Central Plateau Cleanup Company

DRAIN & FILL: After safely completing the removal of nearly 1 million gallons of contaminated water from the K West Reactor spent fuel storage basin, CPCCo crews this week began filling the basin with grout. The grout will encapsulate contaminated debris and stabilize the basin for future demolition. The contaminated water from the basin was taken via 131 tanker truck loads to a nearby treatment facility.

SCHOOL'S OUT; THEY'RE IN: Please help us welcome our 2024 business, science and engineering summer intern cohort! We are thrilled to work with the next generation of talent this summer as we continue to protect the Columbia River and remediate the Central Plateau at the Hanford Site. 

CAREER BUILDING: Most of Hanford’s summer interns – including 35 from CPCCo – gathered last week for a special on-site networking event to get better acquainted, learn more about the critical cleanup mission they’re supporting, and hear career advice from senior leaders. Fun fact: This summer, Hanford has a total of 161 interns attending school in 22 states, including such far-flung locales as New York and Florida!

ANTLER ALERT: Driving through ungulate country (aka the Hanford Site)? Stay alert! While majestic, deer and elk have no respect for traffic laws, making road crossings unpredictable, especially when they are most active at dawn and dusk, which can be peak Hanford commuting times. Here are a few tips to help avoid incidents with Hanford's largest mammals: - Pay attention to your surroundings - Slow down, especially if you see one or more animals near the side of the road - Keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you - Use high beams - Look for signs of animals

HISTORY BUFFS REJOICE: If you have ever wanted to step back in time and explore a piece of history – this is your chance. Another month of free tours for the B Reactor, the world’s first full-scale plutonium production reactor, is now available. Whether you’re a history buff, a science geek or someone who likes a thoughtful tour, the B Reactor is a “must do” this summer. Check out the schedule and register at https://lnkd.in/gB23p2Br

SUMMER SAFETY (THE REMIX): When the heat is on and the UV’s strong (Stop because it’s hot) If the sun’s too hot, find a cool spot (Stop because it’s hot) Another safety remix from an award-winning rapper? Maybe not. But we think Snoop Dogg knows the importance of worker safety when the days get hot. With multiple cool down stations, CPCCo ensures workers have a safe place to stop when the mercury rises. Here are some tips for staying safe in the summer heat on and off the Hanford Site: - Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water throughout the day even if you’re not thirsty. - Dress smart! Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your skin along with a hat, sunglasses and at least 15 SPF sunscreen (but the higher the better!) - Take regular breaks! Give yourself time to cool down in shaded areas. - Watch out for friends and colleagues! Look out for signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, if someone appears disoriented, dizzy or experiencing other symptoms, take action immediately.

PFP JEOPARDY: Complex. Hazardous. Critical. What are three words that describe Hanford’s Plutonium Finishing Plant? PFP, also known as the ‘Z Plant’, was one of the most complex and hazardous facilities on the Hanford Site. PFP began its mission in 1949 to produce weapons-grade plutonium. For nearly four decades, it played a pivotal role in national defense by processing plutonium into “buttons” and plutonium oxide powder. CPCCo finished demolition of the PFP facility in late 2021. Learn more about PFP’s legacy during a free lecture with engineer Dennis A. Armstrong at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 11 at the Richland Public Library. The event is sponsored by the B Reactor Museum Association.

WORK HARD, REST HARDER: Healthy & Mission Ready is a CPCCo initiative that focuses on employee health and overall well-being. This month we’re focusing on Work-Life Balance. Finding that sweet spot between hustle and chill is the key to staying happy, healthy and productive. Check out the below video to learn the importance of maintaining balance in your life. https://lnkd.in/g6RzWUV2

LET’S TALK HANFORD: Randal Fox, CPCCo’s Risk, Modeling and Characterization Integration manager, brought some serious science swag to four Chiawana High School classes! Randal took students on a deep dive into the Hanford Site, covering everything from groundwater remediation to the cocooning of the riverside reactors. He even shared a little information about the tank farm retrievals and Waste Treatment Plant! Huge shout out to Randal for inspiring the next generation workforce!

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: Here at CPCCo we’re committed to maintaining environmental protection and improvement on the Hanford Site and beyond! Our workforce is dedicated to cleaning up and restoring the Central Plateau to be enjoyed by future generations.