Late last week, Oak Ridge Reservation Landfill (ORRL) “water warriors” responded to an urgent leachate disposal and pump replacement operation during water management activities at UCOR’s onsite landfills.
Personnel quickly identified that the Landfill IV lift station sump — containing leachate from Landfill IV — was full following one inch of rainfall. Crews quickly pumped the leachate into a water truck to reduce sump levels and prevent any potential release to the environment. The material was then transported to Landfill V for proper disposal.
During the critical water management activities, crews demonstrated a strong questioning attitude and implemented their existing inspection program, prompting inspection of both lift station pumps. The inspection revealed both pumps required replacement. ORRL responded without delay, developing a work package and initiating replacement efforts that Saturday.
Round-the-clock monitoring was implemented from Thursday evening through Saturday to ensure proper leachate disposal before pump replacement activities. ORRL and Nuclear Operations workers, supported by supervision, then safely replaced both pumps using onsite spares. The effort required confined space entry as well as hoisting and rigging operations to complete the work.
Approximately 300 hours of direct supervision and craft overtime were required over the weekend to manage leachate, monitor the lift station, and complete pump replacement.
ORRL’s on-hand replacements for critical equipment onsite resulted in no environmental release during the water management and restoration of Landfill IV. The team’s urgency, reinforced by a strong questioning attitude, disciplined inspection program, and effective collaboration with other UCOR personnel ensured continued protection of the environment and uninterrupted ORRL operations.
