How Partnering and Integration are Accelerating Environmental Cleanup

Abstract

The Challenge: UCOR solved a major challenge for the U.S. Department of Energy by completing the complex and formidable task of the first-ever decommissioning, deactivation, demolition and remediation of the world’s first uranium gaseous diffusion plant.

The Response: Cleaning up the site was a monumental challenge. Overcoming early obstacles and inherited deficits, UCOR met this challenge by introducing innovative technology, fostering supportive policies and processes, partnering with key stakeholders in government and the community, and instilling safe performance by a highly skilled workforce. . UCOR completed cleanup of the East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP)—the former Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant—in 2020.

This massive cleanup project included the following milestones:

• Disposition of more than 34 million cubic feet of hazardous, radiological, and sanitary waste
• Demolition of more than 6.5 million square feet of facilities
• Management/treatment of more than 820 million gallons of low-level wastewater
• Transportation of 108,525 loads of waste over 7 million safe miles
• Removal, transportation, and disposal of 7,104 loads (9,412 cubic yards) of asbestos-containing materials
• Transportation of 1,300 acres of government land for redevelopment/reuse by the private sector

The Outcome: Through environmental cleanup of ETTP, UCOR is facilitating DOE’s vision of transforming once-contaminated government land into a multi-use industrial park that is boosting economic growth in Oak Ridge and the region. The new, revitalized site is home to new industry, landmarks—including a new national park—and conservation areas that honor the past while supporting development.