Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS)
Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) manages the cleanup of 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste at the Hanford Site and actively supports community initiatives through significant contributions and sponsorships.
Services
Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) is responsible for the cleanup of 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste stored in 177 underground tanks at the Hanford Site. They use a variety of waste retrieval methods, including modified sluicing, the Enhanced Reach Sluicing System (ERSS), and the Mobile Arm Retrieval System (MARS). WRPS also maintains the 242-A Evaporator to reduce tank waste volume and operates the Direct Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) facility to process low-level liquid waste. Additionally, they use process modeling tools to analyze facilities and predict future operations.
Community Contributions
Washington River Protection Solutions has made significant contributions to the community, including a $150,000 donation to the Washington State STEM Education Foundation for Delta High School and $600,000 towards the Hanford Reach Interpretive Center. WRPS is also one of the largest corporate contributors to the United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties and has donated $10,000 to support community health programs through the Kadlec Foundation’s Corporate Giving Society. They sponsor the Meet the Buyer program and have established the annual Women in Business Conference.
Technological Innovations
WRPS has developed innovative technological solutions to aid in waste management. They have created a method that combines cold spray and robot technology to reinforce double-shell tanks at the Hanford Site. They also operate the Cold Test Facility to test new waste retrieval technologies in a non-radioactive environment. Furthermore, WRPS employs the Tank-Side Cesium Removal (TSCR) system to separate cesium and undissolved solid materials from radioactive tank waste.
Safety and Environmental Management
Safety and environmental management are core components of WRPS’s operations. They maintain the integrity of Hanford’s waste tanks through regular inspections and monitoring. The company has an Environmental Management System (EMS) aimed at continuous environmental protection. WRPS has also maintained its Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star status since 2014 and uses an Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS) to ensure safe and efficient conduct of work. WRPS has been recognized as one of America's Safest Companies by EHS Today.
Community Initiatives
Washington River Protection Solutions supports multiple community initiatives. They raised $18,674 during the Junior Achievement Bowling Classic, earning the title of 'Top Fundraiser'. Donations include $75,000 towards a new Second Harvest food distribution center in Pasco and $100,000 to aid the construction of a new service facility for The ARC of Tri-Cities. WRPS co-funded an interactive visitors welcome kiosk at the expanded Pasco airport and is the lead sponsor of Chaplaincy Health Care’s annual 'Lighting the Path' fundraising event.