An independent panel of experts recommended DOE stabilize a second waste storage tunnel on the Hanford Site using engineered grout.
Office of Environmental Management
December 12, 2017
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RICHLAND, Wash. – An independent panel of experts recommended DOE stabilize a second waste storage tunnel on the Hanford Site using engineered grout.
The panel assessed several stabilization options for safety, ease, and cost, and whether they would allow for disposition of the equipment in the Plutonium Uranium Extraction Plant (PUREX) Tunnel 2.
In their report, the panelists noted that grout stabilization provides maximum protection of workers, the public, and the environment while not precluding future options for disposition. They also acknowledged DOE’s use of grout across the complex to successfully immobilize contamination.
“DOE is committed to the safety of its workforce, the public, and the environment. Grouting safely and efficiently reduces near-term risk by providing interim stabilization while DOE and the Washington State Department of Ecology evaluate future closure options,” said Doug Shoop, manager of EM’s Richland Operations Office.
In mid-November, DOE safely and successfully finished placing engineered grout to stabilize PUREX Tunnel 1. Tunnel 2 was under continual surveillance during that project.
Tunnel 2 is nearly 1,700 feet in length — considerably larger than Tunnel 1. Tunnel 2 is constructed of steel and concrete, and contains 28 rail cars with radiologically contaminated plutonium processing equipment. It was used between 1964 and 1996.
Grout placement in Tunnel 2 is expected to begin during this fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2018, allowing time to incorporate lessons learned from the Tunnel 1 project, development of work controls and design, and consideration of seasonal conditions for grout placement.
“I want to thank those who provided their input on this important recovery action,” Shoop said. “It is vital to have considered every option.”
The panel’s report is available on this page, which features information about the PUREX tunnels. Read an EM Update interview in a separate newsletter entry below on EM's Chief Engineer John Marra, who chairs the panel.