[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 80 (Monday, May 15, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 WEST VALLEY ACHIEVES SAFETY MILESTONE

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                           HON. AMO HOUGHTON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 15, 1995
  Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to extend my congratulations to 
the workers at the West Valley demonstration project in the 31st 
District of New York. They have completed 1 full year--over 2 million 
work hours--without losing 1 day due to a work related accident.
  The West Valley demonstration project, created in 1980, is addressing 
both a local and national need for radioactive waste management 
technology.
  At the project, the Department of Energy is developing and 
implementing technology to safely solidify the liquid high-level 
radioactive waste that is currently stored at the site.
  When the project started in 1982, a team of 50 employees began 
building the team that has developed, installed, tested, and is now 
preparing for fully remote operation of a unique vitrification system.
  By 1996, the system will begin solidifying the liquid high-level 
waste at the site into durable, solid glass suitable for safe storage 
and disposal.
  West Valley's safety and technology achievements are a real tribute 
to western New York workers, and their dedication to quality and 
performance.
  I join many others in congratulating the employees of the West Valley 
demonstration project for a job will done.


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