OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – Cleanup and transfer of the East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP) remains one of the Oak Ridge EM office’s highest priorities. This task paves the way for a cleaner environment and enables economic reuse at the site that will benefit the entire region.

   In 2014, Oak Ridge’s EM program made significant advancements toward achieving its Vision 2016 by finishing the K-25 Building Demolition Project and beginning the K-31 Building Demolition Project. This vision involves removing all of the gaseous diffusion uranium enrichment facilities at ETTP, one of the most complex aspects of cleanup, by 2016.

   “Vision 2016 is ambitious, but our employees take pride in finding ways to achieve our goals despite the challenges that can be associated with these projects,” said Sue Cange, Oak Ridge’s acting EM manager. “I’m very proud of what we accomplished this year, and also the manner in which we accomplished it. Our partnership with our cleanup contractor, URS|CH2M Oak Ridge (UCOR), has allowed us to maintain momentum, complete additional cleanup work, and retain skilled workers.”

The 44-acre K-25 facility was built in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project and continued enriching uranium for defense and commercial purposes until it was shut down in 1964. Through EM’s oversight and direction, and the efficient work of UCOR, the project was completed six months ahead of schedule and nearly $300 million under the revised federal baseline.

   Due to the early completion of K-25, EM was able to begin demolition on Building K-31 five months early. Completion of that project marks the removal of the fourth of five gaseous diffusion buildings at ETTP. That 17-acre facility began operations in 1951, and it was used to enrich uranium for defense and commercial purposes until it was shut down in 1985. K-31’s demolition is scheduled for completion next year. After that demolition, Building K-27 will be the only remaining gaseous diffusion building at ETTP. It is scheduled for demolition in 2016.