DOE saves $1.7M transferring robotics from Portsmouth to Oak Ridge

First acquired by Portsmouth for the deactivation and demolition of that site’s X-333 Process Building, the robotic equipment will be used at Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the deactivation and removal of the remaining hot cell of the former Radioisotope Development Laboratory, one of the most contaminated structures at Oak Ridge.

The four machines will later be used to assist with deactivating other contaminated former isotope research and production labs at ORNL and facilities with mercury vapors at the Y-12 National Security Complex.

Sharing is caring: According to DOE-EM, the seamless transfer of the machines from Portsmouth to ORNL illustrates how the office “continues to enhance worker safety, save taxpayer dollars, and reduce equipment inventory.”

“This is a fine example of reutilizing equipment to minimize cost and maximize government resources,” said Jud Lilly, acting Portsmouth site lead.

In addition to cost savings, the remotely operated machines help reduce risks by increasing the distance between work crews and potential hazards. According to DOE-EM, they are particularly effective in areas with limited space and high levels of contamination, which are common challenges when demolishing aging DOE facilities.

Team effort: The equipment transfer was undertaken with the help of DOE-EM’s Consolidated Business Center after Oak Ridge learned of the excess equipment at Portsmouth.

“We all tag-teamed through the process,” said Rachel Costilow, government property manager at Portsmouth Site cleanup contractor Southern Ohio Cleanup Company. “This is by far one of the largest transfers of equipment that we have done at the Portsmouth Site.”

Tee Duncan, asset manager with Oak Ridge cleanup contractor United Cleanup Oak Ridge, called the equipment transfer a major accomplishment and a demonstration of the efforts the personal property management team made to reutilize federally owned equipment.

“This success story not only shows UCOR’s commitment to assist projects in meeting their mission goals but also underscores the entire organization’s dedication as mindful stewards of taxpayers’ dollars,” Duncan said.