Vit Plant Earns Important Cybersecurity Authorization

Bechtel National Inc. (BNI) recently took a major step forward when the Vit Plant received a federal authorization certifying that the WTP’s information systems comply with DOE cybersecurity requirements, a necessary step to keep the plant safe during commissioning and operations.

“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.