiene Specialist. She joined Bechtel and the Hanford Vit Plant project in 2023. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and is a certified Associate Safety Professional and Associate in Risk Management.

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.

The Vit Plant is taking computer-based training to the next level by creating virtual walkthroughs of plant facilities.

The walkthroughs will allow staff to explore and familiarize themselves with facilities and equipment from their computer screens before beginning fieldwork.

“These walkthroughs will bridge the gap between basic training and hands-on experience for both new and current team members,” said Mat Irwin, Hanford’s assistant manager for the Vit Plant Project. “The enhanced realism adds valuable context to the training concepts, which will help build better understanding of plant facilities, equipment and procedures.”

The training staff creates the walkthroughs using a high-definition, 360-degree camera to photograph spaces. They upload these detailed photos into special software that merges them into seamless views, allowing users to look around the spaces as if they were physically present in them. They then arrange these views into a sequence that guides users through facilities step by step. Finally, they add narration tailored to each training and facility, providing important information and instruction throughout the virtual tour.

“These will be game changers in readying our team for future operations,” said Chris Musick, general manager for Waste Treatment Completion Company, the main subcontractor for Bechtel National Inc., the contractor designing, building and commissioning the plant. “This level of preparation will build our team’s confidence in its abilities and ensure it’s fully equipped to perform safe, high-quality work from Day 1.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Large vehicles and heavy machinery took center stage at the Vit Plant’s second annual Heavy Equipment Expo. The event gives workers hands-on experience with the large vehicles used at the plant while promoting awareness of the hazards they can pose.

As Hanford continues its mission to treat and immobilize millions of gallons of chemical and radioactive waste, workforce safety remains a top priority, and events like these highlight that ongoing commitment.

Expo attendees climbed inside bulldozers, excavators and telehandlers to experience firsthand the blind spots and other challenges operators face. Operators answered questions and shared valuable insights about the unique hazards associated with operating each machine.

“Every worker needs to understand the safety risks associated with large machines,” said Mat Irwin, acting assistant manager for the Vit Plant Project. “Hands-on experiences offer workers perspectives that classroom or computer-based training can’t.”

This year Vit Plant staff members combined the Heavy Equipment Expo with their annual safety expo, which brings together different safety teams and departments from across the plant. Each team set up a booth with safety-themed activities and provided information about their roles in plant operations.

“Seeing our staff excited to learn about safety shows how valuable these events are for building a strong safety culture,” said Brian Hartman, project director for WTP and senior vice president for Bechtel National Inc., “Our team members walked away with a lot of important information, and creative activities make the lessons more memorable.”

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 tests are part of ongoing efforts to verify the ability of the LAW Facility emissions treatment system to respond to potential issues. The LAW Facility contains 37 secondary safety systems, each responsible for addressing different scenarios.

“These secondary safety systems help prevent an unlikely, unplanned event,” said Mat Irwin, Hanford’s acting assistant manager for the Vit Plant Project. “The testing verified that the systems’ hardware and software work in unison, a key step in helping ensure operational safety at the LAW Facility.”

During the tests, workers electronically triggered each system to simulate a response to a pressure change, and carefully monitored and documented response times. The tests simulated scenarios of excessive or insufficient air pressure within the emissions treatment system.

“These tests required careful synchronization among 45 crew members spread across eight zones inside the LAW Facility,” said Rick Holmes, Bechtel National Inc. principal vice president and general manager for Waste Treatment Completion Company. “Together they ensured that technical requirements of the tests were met, while also ensuring safety standards were maintained throughout.”

The completion of these tests moves the facility closer to fully demonstrating the reliability of its safety systems and ensures 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.

One standout among the new programs is the introduction of physiological monitoring by the Vit Plant's industrial hygiene team. The monitoring program tracks workers’ vital signs, including heart rate and body temperature, at regular intervals during high-risk tasks. These vital signs are used to detect early indicators of fatigue, stress or other risk factors that could lead to injury, helping ensure that workers can take preventive action before issues arise.

