Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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Oak Ridge National Laboratory

What's Happening Now

Photo of workers loading the LITR reactor into a special containment vessel

In the D&D space, UCOR is currently working to demolish a third reactor at ORNL, the Oak Ridge Research Reactor. This follows demolition of the Bulk Shielding Reactor in 2022 and the Low Intensity Test Reactor in 2023. In addition, crews continue deactivating a number of reactors, including the Experimental Gas-Cooled Reactor. Workers are also deactivating the complex of facilities known as Isotope Row. After removing the west cell bank at the former Radioisotope Development Lab, crews are deactivating the “hot cell” in the east cell bank for demolition.

At LGWO, workers continue to upgrade the infrastructure. Recently, a new zeolite treatment system was completed consolidating radiological and non-radiological wastewater treatment capability into one facility, reducing operational costs. The upgrade makes it possible to decommission other outdated facilities.

Our other work includes maintaining the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment facility, providing upgrades for the 3001 Graphite Reactor, and other system and facility upgrades as needed.

OVERVIEW OF CLEANUP PROGRESS

UCOR is deactivating and demolishing (D&D) excess facilities, which includes remediating contaminated soil, water, and infrastructure, and treating, removing, and disposing of waste. We ensure 24/7 operations of the Liquid & Gaseous Waste Operations (LGWO), which includes making critical upgrades to extend the life of aging facilities. Additionally, we operate, surveil, and maintain structures and facilities that are waiting for disposition.

Number of ``excess`` facilities:

125+

Number that are high risk:

30+

Number of facilities demolished:

Milestone Dates

Began upgrading the Liquid and Gaseous Waste Operations system

Moved Molten Salt Reactor Experiment to lay up status

Removed next to last hot cell at 3026 Radioisotope Lab

Completed demolition of the Bulk Shielding Reactor

Completed demolition of the Low Intensity Test Reactor

The Past

ORNL was originally known as Clinton Laboratories. The site was established in 1943 with the code name X-10. The original mission for ORNL in the Manhattan Project was to pilot production and separation of plutonium. The earliest facility on the site was the historic Graphite Reactor, which was followed by 12 other reactors as well as a variety of facilities for isotope research and production. Today, ORNL is a world-leader in supercomputing and scientific research.

Background information about the demolition of historical buildings:

Oak Ridge Research Reactor, ORNL Building 3042

The Future

On the ORNL site, there are over 125 excess facilities to be removed. More than 30 of those are considered high risk. There are legacy materials and waste to be treated, removed, and disposed of, and contaminated soil, water, and infrastructure to be remediated.

We will also continue to provide critical upgrades to keep existing facilities and infrastructure like LWGO in operational condition.

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