The landscape is starting to change at the Mercury Treatment Facility (MTF) project at Y-12. Until recently, much of the work has been taking place below ground level. However, crews have now installed the first of three sludge settling tanks. These tanks are essential to the project’s commitment to reduce mercury levels in the East Fork Poplar Creek and support cleanup across Y-12.
The tanks are part of the treatment plant that removes and concentrates grit, dirt, and other solids to be removed from the water. There is also a headworks facility (OF200). The two are connected by a nearly mile-long transfer pipeline.
The remaining two tanks will be installed as a special trailer transports each from the manufacturing location in Arkansas to the project site here in Oak Ridge. Once completed, the Mercury Treatment Facility will process up to 3,000 gallons of water per minute and collect stormwater in a 2-million-gallon storage tank.