“It’s essential that every worker feels empowered to stop work if they feel safety is at risk,” said Mat Irwin, Hanford’s acting assistant manager for the Vit Plant. “The safety of our people comes first, and these programs help ensure workers can continue to get work done safely.”

Building off the monitoring program, a comprehensive safety leadership training is provided for managers, supervisors and foremen. This training emphasizes the importance of creating a “safety first” culture and encourages leaders to empower their teams to pause work if they feel conditions are unsafe. It also helps ensure all managers are equipped to support and enforce these safety protocols.

“We’ve seen firsthand how a strong safety culture directly translates to fewer injuries,” said Rick Holmes, Bechtel National Inc. principal vice president and general manager for Waste Treatment Completion Company, primary subcontractor to Bechtel at the Vit Plant. “These programs are vital to helping ensure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.”

The success of these programs and the corresponding drop in injury rates led to the U.S. Department of Energy recently recognizing the Vit Plant with its Voluntary Protection Program Star of Excellence award. This is the second time the Vit Plant has received this award.

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.

On the heels of the Summer Olympics, two Hanford Site contractors have finished a first-time relay of test glass while preparing for a giant leap forward in the cleanup mission.

Working under the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste Program, the whole site is preparing to start 24/7 operations to treat radioactive waste from large underground tanks by immobilizing it in glass for safe disposal.

Workers with Bechtel National Inc. started the relay when they loaded large containers of non-radioactive test glass on a specially designed trailer at the Low-Activity Waste Facility at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP). They drove it to a nearby staging area. The Central Plateau Cleanup Company took the baton and drove the containers to the site’s Integrated Disposal Facility.

Mat Irwin, the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management’s acting assistant manager for the WTP Project, noted the training runs using test glass are important qualifiers for the One Hanford team.

“Moving the containers allowed the contractors to practice the transfer process and provided the disposal facility with containers for additional training,” Irwin said. “The relays move at the deliberate and methodical pace required in our work to protect people and the environment.”

The test glass in the containers was poured from one of the 300-ton melters, which will vitrify tank waste, in the plant’s Low-Activity Waste Facility.

Vitrification is a process of mixing liquid radioactive waste with glass-forming materials and heating them to 2,100 degrees in a melter. The melting incorporates the waste in the glass. The molten glass is poured into containers and allowed to solidify and cool.

After using containers of test glass for training at the disposal facility, Hanford will send them to a hazardous waste landfill in Oregon for disposal.

When operations begin vitrifying low-activity tank waste, contractors will relay more than 200,000 containers of waste immobilized in glass from the plant to safe disposal in Hanford’s Integrated Disposal Facility.

Learn more about Hanford waste treatment and disposal at the Hanford Virtual Tour.

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 delivery of sodium hydroxide is an important precursor to several months of testing using simulated waste, known as the cold commissioning phase,” said Mat Irwin, the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management’s acting assistant manager for the Vit Plant. “Vit Plant crews will test the waste processing and exhaust treatment systems in the plant’s Low-Activity Waste Facility before introducing actual tank waste into the plant during hot commissioning.”

Commissioning of the facility is an important step in preparing to vitrify, or immobilize in glass, millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste from Hanford’s large underground tanks.

A second, longer-term use of sodium hydroxide will be to treat hazardous liquids coming from the facility’s exhaust treatment system and the system that treats liquids generated during the vitrification process.

Many industries use sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye, as a versatile chemical. However, sodium hydroxide, like other industrial chemicals, has to be treated as a hazardous substance. To ensure the safe handling of the chemical onsite, workers are required to follow strict safety protocols during its use, which includes storing it in an isolated tank at the Vit Plant.

“Our team prepared for this delivery by implementing safety measures to ensure the safe handling, storage and use of sodium hydroxide onsite,” said Rick Holmes, Bechtel National Inc. principal vice president and general manager for Waste Treatment Completion Company, primary subcontractor to Bechtel. “The team’s success marks an important step toward cold commissioning later this year and preparing for the future sustained production of vitrified waste.”

