Heritage Center Closure crews successfully replaced 310 linear feet of stormwater piping at outfall 780. This crucial work allows for the removal of another DOE National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit from the East Tennessee Technology Park site. The deteriorated piping and associated sediments will be disposed of at the Oak Ridge Reservation Landfill…
Thanks to all those who attended today’s Parking Lot Safety Rodeo. Approximately 700 people attended, the largest turnout in the event’s five-year history. Attendees got to enjoy UCOR initiatives like the UCOR Connection groups, LSITs, Fidelity, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Mental Wellbeing Center, Training, and Wellness, reminding the workforce of the resources we…
UCOR’s Y-12 deactivation and demolition (D&D) crews have made a critical advancement in the upcoming demolition of the former uranium enrichment facility Beta-1. They have shipped mercury removed from over 820 linear feet of filled drainpipe out of the facility, one of the final steps to reaching condemnation in the upcoming weeks. After being characterized…
UCOR’s Y-12 deactivation and demolition (D&D) crews completed a recent initiative to decrease mercury vapor exposure in Alpha-4. By installing a new ventilation system, they are paving the way for increased operational efficiency and enhanced worker safety in the former uranium enrichment and lithium processing facility. Crews’ personal protective equipment keeps them safeguarded from hazards.…
Assistant Secretary for the DOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) Tim Walsh visited Oak Ridge this week, touring various project sites. At Y-12, he viewed the Biology Complex and Alpha-2 footprints as well as two facilities slated for eventual demolition—the Old Steam Plant and Beta-1. He also stopped by EMWMF. At ETTP, he visited the…
UCOR has installed new structural screens at the White Oak Embayment Sediment Retention Structure (SRS), a significant effort to provide a long-term solution following repairs made over last Thanksgiving and early January timeframes. The SRS was built in the early 1990s as a CERCLA Time Critical Action along the White Oak Creek near the mouth…
UCOR’s ORNL D&D crews filled 120 feet of legacy ductwork connecting Buildings 3001 and 3002 with a flowable cement substance called controlled low-strength material (CLSM). This work significantly reduces risk by protecting workers, a historic landmark, and equipment from exposure during demolition of one of the last remaining structures tied to the Oak Ridge Graphite…
The ORNL D&D team continues remote hot cell work as another team begins removal of highly contaminated material. Crews have initiated the removal of legacy material from Building 3029’s hot cells using manipulator arms and long handled tools. Characterization efforts identified high radiation levels on cell equipment and other items that require remote handling to…
Today, crews at ORNL Isotope Row used a 110-ton crane to remove pipe bridges and radiological filter houses from the roofs of Buildings 3030, 3031, and 3032. The team will continue to work deactivation and demolition preparation activities for demo to start this summer.
Workers at ORNL’s Isotope Row have successfully removed the Process Off Gas and Central Ventilation System lines. These old piping systems contained high levels of transuranic isotopes, requiring specific removal to ensure all contaminants were contained. To remove the systems, crews applied an expandable foam to the interior of the lines and used glove bags…
