NORM
UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION—NORM SURVEY
USA performed a survey for technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) at the DOW/Union Carbide propylene compressor station in Texas City. Radioactive isotopes of concern were the radon-222 daughter products lead-210 and polonium-210. The scope of work included collecting background gamma exposure rates and surveying the compressors, equipment, flow lines, piping runs, and valves located inside the building. Direct surveys for alpha and beta contamination were performed using a Ludlum Model 2 survey meter coupled with a Ludlum Model 44-9 Geiger Mueller pancake type probe.
EL PASO CORPORATION—PATTERSON FIELD, LA.
USA completed access improvements, removal of a partially submerged barge, dismantling and removal of ASTs, NORM surveying, removal of piping and dock pilings, and grading of the landowners property. The project was performed in extreme remote locations with particular emphasis on safety and landowner satisfaction. The project was completed without incident, ahead of schedule and under budget. At the completion of the project the landowner wrote a letter to El Paso commending USA on the level of professionalism exhibited throughout all phases of the project
EXXON—BEAUMONT
USA was contracted to remove lead and Po-210 from pumps, piping and process equipment at the Exxon's Beaumont facility. USA removed the equipment to a portable decontamination area constructed on-site. Equipment was then initially decontaminated with an acid solution and steam to remove residual hydrocarbons. Equipment was then placed into water tight roll-off containers and submerged in water. The water was heated to between 140-160° F and a 3-4% chealation chemical was added to the tank. The solution was circulated for approximately 36 hours to drop the level of activity to acceptable levels for unrestricted use.
LOW LEVEL
B.P. AMERICA LABORATORY CLOSURE
Dr. Stephen Prewett served as the Project Manager for this facilities radioactive materials closure project. The license existed for a number of years and covered a wide range of activities in numerous locations. Remediation activities included assessment, demolition, excavation, decontamination and verification. The site encompassed approximately 100 acres and 500,000 square feet of laboratory and building space. The assessment, preparation and approval of the “Decommissioning Plan” took approximately 90 days. Radioactive and hazardous remediation took place concurrent with major renovation activities facilitated by a new tenant.
AEROJET ORDINANCE, TN
Dr. Stephen Prewett managed the closure of a depleted uranium and thorium pond. The project had two major phases which included the removal and disposal of water and sludge and the consolidation and encapsulation of contaminated soils. During the project 2,200,000 gallons of water was treated and 17,000 cubic feet of sludge was treated for off-site disposal. Approximately 2,000,000 cubic feet of impacted soil was encapsulated. This was the first large scale closure of this type and pioneered many health physics and operational procedures.
CHAPARRAL STEEL
USA provided remediation and decontamination services which included cleaning 54 above ground tanks in a steel manufacturing facility. The scope included site security, radiological surveys, sampling (gamma spectroscopy analysis), establishing personnel decontamination and monitoring stations, removal of decontaminated materials, decontamination of vessels and tanks, confined space entry, pressure washing and dismantling of tanks, waste segregation and characterization, constructing temporary storage areas, transportation, loading, and disposal of Cs-137 impacted waste.
HIGH LEVEL
USA’s technical staff have successfully handled multiple curies of isotopes including Ra-226, Sr-90, Cs-137 on a variety of projects. Our management has a record of success in both agreement and NRC licensed projects . We can provide DOD/DOE certified brokers and manifesting services for a variety of waste streams. The senior technical staff at USA can provide specialized knowledge on such topics as risk based standards and health physics assessments.