RICHLAND, Wash. – Workers at the Hanford Site have demolished the 142K Cold Vacuum Drying Facility, marking a significant step in the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management’s ongoing risk-reduction efforts, Hanford announced.
The 16,000-square-foot facility was essential for preparing spent nuclear fuel from the N Reactor for long-term storage. Until its removal, the fuel had been stored in the K East and K West Reactor basins.
Crews from the Central Plateau Cleanup Company (CPCCo) dismantled the facility and a nearby 650-square-foot metal structure that provided emergency power. The debris was transported to Hanford’s regulated disposal facility.
“Every structure we take down is one less risk along the Columbia River,” said Heather Dale, assistant manager for river and plateau with the Hanford Field Office. “Removing this facility is a visible step forward in worker and environmental safety.”
CPCCo has removed several key structures this year, including the K West spent fuel basin dewatering equipment, a large mobile office complex, the 189K Water Treatment Facility and the associated 1803K Water Treatment Tank and the 166 K West fuel bunker.
