RICHLAND, Wash. - Hanford Site crews are modifying a testing and training structure that will ensure safety and efficiency in the removal of radioactive soil under a building a few miles north of Richland.
EM contractor CH2M HILL Plateau Remediation Company will use a mockup of the 324 Building to test remotely operated equipment and train workers who will remove the contaminated soil. Testing and training is safer and more efficient in the contamination-free mockup facility. Crews will train on and test that equipment in the safe environment of the mockup before using it in the 324 Building, where high radiation levels will make repairing or troubleshooting the equipment unsafe and difficult.
Removal of the soil is necessary before demolition of the building, located about 300 yards away from the Columbia River.
Workers are drilling holes in walls so they can install remote-operated equipment and support infrastructure later this year.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
