The Richland Operations Office for the Energy Department’s Hanford Site in Washington state has extended the comment period on a cost and engineering report for hazard mitigation at the Plutonium Uranium Extraction (PUREX) Plant until Aug. 17.
The original comment deadline was Aug. 2 for the engineering evaluation/cost analysis (EE/CA). The federal agency announced the deadline extension that same day.
The Energy Department is considering a $218 million proposal, along with less-expensive alternatives, for reducing health and environmental risks at PUREX.
Until it is torn down sometime after 2032, DOE is proposing a “non-time critical removal action” to minimize hazards at the plant’s main process building. In addition to hazard abatement of a major building, surveillance, and maintenance of PUREX facilities, the agency also wants to tear down two annexes. These are multistory steel buildings that house old facilities ranging from a maintenance shop to laboratory work area.
Doing some but not all of the work that is included in the preferred alternative would cost $178 to $191 million, according to DOE. Comments on the options can be emailed to [email protected].
The PUREX complex was used for chemical separation of plutonium from nuclear fuel rods at various times from 1956 through 1988. The plant complex is deteriorating, with water leaks and ceiling drywall damage throughout, according to DOE. Meanwhile, contaminated equipment and buildings remain.
The Energy Department expects to issue an action memorandum, which could be out this year. The removal action will be performed based on level of risk along with the availability of funds and skilled labor, DOE has said.
