Paradox Valley Unit
Since 2014, VNSFS has been performing Operations, Maintenance, and Repair of the Paradox Valley Unit (PVU). Located near Bedrock, Colorado, the Paradox Valley facility is part of the broader Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program to prevent an excess of salt from entering critical waterways.
The PVU prevents nearly 500 tons of salt a day, or up to 180,000 tons per year, from entering the Dolores River. A series of production wells along the river throughout the Paradox Valley collects the brine at a temporarily storage facility. Eventually, the brine is pumped to an injection facility where it is pumped under pressure to an injection well more than 14,000 feet below the surface. The Paradox Valley facility constantly operates to keep up with the brine. The process involves weekly 18-hour shutdowns to reduce the likelihood of our operation causing earthquakes. The site is staffed around the clock during normal operations. During any periods of downtime, VNSFS provides 24-hour monitoring, when required.
Our client, The DOI’s Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), routinely praises VNSFS for its exceptional performance in the areas of quality, management and cost control, “over and above contract requirements.” USBR called the facility “an epic example of safety,” with a long history of setting the example of how to do as much as possible right.
Fort Saint Vrain Spent Fuel Management
VNSFS manages all security functions, including oversight and operation of the S&S program at the Fort Saint Vrain (FSV) Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) facility in Platteville, Colorado. The scope includes management and operation of all S&S areas and oversight of Protective Force contractor; includes NRC license compliance with the Standard Practice and Procedures Plan for the Protection of Classified Information at FSV (SPPP) and the FSV Physical Protection Plan (PPP).
VNSFS is also responsible for the safe conduct of operations at the FSV ISFSI and provides general infrastructure support and facility maintenance in accordance with NRC license and DOE contract requirements. Operational activities also include crane operations and surveillances that ensure the safety and health of the public. VNSFS provided oversight of Sandia National Laboratory (SNL) for the on-site construction of a state-of- the- art Perimeter Intrusion Detection and Assessment System (PIDAS) and now is responsible for the maintenance and testing of the PIDAS.
In addition, VNSFS is responsible for maintenance of site roads, snow removal, weed control, lighting and sign maintenance at FSV. We also provide services within the facility including, but not limited to, custodial services, daily mail, and moving of furniture and equipment, as well as wireless service to the security force for use at the facility as required by the FSV Physical Protection Plan. Basic telephone service including maintenance, up to the wall jack and dial tone are also provided.
