K-25 is coming down (Oak Ridge uranium plant)

[bananas]

Click on the photo for larger version.

http://blogs.knoxnews.com/knx/munger/2009/04/k25_is_coming_down_part_iii.html

K-25 is coming down, Part III (of many)


photo/BJC

With clangs and clatter and and tons of rubble, what once was the world's largest building under one roof is coming down in a big way. The K-25 plant, which produced most of the enriched uranium for the nation's Cold War arsenal of nuclear weapons, is being demolished at a pretty rapid pace.

The mile-long structure was built during World War II and was/is still considered an engineering marvel. The plant relied on a massive, yet intricate, processing system to separate the different isotopes of uranium in a gaseous form -- ultimately concentrating the fissile U-235 needed for atomic bombs.

Some type of historical center is being planned at the site, but a final agreement on that hasn't been announced. The Dept. of Energy earlier promised to save the north end of the U-shaped building, as part of a MOU with preservation groups, but federal officials later said the deterioration was such that preserving the building -- even a relatively small section -- was too risky.

[ConcernedCanuk]

1. Guess who got the contract - does Bechtel ring any bells?

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From Wiki

The United States Department of Energy contracted with Bechtel Jacobs to dismantle and demolish the K-25 facility. The work under the current contract is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2011, though additional cleanup work is expected to continue beyond that time




and the building(s) are only HALF a mile long, but U-shaped -

that's where they get the mile long building claim from ..

interesting read though

But those excavator operators - wouldn't that place just be a wee bit toxic?

. . :freak: . .

[Wiley50]

2. My sister's late ex MIL worked decades at Oak Ridge Y-12 building

I've wondered what part of the process was done there