UCOR has completed replacement of electrical feeds to 13 well pumps at Solid Waste Storage Areas (SWSA) 4 and 5. These pumps are part of the Melton Valley Hydraulic Isolation wells, which were installed to minimize movement of rain and groundwater through these areas.
While the wells have functioned as required by regulatory documents, UCOR determined last fall that some of the wells need to be updated to meet today’s electrical requirements. UCOR teams including fire protection, engineering, electrical safety, and operations collaborated to evaluate options.
These SWSAs are part of historic waste landfills used from 1943 to 1986 to dispose of legacy nuclear materials. The wells were installed to collect any remaining groundwater on the lower edge of the landfills. UCOR Nuclear Operations oversees the continued operations and maintenance of these wells.
Correcting the electrical configuration required significant field effort as each well was opened and safely vented until conditions allowed work to begin. Crews then excavated around the wells to replace the necessary components. This wraps up a project that began in 2025 and required close coordination across many UCOR organizations.
“Despite challenging spring weather, Nuclear Operations personnel completed the work safely, efficiently, and without incident,” ORNL Nuclear Operations Area Project Manager James Wheeler said. “This accomplishment reflects UCOR’s strong collaboration, attention to detail, and commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.”
