Story (10-01-2003)

Changing the Face of the Y-12 National Security Complex

By D. Ray Smith — One hundred twenty demolitions resulting in a 430,000 square foot reduction in the past three years! The Y‑12 National Security Complex continues to demolish buildings and other structures as well as remove modular offices that are well beyond their useful life. While 120 demolitions or removals have occurred in the past three years, over 50 buildings and other structures have been demolished or removed just in FY 2003. During the past few weeks a flurry of activity has been seen across the entire Y‑12 Complex. Buildings have been coming down daily and other structures are being staged for removal. Some ultimately are sold to community organizations for refurbishment and will be reused in less demanding environments.

Much planning has enabled the extensive demolition activities to be completed more smoothly. Efforts to place the demolition contracts happened early in the year. Three contractors were chosen to perform the unique demolitions in the Y‑12 Complex because of their extensive experience. Demolition within Y‑12's Protected Area is a far cry from similar work in a less secure environment and requires very special preparations to accomplish. Twenty nine of the 50 buildings were located within Y‑12's Protected Area and thus were demolished under the most secure conditions.

The planning for the utility disconnects also required much detailed effort and constant checking of the physical conditions at the demolition site as the drawings for these World War II–era structures were not always updated over the years. Through constant interaction with the various organizations required to coordinate and execute the utility disconnects, each building was isolated even when specific requirements to do so were sometimes elusive. In many cases disconnecting utilities required actually digging up the utility lines and capping them as they were not installed with the though in mind that some day the buildings would be demolished one at a time.

All of this extensive demolition activity was accomplished safely. Safety was emphasized throughout the planning and execution of the various tasks and as a result there were no injuries to the workers. The planning and execution included the use of proper protective equipment, regular briefings to assure safety awareness and constant vigilance by all workers to assure a safe working environment was maintained.

The demolitions were also completed within budget and on schedule with only a few minor exceptions that were beyond local control. A close working relationship was maintained with the Y‑12 Site Office as well as the National Nuclear Security Administration to assure the projects were planned and executed in a timely manner.

None of this success could have been achieved without the continuing and dedicated efforts of the many individuals and teams who supported the overall Infrastructure Reduction program. The availability of specific demolition funds in the Facilities and Infrastructure Recapitalization Program has created a window of opportunity that has enabled Y‑12 to finally demolish deteriorated structures. This timely demolition is helping prepare the site for extensive modernization that must be accomplished for the continuity of the Y‑12 national security mission.

Already the first modernization project is being constructed on a site where previous demolition has prepared the way. More land area suitable for construction of the needed new facilities is being made available through the infrastructure reduction program. Together we are changing the face of Y‑12!