The National Nuclear Security Administration confirmed that it is looking at ways to carry out repairs at the Y-12 National Security Complex’s Building 9204-2, also known as Beta-2, which houses the Tennessee site’s nuclear weapons operations with lithium.
But there’s still plenty of mystery about the plans for work in the crowded production complex inside Y-12 and the potential costs.
One unconfirmed report suggested that Y-12 management intends to tear down an adjacent building known as the “Beta-2 annex” to get more room to erect the scaffolding needed for work on 9204-2.
Steven Wyatt, a spokesman in the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Production Office, confirmed that demolition of Beta-2 annex is being considered as an option for repairing Beta-2. However, he declined to discuss estimated costs or other details of the plans. He also would not discuss other options for accomplishing the repairs.
“We are in the process of planning for needed repairs to the Kathabar system for 9204-2 (Beta-2) that controls humidity inside the building,” Wyatt said in an email response to questions. “No decision has been made on whether or not to demolish the Beta-2 annex as part of this work, though that remains an option.”
“We will seek the most cost-effective approach to this work.”
Beta-2 has been plagued with structural problems in recent years while under pressure to keep the production levels available for lithium components in refurbished nuclear weapons.
In 2014, an 8-foot section of a concrete ceiling at Beta-2 fell into an area that had been previously roped off because earlier studies – dating back to 2009 – had shown serious “delamination” and potential hazards.
Some Y-12 workers have privately raised concerns about the reported plans to demolish the Beta-2 annex just to make room for scaffolding. One of the workers said the proposed project could cost up to $3 million, while noting that the annex is a “perfectly good building” that doesn’t have to be torn down.
