Initial Work Begins for Ion Beam Facility Deactivation, Decommissioning and Removal Project

News Release 

February 19, 2025

 Initial Work Begins for Ion Beam Facility Deactivation, Decommissioning and Removal Project 

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Environmental Management Los Alamos Field Office (EM-LA) has commenced work for the Ion Beam Facility Deactivation, Decommissioning, and Removal (DD&R) project at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). DD&R of the Ion Beam Facility is part of DOE EM’s mission to address excess facilities resulting from nuclear weapons production and research during the Manhattan Project and Cold War era. EM-LA’s DD&R contractor, Aptim Federal Services, LLC (APTIM), will manage the project.

As part of the initial project work, APTIM has mobilized on-site and set up work trailers, displayed safety signage and constructed protective fencing. The DD&R process includes removal of contaminants while prioritizing the protection of workers, the local community and the environment. 

With operational control of the Ion Beam Facility, APTIM has begun performing interior facility sampling to assess for potential contamination. APTIM also is conducting verification surveys to enable implementation of proper controls and safety measures during removal of materials. Air monitoring will confirm that all controls are properly functioning during the DD&R work.

The estimated 60,000-square-foot Ion Beam Facility housed two Van de Graaff accelerators, which at the time of construction were among the largest in the world. The accelerators were some of LANL’s  most significant scientific tools for conducting nuclear experiments. They played a major role in pure physics research and experiments that helped develop America's nuclear arsenal during the 1950s and 1960s.

APTIM is working closely with EM-LA, Triad National Security and the National Nuclear Security Administration Los Alamos Field Office (NA-LA) on all areas of the project. 

Demolition of the Ion Beam Facility's administrative wing is anticipated to begin in fall 2025. EM-LA will provide updates throughout the project, which is expected to span over five years.

Contact:

Stephanie Gallagher

EM-LA Public Affairs

stephanie.gallagher@em.doe.gov, (505) 257-8563