Preparing for Demolition, Portsmouth Electricians Cut Cables They Installed Years Ago

Electricians Jim Nowlin, left, and Steve Brunner pause on a lift as they work to cut power cables from the X-333 Process Building at the Portsmouth Site. Above them are the “big red” cable and associated cable tray they installed nearly two decades ago.

PIKETON, Ohio — Electricians Jim Nowlin and Steve Brunner were among a crew that recently disconnected thick power cables feeding the X-333 Process Building to prepare for upcoming demolition activities at the Portsmouth Site.

Nowlin and Brunner were also part of the crew that installed those same cables nearly two decades ago.

“It took about six months to install the wire and a day to cut it all down,” Brunner said.

The two electricians remember installing the cable tray and cable in 2007 to refeed power to the X-333 Process Building due to the demolition of the X-533 Switchyard.

“Installing it was our first job as new employees after we completed our training,” recalled Nowlin. “The cables fed large motors inside the building and auxiliary substations, and ran the entire length of the X-333 Process Building.”

From left, electricians Chris Ray, Steve Brunner, Jim Nowlin and John J.P. Spradlin pose for a photo after cutting power in four locations around the X-333 Process Building at the Portsmouth Site. Disconnecting power is one of the steps to prepare the building for demolition.

Seven electricians were on the installation crew versus four on the disconnection crew. Brunner said each foot of the 15-kilovolt cable weighs 13 pounds.

“Keeping the power on and equipment running in the X-333 Process Building paid for the food on our table and clothes on my back my entire life,” said Brunner. “My dad started here as an electrician in 1975 and always shared stories of the equipment and how to keep it running.”

Brunner added, "Getting to work on this equipment, especially the refeed, was pretty exciting for a young man who always wanted to work here. Being part of the crew that helped this giant building take its last breath was important to me."

To further prepare for demolition, U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management crews have isolated utilities and routed power lines around the building to continue service to surrounding facilities.

“Our process buildings required a lot of electricity, equipment and employees for uranium enrichment activities,” said Portsmouth Site Lead Jeremy Davis. “Removing power from the X-333 Process Building helps establish the building as cold, dark and ready for demolition. These electricians had the unique opportunity of a full-circle moment to refeed power and then to remove power from the building. We are encouraged by these moments to reflect on the history of our site as we prepare for the future.”

With the X-333 Process Building completely deactivated, the facility is currently being prepped for demolition. It will be the second of three process buildings to be torn down at the site. EM crews finished demolishing X-326 in June 2022.

-Contributor: Michelle Teeters