During future waste treatment operations, treated waste from Hanford’s underground tanks will be fed directly to melters inside the Low-Activity Waste Facility. The waste will be mixed with glass-forming materials and heated, and then poured into stainless steel containers for disposal at Hanford’s Integrated Disposal Facility.

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.

“Plant crews have demonstrated that both melters are fully operational and capable of pouring glass,” said Mat Irwin, U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management acting assistant manager for WTP. “System tests will begin to look more like future waste treatment operations moving forward.”

Plant personnel will continue to pour glass from Melter 2 in batches so control room staff can practice the process until they have filled the container. The Vit Plant produced the first container of test glass last year after completing a similar series of pours from Melter 1.

Personnel heating up melters and pouring test glass are an important part of commissioning the facility to prepare for vitrifying, or immobilizing in glass, millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste from Hanford’s large underground tanks.

“The first pour from Melter 2 is another important step in commissioning the plant and preparing for the future sustained production of vitrified waste,” said Brian Hartman, senior vice president for Bechtel National Inc., lead contractor for the Vit Plant. “I’m proud of our team’s progress in heating a second melter, managing other first-time systems and moving forward with filling more containers.”

During future waste treatment operations, Hanford crews will feed waste from underground tanks that have been treated to remove radioactive solids and cesium to the melters inside the LAW Facility. The waste will be mixed with glass-forming materials in the melters, then poured into specially designed stainless-steel containers for disposal at Hanford’s Integrated Disposal Facility.

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.

Together they laid out the strategy for completing the design and construction of the partially built facility that will immobilize in glass millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste from large, underground tanks at Hanford.

“We have a strong plan on what technical and programmatic requirements will drive the path to completing Hanford’s high-level waste treatment mission,” said Tom Teynor, Hanford HLW Facility project manager. “The collaboration is an example of how EM and its contractors can partner to produce positive outcomes.”

Felice Presti, Bechtel principal vice president and project manager for HLW, said, “Achieving alignment early reduces uncertainties, supports cost and schedule estimating and planning for future work, and it serves as a foundation for success going forward.”

The team incorporated lessons learned from the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of the plant’s Low-Activity Waste Facility and other facilities in EM’s Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste Program.

A key aspect of the way ahead is completing design work before doing major construction work. The team also focused on determining criteria for accepting waste from Hanford's Tank Farms; using additional mock-ups, or simulated work environments with no radiological or chemical hazards; and involving experienced operators early in planning.

“These actions establish a strong foundation for making the High-Level Waste Facility Project a model for future projects,” said Teynor.

Like the Low-Activity Waste Facility, the HLW Facility will mix tank waste with glass-forming materials in two large melters operating at 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit. The mixture will be poured into stainless steel containers for interim safe storage prior to 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.

Mat Irwin, DOE Office of River Protection acting assistant manager for the Vit Plant Project, highlighted the significance of both melters reaching operating temperatures.

“The WTP team is now operating the two largest glass melters in the world on a 24/7 schedule,” said Irwin. “This is another important step in our preparations to start treating radioactive and chemical waste from Hanford’s large underground tanks by immobilizing it in glass for disposal.”

In joule heating, electrical current passes through a pool of molten glass in the melter to create and maintain heat. After the melter reached operating temperatures, Vit Plant crews began removing startup heaters. They replaced them with bubblers that circulate air in the molten glass to help maintain an even temperature.

“Our team will continue building operational proficiency as we prepare to pour clean test glass from Melter 2 into a container,” said Rick Holmes, Bechtel National Inc. principal vice president and general manager for the Vit Plant. “These achievements set the stage for several months of ‘cold commissioning’ using simulated waste to test the Low-Activity Waste Facility’s processing and exhaust treatment systems.”

When “hot commissioning” using actual tank waste begins in 2025, the plant will treat millions of gallons of waste using vitrification, which is when waste is mixed with glass-forming materials in the two 300-ton melters, poured into containers, and transferred to Hanford’s Integrated Disposal Facility 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.

