Current Issue

RECOVERY ACT

Workers test an oil solidification process that will be used to facilitate removal of legacy materials.

Beta 4's material removal project continues

A legacy material project similar to the one in Alpha 5, but smaller, is occurring in Beta 4 (Building 9204-4). That project, however, has an advantage: Beta 4 is no longer categorized as a nuclear facility.

The change is recent. In April NNSA completed a material removal project that enabled the facility to dispose of more than 234 metric tons of materials, including all nuclear materials. The change in facility categorization translates into reduced surveillance, maintenance and security and is a significant benefit for the Recovery Act project.

“With ARRA funding, approximately 100,000 ft3 of materials are being removed from Beta 4's second floor,” said Project Manager Tom Fitzmaurice. “Where beneficial, we are coordinating the Alpha 5 and Beta 4 supplies, subcontracts and workers for greater efficiencies.”

“These Recovery Act funds give us the opportunity to do this work years ahead of when it was scheduled [under the Integrated Facilities Disposition Project],” noted Schidel.

“If we're successful, we might be able to tackle even more work. It's an exciting opportunity to significantly accelerate Y‑12's transformation.”

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