Workers move a transite siding panel from the X-326 Process Building in preparation for wrapping and removal.
Workers move a transite siding panel from the X-326 Process Building in preparation for wrapping and removal.

Protective Measures

From 2011 to 2020, DOE conducted a lengthy and thorough deactivation process of the X-326 to identify, characterize and remove the majority of the radiological and chemical hazards prior to demolition.

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This process included more than one million Non Destructive Assay (NDA) measurements on the process piping and components to determine if levels of material would exceed the Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) for the On Site Waste Disposal Facility (OSWDF). If located, the contaminated items were carefully removed from the X-326 and staged for further evaluation or decontamination.

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Monitoring

To ensure the air quality for workers and the public remains safe during demolition, a comprehensive network of air monitors and alarms have been put in place at Portsmouth to detect if levels of radiological or chemical particulates exceed Ohio EPA or ODH safety levels.

 

Real-time air monitors collect data and have alarms to provide a warning if elevated particulate or radiation levels are detected. Other monitors collect air filter samples on a daily or weekly basis for laboratory analyses to detect specific particulate contamination in the air.

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A worker adjusts an on-site air monitor.
A worker adjusts an on-site air monitor.
Air monitors are co-located by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Health, and the U.S. Department of Energy to detect any contaminants that might result from demolition activity on the Portsmouth Site.
Air monitors are co-located by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Health, and the U.S. Department of Energy to detect any contaminants that might result from demolition activity on the Portsmouth Site.

Data Collection and Verification

As part of their independent oversight of the demolition, excavation, and waste placement operations, Ohio EPA and the Ohio Department of Health have set up 23 new air monitoring stations or co-located air monitors on and around PORTS to provide verification of DOE air monitoring data.

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Waste Placement

The first load of impacted soil from the X-740 Plume Excavation Project is placed into Cell 1 at the PORTS On-Site Waste Disposal Facility.
The first load of impacted soil from the X-740 Plume Excavation Project is placed into Cell 1 at the PORTS On-Site Waste Disposal Facility.

The OSWDF is a specially engineered disposal facility with  a multi-layer liner and cap system on competent bedrock  designed to consolidate and contain demolition debris and  soil into one centralized disposal area that protects public  health and the environment. 

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Waste Acceptance Criteria

Aerial view of the OSWDF operations including waste placement and Cell 4 construction.
Aerial view of the OSWDF operations including waste placement and Cell 4 construction.

All demolition debris and waste materials must meet  the strict requirements of Ohio and U.S. environmental  laws before it can be placed into the On Site Waste  Disposal Facility (OSWDF). This set of requirements is  called the Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC). The WAC  is a strict and systematic approach for choosing the  right types of waste and right disposal methods to  protect the public, environment and wildlife. 

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