“The testing will validate the lab’s chemical and radiological safety measures,” said Mat Irwin, acting assistant manager for the WTP project. “The team will demonstrate that instruments are qualified to perform analyses of radioactive waste samples during future waste-treatment operations.”

WTP staff completed a comprehensive review of lab systems, teams and processes to ensure readiness for the radiological testing prior to opening the first ever vial of radioactive solution in the lab.

“Our team confirmed all radiological control instruments were fully operational and demonstrated our chemists’ proficiency in radiological and chemical safety practices," said Rick Holmes, general manager for Bechtel National Inc. subcontractor Waste Treatment Completion Company.

During future plant operations, workers will immobilize in glass millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste from large underground tanks at Hanford. Analytical Laboratory staff will analyze samples of the waste as it is transferred to WTP. These analyses will be used to determine the correct “recipe” of glass-forming materials to mix with the waste before it is transferred into one of the plant’s two 300-ton glass melters for vitrification.

Hanford contractor Bechtel National, Inc. is responsible for designing, constructing, and commissioning the Vit Plant. Once completed, the plant will process and stabilize millions of gallons of legacy tank waste using the vitrification process. Information on the commissioning process is available on the Journey to Melter Heatup website. The plant facilities can be viewed using the self-guided Hanford Virtual Tour.

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.

“Heating up the second melter is an important achievement for Hanford and critical in our journey to advance tank waste treatment to immobilization and ultimately disposal,” said Brian Vance, DOE Office of River Protection Manager. “This success is the culmination of years of employee expertise, ingenuity and commitment to advancing the cleanup mission and providing real return on taxpayer investment.” 

With both melters now at their operational temperature, the Hanford team will next begin running nonradioactive simulants through the Vit Plant systems over the next several months prior to performing environmental performance testing. This achievement builds on significant progress in the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) program. 

The two 300-ton Vit Plant melters are the heart of the vitrification process, which will immobilize Hanford tank waste in glass. During vitrification, treated waste will be fed to the melters where it will be mixed with glass forming materials, heated to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit and poured into specially designed stainless-steel containers for disposal at the Integrated Disposal Facility. 

“We are immensely proud of the successful heat up of Melter 2 at the Vit Plant. This milestone reflects the dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit of our employees, contractors, and our partner, the Department of Energy," said Brian Hartman, Bechtel Senior Vice President and Project Director of the Hanford Vit Plant. "By incorporating the lessons learned from the first melter, we have reached this historic milestone safely and efficiently, underscoring our commitment to excellence and safety." 

With the operating temperature successfully attained and a molten glass pool established, the next phase involves the removal of startup heaters. They will be replaced with bubblers, specialized equipment designed to introduce air into the molten glass, circulating it and maintaining an even temperature. 

Hanford contractor Bechtel National, Inc. is responsible for designing, constructing, and commissioning the Vit Plant. Once completed, the plant will process and stabilize millions of gallons of 
legacy tank waste using the vitrification process. Information on the commissioning process is available on the Journey to Melter Heatup website. The plant facilities can be viewed using the self-guided Hanford Virtual Tour available at www.Hanford.gov.

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.

“This authorization helps keep us on a sound path to start treating tank waste under the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste Program in early calendar year 2025,” said Brian Vance, EM Office of River Protection and Richland Operations Office manager. “It demonstrates the plant, personnel and procedures meet or exceed the Department’s cybersecurity requirements for operating nuclear facilities.”

Earning the authorization follows a multiyear effort by BNI and site integration and services contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions to transfer vital plant systems and more than 1,000 BNI computer users to the Hanford network.

“Receiving the authorization is the culmination of a five-year effort by more than 100 plant personnel across multiple departments,” said Jason Stidham, Vit Plant chief information officer for BNI, the prime contractor designing, building and commissioning the plant. “The authorization would not have been possible without the significant teamwork and diligence demonstrated by all involved.”

During direct-feed low-activity waste operations, Hanford tank waste will be heated in large melters and mixed with glass-forming materials in the Vit Plant’s Low-Activity Waste Facility. The mixture will then be poured into stainless steel containers and allowed to cool before being disposed of in a special landfill on the Hanford Site called the Integrated Disposal Facility.

