Decontamination and Decommissioning Experience

DOE-STD-1128-98

For some operations, periodic surface flushing with water may be adequate

to maintain acceptable contamination levels. Precautions should ensure

control and collection of run-off water so that material may be recovered

and waste water analyzed before discharge. Depending upon which isotope

of plutonium is involved, geometrically safe containers may be required for

collecting and holding the liquid.

Depending upon the physical and chemical form of the plutonium and the

type of surface, plutonium may become imbedded in the surface. Removal

of embedded material may require physical abrasion, such as scabbling,

grinding, sand blasting, or chipping, or it may be accomplished using

chemical etching techniques. If the surface is porous, complete

replacement could be necessary. The use of high-pressure water

(hydroblasting) has been quite successful for metal and concrete surfaces.

Ultrasonic cleaning techniques (electropolishing) or chemical baths may be

useful for decontamination of high-cost items if the chemicals used are

compatible with the material to be cleaned.

A description of different decontamination techniques is found in

DOE/EV/10128-1, DOE Decommissioning Handbook (DOE, 1980), and

publications by Allen (1985) and the Electric Power Research Institute

(EPRI, 1989). The DOE Decommissioning Handbook also includes

guidance on decontamination techniques, assessment of environmental

impacts, disposition of wastes, and preparation of decommissioning cost

estimates.

10.5 DECONTAMINATION AND DECOMMISSIONING EXPERIENCE

Considerable experience has been gained in D&D of commercial plutonium facilities, as

discussed in Hoovler et al. (1986), Denero et al. (1984), and Adams et al. (1982). Hoovler

et al. (1986) discuss the decommissioning programs carried out at two Babcock and Wilcox

buildings in Lynchburg, Virginia, which housed plutonium/uranium fuel development

laboratories. They include information on decommissioning and quality assurance plans,

conducting D&D work, performing radiological surveys before and after D&D work, and

disposing of the waste. Denero et al. (1984) discuss the D&D of the Westinghouse Nuclear

Fuel Facility at Cheswick, Pennsylvania. They describe the facility and its operations,

nondestructive assay techniques, equipment required for dismantling and packaging the

waste, and management of the TRU waste. Adams et al. (1982) discuss the complete D&D

of the Westinghouse Advanced Reactors Division Fuel Laboratories at the Cheswick,

Pennsylvania, site. The report describes the D&D plans, the EA written for the operation,

the quality assurance plan, and the health physics, fire control, and site emergency manuals

written for the operation.

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