As Navarro-ATL enters the fifth year of its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to operate the 222-S Laboratory at the Hanford site, the company is set to play a pivotal role in the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) Program. The laboratory is tasked with analyzing waste samples to ensure their suitability for the vitrification process, a critical step in waste management.

The 222-S Laboratory is among the few facilities nationwide capable of handling high-radiation samples. In 2024, the lab completed approximately 7,750 analytical measurements for its clients. That number is expected to rise significantly in 2025 as we prepare for the startup of Hanford’s Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant and transition to 24/7 operations.

To sustain its critical role in the DFLAW Program and radioactive sample analysis, Navarro-ATL is advancing its strategic initiative to modernize the lab’s analytical capabilities.

This year, we will implement several infrastructure and system improvements to ensure sustainable operations.

A key achievement in this modernization effort was the successful installation of the hot cell windows. 

The team completed the installation safely, compliantly and ahead of schedule with zero incidents or injuries. The 11A hot cell window replacement project was executed while the 222-S Laboratory continued to expedite sample analysis for our clients. 

Completing this high-risk, first-of-its-kind replacement while consistently meeting and exceeding customer needs underscores our effective coordination both internally within the lab and externally with vendors and customers.

Our multiyear laboratory modernization program also includes upgrading analytical instruments, renewing plant infrastructure and renovating laboratory rooms with updated containment hoods, benches and workspaces.

Given that our lab infrastructure is over 70 years old, these renovations are essential to ensuring the laboratory can support tank waste treatment and provide high-quality analytical services for the future.

The 222-S Laboratory’s mission is to ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality analytical services to the Department of Energy and other Hanford contractors. 

| Courtesy Navarro-ATL

Safety culture

In parallel with these infrastructure upgrades, the laboratory has launched a comprehensive “T.A.K.E. 2 at 222” safety culture campaign reinforcing Navarro-ATL’s commitment to a workplace free from injuries.

This initiative integrates safety into every aspect of our operations, promoting sustainability and well-being. The campaign encourages employees to take two minutes before starting any task to assess potential risks.

By fostering vigilance, we increase the number of eyes available to identify, report and neutralize hazards.

This effort aligns with our strategy to strengthen the safety culture for all employees, contractors and visitors, emphasizing local responsibility and accountability.

Building a laboratory for the future also requires an exceptional workforce. We continue to attract and retain top talent by providing a rewarding and safe work environment, encouraging innovation, offering skills training and uniting employees under a common vision.

We are utilizing employee resource groups to foster professional development and focusing on hiring next-generation workers through internship and co-op programs. These initiatives promote continuous improvement through excellence, integrity and innovation, and develop leadership to meet future mission demands.

By modernizing the 222-S Laboratory’s analytical capabilities and developing a high-quality workforce, Navarro-ATL ensures the lab’s ability to perform radioactive sample analysis at the Hanford site for decades to come. The opportunities in 2025 and beyond are milestones in our mission to support the cleanup efforts. 

Navarro-ATL remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, innovation and collaboration with its DOE client and other Hanford contractors.

Ray Geimer is general manager for Navarro-ATL.