The Vit Plant team last week poured the first batches of glass-forming beads, called frit, into a melter heated to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit. At that temperature, the beads melted and created the first molten pool inside the melter, which during future hot operations will immobilize radioactive and chemical tank waste in a form safe for permanent disposal.

The accomplishment represents another positive step toward waste treatment operations at the Vit Plant’s Low-Activity Waste (LAW) Facility as part of DOE’s Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste program at Hanford.

“This is a proud time for our Hanford team as we have established a molten glass pool in our first melter,” said Hanford Site Manager Brian Vance. “It’s a tremendous success made possible through the entire team’s dedication to safely progressing our important cleanup mission.”

Two 300-ton melters inside the LAW Facility are the heart of the vitrification process, which will immobilize the tank waste in glass. During vitrification, treated waste will be fed to the melter and then mixed with glass-forming materials heated to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit and poured into specially designed stainless-steel containers. The containers will then be moved a short distance to the Integrated Disposal Facility at the Hanford Site for disposal.

“Our team is excited about furthering our progress in achieving continuous melter operations,” said Brian Hartman, Vit Plant project director and senior vice president for Bechtel, which is designing, building, and commissioning the plant for the EM Office of River Protection.

On June 24, the team initiated heat up of the first melter and over a multiweek process slowly ramped to the 2,100-degree operating temperature.

Vance said many DOE and One Hanford team members, past and present, contributed to the important achievement.

“This accomplishment, and the many others delivered daily across the Hanford Site, reflect the expertise and commitment to excellence shown by our talented One Hanford team of dedicated professionals,” Vance said.

A total of about 40,000 pounds of frit will be added to create a molten pool about 31 inches deep.

Information on the Vit Plant commissioning process is available on the Journey to Melter Heatup website. The plant facilities can be viewed using the self-guided Hanford Virtual Tour.

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

Staff conducted the drill as part of the plant’s Operations Drill Program, which is designed to ensure Vit Plant personnel are prepared to respond to events that could compromise the plant’s operability.

“The program is built to promote a strong, long-lasting operational culture,” said Tom Fletcher, EM Office of River Protection assistant manager and federal project director for the Vit Plant. “It’s a key piece in preparing the team and site for future direct-feed low-activity waste (DFLAW) operations to treat radioactive and chemical waste from large, underground storage tanks.”

The program team holds a drill at least once per week, rotating through the operations shift crews and pulling from a wide variety of systems and possible situations. New drill scenarios are created regularly.

“Our program covers any plant system or event not included in the emergency preparedness drill scope,” said Arnoldo Saenz, the Vit Plant operations support specialist who runs the program. “We cover everything from the melter control systems to support systems like cooling water. If it can go wrong, we drill for it.”

During DFLAW operations, treated waste from Hanford’s underground storage tanks will be fed directly to melters inside the Vit Plant’s Low-Activity Waste Facility. The waste will be mixed with glass-forming materials and heated in the melters in a process known as vitrification, then poured into specially designed stainless steel containers for disposal at Hanford’s Integrated Disposal Facility.

“Brian is an exceptional leader with a proven talent for building strong partnerships with customers and creating high-performance teams,” said John Howanitz, president of Bechtel’s Nuclear, Security, and Environmental business. “His deep experience on complex projects and across all aspects of project management and execution, from development to startup and commissioning, makes him an ideal choice to lead the WTP project forward.”

Effective May 30, Hartman will lead the WTP team through final commissioning of the Low-Activity Waste Facility and its support facilities, which will immobilize low-activity waste in a form safe for disposal. He also will oversee the team working the engineering, design, and procurement for a facility to treat the Hanford Site’s high-level waste. 

“I look forward to building on the WTP team’s quality culture and collaborative approach to how we do work,” Hartman said. “We have an important mission to protect the environment and the public. I’m eager to work with our customer, other Hanford contractors, regulators, and the local community as we achieve hot commissioning for low-activity waste and ramp up efforts toward vitrifying high-level waste.”

