Hanford Crews Clear Contaminated Equipment From Key Risk-Reduction Project

Crews from Hanford Field Office contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company are removing equipment used in last summer’s project to drain contaminated water from a 1-million-gallon reactor basin that held radioactive fuel rods.

RICHLAND, Wash. — Sometimes major cleanup projects require some, well, post-cleanup cleanup.

A crew with Hanford Field Office contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company is removing equipment and materials left from completing a high-profile project last summer at the former K West Reactor.

The project to drain nearly 1 million gallons of radioactive water from the reactor’s spent-fuel basin and stabilize the basin with grout was a significant achievement in Hanford’s mission to reduce risk along the nearby Columbia River. The work is part of a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act action.

This winter, the team disconnected 25 hoses that moved wastewater from the basin through a filtration system.

The hoses, made of thick synthetic rubber, are like those at gas station pumps, but larger. They range from 10 to 40 feet long and are connected by stainless steel fittings. Workers used absorbent materials to catch any contaminated water during disconnection.

“This work is important for ensuring a safe environment for future demolition activities, including eventual removal of the basin,” said Scott Green, a deputy assistant manager with the Hanford Field Office.

With the hoses disconnected, the team is now removing filters, pumps, valves and debris for disposal at Hanford’s Environmental Restoration Disposal Facility. Crews expect to complete the project this spring.

“We’re taking a careful approach to help ensure worker safety,” said Dane Idler, the contractor’s demolition team leader. “The crews are making great progress.”

The K West and East reactors, built in the 1950s, were part of Hanford’s plutonium production. Their basins stored spent fuel temporarily before it was moved for plutonium extraction.