The comprehensive characterization of the 2.5-acre Alpha-2 complex allowed for its successful deactivation and demolition (D&D), providing important information for demolition and disposition decisions.
With demolition complete, characterization crews will use a Geoprobe, which is a specialized direct-push drilling rig capable of collecting soil and groundwater samples with minimal disturbance to the footprint, to characterize any remaining subsurface contamination around and under the former Alpha-2 footprint.
The information from this characterization effort will identify what subsurface material needs to be removed to prepare a clean area for future national security missions at Y-12. Geoprobe operations are expected to start near the end of FY 2026.
This characterization effort started for the building in 2020 prior to demolition. During the deactivation stage of the Alpha-2 project, the UCOR characterization team efforts involved an extensive sampling campaign, gathering over 2,000 samples from approximately 750 distinct locations within the facility. This information informs the hazards workers will encounter during facility D&D so the proper controls can be implemented, as well as informing the appropriate disposal pathways for waste.
This work yielded almost 65,000 analytical results, providing a clear understanding of the waste streams present and turning contaminants into manageable, classifiable waste streams to be properly segregated to the appropriate disposal facilities throughout the project.
Despite operational obstacles, such as a flooded basement and beryllium contamination, Alpha-2 was completed 6 months ahead of schedule thanks to exceptional teamwork.
