Innovations Continue to Benefit Demolition Efforts in Idaho

U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management crews are completing final decontamination and demolition work to the adjoining laboratories, office spaces and hot cell that supported the Submarine 1st Generation Westinghouse prototype during its operation.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho - U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) decontamination and demolition (D&D) crews are using innovative technologies and techniques to safely and efficiently demolish two defueled naval nuclear propulsion plant prototypes at the Naval Reactors Facility at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Site.

At the Aircraft Carrier 1st Generation Westinghouse (A1W) project, workers are using a sponge-blasting technology to remove polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-containing paint that was applied to facility equipment and components. PCBs are complex chemical compounds that are highly toxic and carcinogenic, and removal of the PCB paint allows the project to recycle metals and avoid disposal in landfills. Sponge-blasting media is reusable, increases efficiency and generates less waste than other paint removal processes.

A crew with U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management contractor Idaho Environmental Coalition tests sponge-blasting material on nonhazardous metals before crews begin work at the Aircraft Carrier 1st Generation Westinghouse prototype.

Nearby at the Submarine 1st Generation Westinghouse (S1W) prototype, D&D crews restored a previously inoperable 125-ton overhead bridge crane to support removal of large steel components from the building. The restored crane has eliminated the need to hire a subcontractor to perform hoisting and rigging work. To date, crews have successfully performed over 2,500 lifts with the crane.

To address the S1W's thick, rounded hull and shielding, crews have employed an arsenal of tools - both innovative and conventional - to reduce the size of the metal. Diamond wire saws, plasma torches, reciprocating saws and even electric chainsaws are used by the D&D crews.

Mike Swartz, D&D director with Idaho Environmental Coalition (IEC), EM's cleanup contractor at the INL Site, said the problem-solving abilities of his crews continue to impress him.

"Our team is very talented and has demonstrated incredible efficiency in performing D&D at the S1W prototype," he said. "Through our experiences and ability to find solutions to complex D&D problems, our team has developed best practices that will allow us to continue increasing efficiencies at the Naval Reactors Facility on the other prototypes."

This sponge media is an abrasive material used to remove polychlorinated biphenyls and other hazardous materials through a process called sponge-blasting.

In coming weeks, crews will remove critical components of the S1W, such as a hot cell and reactor vessel. The hot cell, a thick, heavily reinforced concrete structure, was used for high-radiation work and materials inspection.

IEC began D&D work on the S1W legacy naval nuclear propulsion plant prototype, including its defueled reactor vessel, in fiscal year 2022. This prototype served as a training ground for approximately 14,000 U.S. Navy submariners and plant operators. IEC anticipates completing the S1W project in fiscal year 2025 before completing D&D work at A1W.

EM, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state of Idaho propose a new D&D effort at the nearby Submarine 5th Generation General Electric (S5G) prototype. They will initiate a public comment period and hold a meeting in coordination with the Idaho Cleanup Project Citizens Advisory Board meeting at the end of the month in Sun Valley, Idaho.

-Contributor: Carter Harrison