Y-12 completes Biolody Complex demolition project three months ahead of schedule. The $26.5 million project removed four of the seven buildings from the complex, and it helped modernize the site through much-needed footprint reduction.
Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management
May 26, 2011
minute read time
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. - The Y-12 National Security Complex’s (Y-12) final Recovery Act-funded demolition project recently completed three months ahead of schedule when the final truckload of debris left the site of the former Biology Complex. The $26.5 million project removed four of the seven buildings from the complex, and helped modernize the site through much-needed footprint reduction.
The deactivation and decommissioning project eliminated 135,812 square feet of deteriorated facilities that will improve on-site safety, reduce environmental risk, and lower the site’s annual maintenance and security costs. While operational, buildings 9211, 9220, 9224, and 9769 conducted biological research, chemical processing, and zirconium separation.
“Through the Recovery Act program, Y-12 has been able to accomplish high priority environmental cleanup and accelerate Y-12’s physical transformation from a Cold War-era site into a 21st century Nuclear Security Enterprise,” said Y-12 Site Office Manager Ted Sherry.
Due to the commitment of workers, subcontractors, and management, the project was completed ahead of schedule despite unusually frequent winter storms during December and January. The work was not only accomplished ahead of schedule, but with an impressive safety record with no recordable injuries or lost-time accidents during the last two years.
The work was one of seven Recovery Act projects at the site and was funded from the $755 million received by the Department of Energy Oak Ridge Office’s Environmental Management program. To date, five of the Y-12 projects have been completed with more than 1,600 jobs created.