By Robert Wilkinson

As the Hanford site integrator, Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) plays a critical role in the Hanford cleanup mission. Using a safety-first operational mindset, our highly skilled and trained workforce is the foundation for our success. The Hanford mission is a technically challenging and specialized scope, providing an opportunity for our team to bring innovations and strategic initiatives to the forefront.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and One Hanford contractors have entered a new phase of cleanup with 24/7 operations to treat, immobilize and dispose of low-activity tank waste. In 2023, our support of tank waste cleanup efforts included assisting with the testing of new technology to ensure tank integrity to strengthen the inner walls of underground double-shell waste tanks, transporting ion exchange columns for the Tank-Side Cesium Removal System and removal of wastewater tanks from outside Hanford’s Effluent Treatment Facility load-in station. 

We also supported several remediation efforts on Hanford’s Central Plateau, including work at the former Plutonium Uranium Extraction Plant, where our crane and rigging team supported the demolition of several tanks and two hot cell locations. Scaffolding crews also assisted with asbestos abatement as several Hanford site buildings were demolished. Additionally, the safe storage enclosure surrounding the deactivated K East Reactor was transitioned to our Long-Term Stewardship Program for surveillance and maintenance.

Ensuring minimal disruptions

As Hanford’s essential services provider, our mission is to ensure cleanup efforts continue with minimal disruption. When a severe windstorm damaged 13 miles of Hanford’s electrical lines, causing unplanned outages in critical areas, our electrical utilities team restored services in a matter of days and then performed a sitewide lessons-learned to support enhancements to critical site facility needs during outages. 

By evolving and rejuvenating Hanford’s infrastructure, HMIS ensures essential services meet mission demands now and into the future. Construction continues at the new Central Plateau Water Treatment Facility, which will replace a 1940s-era water treatment plant. When completed, the 10,000 square-foot facility will support the water needs of Central Plateau operations, providing a minimum of 3.5 million gallons of water a day. A new 1.5-million-gallon water tank is also nearly complete. The new tank will replace a 1.1 million-gallon tank that was built in the 1990s and will support the Hanford cleanup mission for the next 50 years.

Construction continues on HMIS’s 10,000 square-foot Central Plateau Water Treatment Facility. When completed, the facility will provide 3.5 million gallons of water daily for Hanford operations on the Central Plateau.

| Courtesy HMIS

Safety and security

Safety and security will always be Hanford’s top priority, and in 2023 HMIS was honored with a Legacy of Stars award, given only to DOE sites that achieved the Star of Excellence award four years consecutively. HMIS was also awarded two Voluntary Protection Program Stars of Excellence, representing injury and illness rates below industry averages and demonstrating a commitment to protection program outreach. 

Our emergency management and preparedness team and Hanford Fire Department supported the first Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant emergency response drill for its ammonia reagent system. HMIS also hosted an active-assailant response workshop for protective forces across the DOE complex, while Hanford Patrol and Fire completed additional training on emergency response and integrated operations during crisis scenarios.

The HMIS-managed HAMMER Federal Training Center continues to prepare workers for critical roles on the Hanford site, including high-risk radiological work. New technology deployed at HAMMER allows workers to mimic realistic conditions and respond to a variety of radiological contamination scenarios in a safe environment. Updated and innovative props also allow safe simulations and practice for Hanford workers. HAMMER offered more than 3,500 classroom sessions in fiscal year 2023, contributing to the success and development of the One Hanford workforce. HAMMER also offers a wide range of emergency response training and partners regularly with local, regional, state and tribal agencies to provide hands-on training to their teams.

As the Hanford Site’s essential services provider, the mission of HMIS is to enable cleanup success by supporting the integration and infrastructure needs of our fellow One Hanford contractors.

| Courtesy HMIS

Introducing innovations

Additionally, our teams identify and implement innovative technologies to support a 24/7 mission and culture. Using custom and commercial applications, HMIS developed an automated process to scan subcontractor invoices and identify common issues, flagging potential issues that could delay reviews or payment. HMIS will use this innovation to assist the One Hanford contractors and automate similar tasks.

Our team implemented a modern electronic health records system for the site occupational medical services provider, improving cybersecurity and employee access. More than 20 million lines of data were transferred from the old system to the new one prior to the launch. 

HMIS also transitioned more than 1,000 Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant computer users to the Hanford computer network to enable integration across the site. This monumental task enabled Bechtel National Inc. to meet DOE’s cybersecurity requirements and obtain authorization to operate under Hanford’s Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste Program.

When it comes to our community, the HMIS family is committed to making a difference, offering both monetary and in-kind donations to many local causes. Our team gives its time in significant ways, answering the call at organized volunteer events and contributing their own talents to causes and organizations aligned with their priorities. The impact is far-reaching, totaling hundreds of hours across dozens of organizations throughout the region.

Looking to 2024 and beyond, we will continue to deliver mission integration, introduce innovations, and drive improvement of essential service delivery in support of the Hanford cleanup mission. Our success is only possible with the partnership, support and success of DOE, our fellow contractors and the community, and we look forward to serving all of you for years to come.

Robert Wilkinson is president of HMIS.