Hartman served most recently as Bechtel’s corporate manager of Engineering and Technology and project execution manager. In this role, he headed the global engineering and technology functions for 5,000 professionals in 115 locations across 20 countries. Over the past year he also managed collaborative engineering efforts between Bechtel, NASA, and subcontractors to design a new launch facility at the Kennedy Space Center supporting NASA’s Artemis Mission.

Hartman began at Bechtel as an intern in 1982 and joined the company full time in 1983 as a junior engineer on the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station project in Mississippi. His career includes leadership roles related to nuclear, thermal, and renewable energy systems, including distributed control systems, instrumentation and controls, and facilities.

Hartman was elected a principal vice president in 2013 and senior vice president in 2020. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is a certified professional engineer and a member of the International Association of Automation ISA and National Society of Black Engineers.

Hartman succeeds Valerie McCain, who passed away earlier this year.

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

McCain, who passed away after a short illness earlier this year, was honored for leading the Vit Plant team to achieve key milestones in building a vitrification complex to clean up liquid nuclear waste remaining from the World War II Manhattan Project and the Cold War.

“Valerie was highly respected, exemplified our One Hanford spirit, and consistently inspired all who were lucky enough to serve with her,” said Brian Vance, EM Office of River Protection (ORP) and Richland Operations Office manager. “She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered for her profound effect on our team and our important work.”

Receiving the award on McCain’s behalf, Rick Holmes, Vit Plant site director, talked about her focus on the team and key partnerships: “If Valerie was here to accept this award, she would have talked about the people, and the partnerships with our customer, other contractors, and our Tri Cities community. She would have talked about the pride we have in delivering the project as important as the Vit Plant.”

Chosen annually by the editors of Engineering News-Record, the Top 25 Newsmakers are construction industry leaders recognized for positive contributions to their industry and communities.

McCain joined Bechtel in 1990, starting as an environmental scientist and cost engineer, and managed projects such as the Uranium Processing Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the modernization of a 60-year-old aluminum smelter in Canada. Since joining WTP in October 2018, McCain led the team of 2,250 employees in completing all construction for the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste facility; transitioning to commissioning and ramping up the commissioning workforce; shifting to a 24/7 operational culture; and managing through the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to advance the mission.

Bechtel leadership has worked with Val’s family and formed a memorial fund with the Three Rivers Community Foundation. The fund will establish scholarships and/or be distributed to nonprofits with missions that were important to Val, according to her family’s wishes. Donations can be made online at 3 Rivers Community Foundation. During the online process, donors can choose to leave a remembrance note that will be shared with her family. 

Bechtel National Inc. has named John Atwell as the acting Project Director for the Hanford Site’s Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (Vit Plant), effective immediately. John is a principal vice president and for the past two years has served as Project Director for Bechtel’s Vogtle Units 3&4 Completion project for Georgia Power.

Atwell served as manager of Functions and Operations for Bechtel’s Nuclear, Security, and Environment business unit from 2020 to 2021. During this time, he was responsible for operational oversight of the Vit Plant project on behalf of Bechtel.

He has more than 40 years of managerial experience leading engineering and project management activities across a range of projects, including nuclear power plants, nuclear and high-hazard facilities, and corporate functional departments. Atwell is a proven leader in both the field and corporate office, leading some of Bechtel’s largest and most complex nuclear power projects.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration from National University. He was elected a Bechtel principal vice president in 2005.

Atwell moves into the role in an acting capacity after the recent passing of Valerie McCain, who was the project director from October 2018 until March 2023.

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

“As we close in on operations for the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) Program, it becomes even more critical that our team members achieve and maintain full qualifications,” said Tom Fletcher, Department of Energy EM assistant manager for the Vit Plant Project. “These team members are essential as we move forward with our tank-waste treatment mission.”

The training includes systems and safety classes, drills and many other related qualifications, such as serving as the building director during an emergency. The shift operations managers also demonstrate their knowledge of safe plant operations to lead shift supervisors and technicians during the qualification process.

