Irvine-based nuclear and hazardous waste management technology firm Kurion said Thursday that it has started construction this week on a new facility in Richland, Washington. The firm said the facility will further develop and demonstrate its systems, which are used for vitrification of waste. Vitrification is the use of glass to isolate and encase nuclear and other hazardous materials. Kurion said it will be relocating its team from an existing lab in Rolla, Mo., where the company had operated a lab.