HB Line, a facility that assists the Savannah River Site’s H Canyon facility in processing nuclear materials, is expected to exit a reduced work phase next month as site contractor Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) advances toward resumption of full normal operations. SRNS, the Savannah River Site’s management and operations contractor, self-induced an operational safety pause on Sept. 11 on missions not needed for safety and security. The decision followed a Sept. 3 incident at HB Line in which three workers and a first-line manager stored a sample size of plutonium in a container that was not suitable for transport. The sample was scheduled to be transported to the Savannah River National Laboratory.
The incident followed several other safety-related incidents under the scope of the contractor. The September incident led SRNS to freeze work at HB Line, H Canyon, the Savannah River National Lab, and other facilities. Weeks after the pause was initiated, some facilities were authorized to enter deliberate operations, in which workers pay extra attention to detail and planning. In November, HB Line became the last facility to enter deliberate operations. HB Line and H Canyon were expected to exit deliberate operations in late January, but progress has taken longer than anticipated. H Canyon was approved to exit deliberate operations on Feb. 5 and HB Line is expected to exit deliberate operations in early March, said SRNS spokeswoman Barbara Smoak, “It is important to note that while the pace of the work performed during deliberate operations is at a reduced rate, nuclear materials operations have resumed in both H Canyon and HB Line,” Smoak said.
After deliberate operations, facilities have transitioned to enhanced operations, which is closer to normal operations, but contingencies have been put in place using the sustainment plan. The plan ensures ongoing focused and disciplined operations, said Smoak, and includes periodic half-day pauses and small group discussions. “SRNS has emerged from the pause as a significantly stronger company. With the changes we are incorporating, we are well positioned for success in 2016 at Savannah River,” said SRNS President & CEO Carol Johnson.