“The intensive series of training and performance demonstrations can take up to 18 months,” said Rick Holmes, general manager for Waste Treatment Completion Co., a subcontractor to Vit Plant lead Bechtel National Inc. “These managers are the backbone of our operations team, which works 24/7 to run the plant and prepare to immobilize tank waste in glass.”

The DFLAW Program is a system of interdependent projects and infrastructure improvements, managed and highly integrated as a program, that will operate together to immobilize tank waste in glass. During DFLAW operations, waste from Hanford’s large underground tanks that has been treated to remove radioactive cesium and solids will be fed directly to the LAW Facility’s melters. The waste and glass-forming materials will be mixed and heated in the melters, then poured into specially designed stainless-steel containers for permanent disposal at the site’s Integrated Disposal Facility.

The Vit Plant facilities can be viewed using the self-guided Hanford Virtual Tour.

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

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Valerie McCain, project director of the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant and a Bechtel Senior Vice President, died Sunday evening after a short illness. 

The entire Vit Plant team mourns this loss. Val was an inspiration to so many people on project, across the Hanford Site and Bechtel, and in the Tri-Cities community. 

Since joining WTP in October 2018, Val led the team of 2,250 employees in completing all construction for Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste; transitioning to commissioning and ramping up the commissioning workforce; shifting to a 24/7 operational culture; and managing through the pandemic while continuing to advance the mission. Her leadership culminated in the highest-ever rating for the project’s performance from the Department of Energy customer just one week ago. 

Val was an exceptional human being and led the Vit Plant team in achieving some of the most challenging and exciting milestones in the project’s history. Those who met her knew instantly that she genuinely cared about people. She modeled high integrity, compassion, and drive to make a difference in the world. The team was blessed to have her as a leader, teammate, and friend. 

She also served our local and government communities on boards of the Energy Facility Contractors Group, TRIDEC, the STEM Foundation, and Columbia Industries.

A bio is available here. And a headshot is available here.

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

“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

“We’ve been involved with the installation of just about every piece of major equipment that comes into the plant, from 300-ton melters to tower cranes and 275-ton vessels,” said Sean McGaughy, the crane and rigging team superintendent with the Waste Treatment Completion Company (WTCC), a subcontractor to project lead Bechtel National Inc. “Melters, vessels, structural steel; we’ve installed it all.”

Their work has included assembling three tower cranes and nine heavy-lift crawler cranes and, in what McGaughy calls one of the team’s most challenging projects, disassembling the low-activity waste tower crane, which the team did 200 feet in the air.

“The difference between doing work in the air and on the ground is if you pick something up and you’re a little off and it’s only six inches off the ground, you can set it back down and reconfigure,” he said. “You have to be spot on in the air.”

The size of the rigging crew used for a task varies by the job but usually includes McGaughy, who has been with WTP since 2002; Ryan Hoff, the WTCC rigging engineer who creates plans for equipment that weighs more than 10 tons or is of high value to the project; and as many as 10 operators, six ironworkers and nine truck drivers. The team creates an engineering lift plan, gathers the rigging hardware, determines which crane or equipment should be used for installation, performs load tests and safely installs the equipment.

“I look back at everything this team has done and who’s done what to get the plant up and running, and this team has been a huge part of the success,” said John Andreatta, the High-Level Waste Completion manager. “During the startup and commissioning phase of the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) Program, the team led the way on the lift planning, load testing and testing of the low-activity waste permanent operations cranes.”

Most of the equipment arrives at the site on trucks, but the heavier, larger items — such as two massive vessels that weighed 170 tons each — arrive on barges on the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, to the Port of Benton in Richland, Washington. There they are offloaded onto hydraulic platform trailers and transported to the jobsite at Hanford.

“Everything we do has a schedule,” said McGaughy. “We need to have our work done before the project can proceed with the next activity. We do our best to meet the schedule, but we never sacrifice safety for schedule.”

One of the greatest challenges was installing two 300-ton melters, the largest nuclear industry melters in the world, which are key to the plant’s DFLAW process.

