The West End Protected Area Reduction Project is Complete at NNSA’s Y-12 National Security Complex

Project reduces costs, improves efficiency, enhances security

WASHINGTON – The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) completed the West End Protected Area Reduction (WEPAR) Project, a major project that modernizes security at the Y-12 National Security Complex while reducing the site’s high-security area.

To achieve this, the project constructed a state-of-the-art entry control facility, installed six new technological sectors, revitalized three existing sectors of the Perimeter Intrusion Detection and Assessment System, and updated critical security and operational infrastructure for multiple mission support facilities.

WEPAR is projected to save taxpayers between $300-500 million through a reduction of Y-12’s high-security area by approximately 70 acres. Legacy facilities that are no longer located within the high-security boundary can now be deactivated, decommissioned, and remediated at a significantly lower cost since workers will no longer need special security clearances to perform the work – freeing up taxpayer dollars for cleanup activities.

“WEPAR demonstrates NNSA’s continued commitment to building a faster, leaner, more capable enterprise,” said NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams. “By reducing our high-security footprint and standardizing technology across our sites, we’re driving down costs and clearing the path to accelerate production in support of President Trump’s priorities for a stronger nuclear deterrent.”

This project is a significant step in NNSA’s ongoing modernization of Y-12 as the site works to maintain the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear deterrent; reduce the global threat of nuclear proliferation and terrorism; and provide uranium feedstock to fuel the U.S. Nuclear Navy.