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Published: 1993

Total Pages: 13

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In 1942, the Hanford Site (near Richland, WA) was commissioned as a facility for the production of plutonium. On location there are nine water cooled, graphite-moderated plutonium production reactors, which are now retired from service. Because the reactors contain irradiated reactor components, and because the buildings that house the reactors are contaminated with low levels of reactivity, the DOE has determined that there is a need for action and that some form of decommissioning or continued surveillance and maintenance is necessary. This report discusses assessments of the alternatives which have determined that while continued surveillance and maintenance adequately isolates remaining radioactive materials from the environment and properly protects human health and safety; decontamination and decommissioning (D & D) will ultimately be necessary. The project is technically complex and will likely be designated as a Department of Energy (DOE) Major System Acquisition or Major Project.