“Our involvement with the melters has been a pretty big chunk of work,” said Hoff.

“We’ve been involved with the melters since about 2010,” said Andreatta. “It’s been gratifying to see it come to completion. This is a megaproject, and these are the team members getting it done in the background.”

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

The visit provided tangible experience and built upon training the team has received at a project simulator at the Hanford Site. VSL is home to small prototypes of the two melters installed in the Low-Activity Waste (LAW) Facility at the Vit Plant, which EM Office of River Protection prime contractor Bechtel National Inc. is building. The full-size, 300-ton melters are the heart of the vitrification process, which will immobilize radioactive and chemical tank waste in glass.

During vitrification, treated radioactive and chemical tank waste will be fed to the LAW Facility’s melters. The waste will be mixed with glass-forming materials, heated to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit and poured into specially designed stainless-steel containers. The containers will then be moved a short distance to the Integrated Disposal Facility at the Hanford Site for disposal.

“By observing our VSL colleagues work with the melters, we got a feel for how a melter behaves during operations,” said Vit Plant Commissioning Test Director Mark Rieb, who was one of six operations and commissioning team members on the visit.

VSL operates four test melters that can produce up to three tons of glass per day. Two of the VSL melters also have prototypes of the Vit Plant’s exhaust, or offgas, treatment system, which the team saw in operation.

The team observed VSL employees removing equipment, such as bubblers that keep a steady molten pool inside the melter, and observed the employees establishing waste flow into the melter.

“We were able to see molten glass poured, observe how it congeals when poured, and pick it up after it had cooled,” said Rieb. “It was a perfect test before we heat up and then run our first melter later this year.”

The visit is the latest collaboration between the Hanford team, contractor Atkins and VSL since work at the Vit Plant began. Atkins and VSL have been partners in long-term research and development since the late 1970s and developed the melter technology for the Vit Plant. VSL staff, led by Director Ian Pegg, have worked closely with the Vit Plant team and Atkins to test, improve and validate designs for key systems such as the melter, off-gas systems, waste feed, and glass formulations.

“It was a pleasure to work with such a smart and enthusiastic group; the plant is in good hands,” said Pegg. “The group came loaded with questions and it’s so much more powerful to be able to address them by showing and not just telling.”

The Vit Plant team is also planning to expand its experience through additional visits.

“It’s exciting for us to host our Vit Plant colleagues, given how close their facility is to heating up the first melter to make glass,” said Brad Bowan, senior vice president of engineering, technology and training for Atkins. “We are proud to be an integral part of the project and know we’re helping achieve an important cleanup mission at the Hanford Site.”

Information on the Vit Plant commissioning process is available on the Journey to Melter Heatup website. The plant facilities can be viewed using the self-guided Hanford Virtual Tour.

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

The startup heaters will be installed through ports in the lid of the melter and will raise the melter’s internal operating temperature to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to sustain the pool of molten glass to be used to start the waste vitrification process.

“This is an exciting and important step for our team as we drive toward melter heatup,” said Vit Plant Project Director Valerie McCain. “The melters are the heart of the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) Program and bringing Melter 1 online is a significant milestone on our journey to begin treating tank waste.”

Heating up the melter is a complex process, consisting of a series of activities to prepare for and establish the pool of molten glass. After the startup heaters raise the melter to operating temperature, small glass beads called frit will be added until the pool covers the heating electrodes inside the melter.

After melter heatup, the startup heaters will be removed and replaced with bubblers to mix the molten glass pool and help maintain an even temperature. Finally, more frit will be added to the melter to bring the pool up to operating level. The melter will then be ready to receive simulated materials to test the system before processing tank waste.

During DFLAW operations, waste from Hanford’s large underground tanks that has been treated to remove radioactive cesium and solids will be fed directly to the LAW Facility’s melters. The waste and glass-forming materials will be mixed and heated in the melters, then poured into specially designed stainless-steel containers for permanent disposal at the site’s Integrated Disposal Facility.

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