UCOR’s Deactivation and Demolition (D&D) teams at the Y-12 National Security Complex’s 561,000-square-foot Alpha-4 facility are making substantial progress in preparing the former uranium separation facility for deactivation.

Building on achieving “cold & dark” status in August, crews have successfully completed sorting and segmenting 447 legacy containers ahead of schedule. These shipments of legacy waste are slated for disposal by mid-December, which is critical to the future demolition of the facility.

Sanitization efforts are also advancing in Zones 19 and 20. This crucial process involves the removal of Cold War-era process equipment, ensuring the facility meets all safety and compliance standards necessary for D&D. In Zone 19, the eastern high bay area, crews are 6% complete with sanitizing large and small pumps. Meanwhile, in Zone 20, the tray room, 13% of the process equipment has been removed. Sanitization is projected to conclude by July 2028, paving the way for crews to begin deactivation (prep for demo) of Alpha-4.

Crews are also addressing structural challenges. They are 30% complete with the installation of life safety controls using safety barriers to mitigate issues with failing roof panels and extend the roof’s lifespan.

One of the most significant challenges at Alpha-4 involves removing over 4,000 gallons of mercury. UCOR has implemented innovative and cost-effective solutions, using FerroBlack® alongside vermiculite, an absorbent material. Additionally, original facility ventilation systems are being reestablished to effectively control mercury vapors.

The teams’ combined approaches are vital for the safe and efficient demolition of the Alpha-4 facility, a critical step for modernization and the ongoing cleanup mission at Y-12.