The Y-12 National Security Complex completed the demolition of Building 9744 this week. The facility was a deteriorated, former utilities and maintenance facility taking up more than 9,000 square feet in Y-12’s high-security area. Despite challenges, the CNS demolition team was able to bring down the facility nearly two months ahead of schedule. (Photo courtesy NNSA)
The Y-12 National Security Complex recently celebrated another improvement in its site infrastructure with the demolition of Building 9744, a former utilities and maintenance facility occupying more than 9,000 square feet in Y-12’s Protected Area.
“This facility was in danger of collapse and posed a risk to the site’s personnel and operations,” said James McConnell, the National Nuclear Security Administration’s acting associate administrator for infrastructure and operations. “Upon realization of this risk, we were able to secure funding to stabilize the area from both a safety and environmental perspective.
The demolition proved challenging due to the deteriorating facility conditions, precluding the standard approach of entering the facility to abate hazards and remove hazardous waste prior to the structural demolition. Despite structural issues and associated waste disposal concerns, the facility was safely demolished nearly two months ahead of schedule. The demolition team collaborated with several internal and external organizations to accomplish the aggressive schedule in accordance with environmental and safety standards.
“By working with state and federal environmental representatives to develop workable solutions, we were able to move forward with this project,” said NNSA Production Office Manager Steve Erhart. “Our Waste Management group has developed a more cost-effective alternative for the waste disposal, which involves segregating waste streams from the debris prior to loading containers.”
The demolition took only one day to complete, and the rubble will be processed into containers and removed by the end of the year.
Y-12 is operated by Consolidated Nuclear Security LLC, or CNS. CNS operates Y-12 and the Pantex Plant a under a single contract, with a focus on the absolute priorities of safety, security, quality, mission delivery, and cost efficiency. CNS member companies include Bechtel National Inc., Lockheed Martin, ATK Launch Services, and SOC, with Booz Allen Hamilton as a teaming subcontractor.
The mission of the NNSA Production Office is to ensure the safe, secure and cost-effective operation of the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge. Pantex is responsible for nuclear weapons surveillance and life extension programs; nuclear weapons dismantlement; the development, testing and fabrication of high explosive components; and the interim storage and surveillance of plutonium pits. Y-12 is responsible for uranium storage, processing and manufacturing operation, and the production of uranium feedstock for the U.S. nuclear navy, and it supports international nuclear nonproliferation programs.
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