Y-12 Building Irritant Disappears
A persistent problem with “airborne irritants” near the Y-12 site’s oldest facility has apparently dissipated or disappeared, at least for the time being.
The issue at Building 9731 – the original pilot plant at Y-12 during the World War II Manhattan Project – first cropped up in February. It later was noted in June when employees complained of the irritant when walking near the building, where members of the plant’s Development Division have reportedly been conducting lithium processing work.
The problem, which caused throat irritation and other symptoms, was initially reported by employees who were inside the building. Later, after passersby noted the problem, the sidewalk near Building 9731 was cordoned off.
Staff members of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board reported in February that the cause of the irritation was believed to be “vapors or dust from an activity to process lithium hydroxide.”
In his most recent update, NNSA spokesman Steven Wyatt said: “Operations continue in 9731, and there have been no further reports of throat irritation. The sidewalk on one side of the building remains cordoned off, but there are other pathways for use. There have been a limited number of tours inside 9731 since the beginning of the year.”
The spokesman declined to discuss details of what may have caused the irritation.
Y-12 Intruder Court Date Delayed
The first court date for a 34-year-old man accused of breaching Y-12 nuclear weapons site security by driving his vehicle through the plant’s main entrance during the morning rush hour on Oct. 22 has been rescheduled.
Timothy D. Preston of nearby Clinton, Tenn., was supposed to appear in Anderson County General Sessions Court on Tuesday.
Preston, who remains in jail in lieu of making $25,000 bond, was brought to the court facility, but the hearing – or at least a discussion of the case before Judge Roger Miller – was postponed because there apparently were no security officers or police available who had witnessed the Y-12 events.
The court appearance has been rescheduled for Nov. 10.
According to police reports, Preston was arrested after he drove his car through the main security portal at Y-12 shortly before 6 a.m. After he allegedly ignored the badge check station, Preston reportedly crashed his vehicle near a parking lot, fled into the woods on foot, and evaded security police for about an hour.
He is charged with aggravated trespassing, trespassing by motor vehicle, felony vandalism and driving while license revoked (third offense).
