Scope of Work:

As the general contractor on this project, we are responsible for overseeing and executing every aspect of the decommissioning process, without relying on subcontractors for key tasks such as reactor head demolition. This includes:

• Fuel Removal: The careful extraction and storage of spent nuclear fuel, which involves maintaining stringent safety protocols due to the potential radiological hazards.
• Spent Fuel Pool Rack Removal: The dismantling and extraction of racks used to store spend nuclear fuel within a reactor’s spent fuel pool. We performed precise planning ahead of execution to ensure safety for our employees, environmental protection, and compliance with nuclear regulations.
• Reactor Head Demolition: The decommissioning of three reactor heads, each weighing 122,000 lbs and made from 9.5-inch thick steel. The reactor heads are cut into manageable sections using a wire diamond saw to mitigate contamination spread and to ensure safety for workers handling the material.
• Removal of Circulating Water Pumps: Extracting and disposing of large water pumps, which played a critical role in cooling the reactors.
• Radiological Waste Management: The removal, containment, and transportation of radioactive materials to disposal sites, in compliance with strict environmental regulations. Radiological materials are transported in DOT-approved Type A High Dot radiological waste boxes, a specialized technology patented by Holtec.

Innovative Solutions:

One of the key challenges of this project is the simultaneous demolition of all three reactor heads, which is necessary to optimize efficiency and minimize disruption to the project timeline. Given the size and complexity of the reactor heads, each weighing 122,000 lbs, cutting them apart using a wire diamond saw ensures that workers can remain at a safe distance while reducing the spread of radioactive contamination. This method minimizes worker exposure and ensures that the process remains safe for everyone involved.

As each reactor head is cut into pieces, our team performs dose readings to monitor and confirm that the radiation levels fall within safe and acceptable ranges before the materials are transported for disposal. This careful attention to radiation levels ensures that the public and the environment remain protected throughout the process.

When working with radioactive material, the project area is fully tented to contain any potential contamination within a controlled zone. This also allows for more efficient cleanup once the decommissioning is complete, ensuring the site is restored to a safe and clean state.

Key Safety Measures:

Safety is the highest priority throughout the decommissioning process. Every task is carried out in strict compliance with nuclear safety regulations, and we have a team of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who oversee operations and equipment maintenance. Our experts ensure that all equipment is properly maintained and that every step of the project is executed following established safety procedures.

Our teams are trained in radiation protection, hazardous materials handling, and emergency response procedures to ensure a quick and effective response in the unlikely event of an incident. This robust safety culture is built into every aspect of the work, from equipment maintenance to worker training and site management.

Notable Aspects of the Project:

What sets this project apart is that we are acting as a full-service General Contractor, executing all major tasks directly without the need to subcontract for the demolition and removal of the reactor heads. This gives us full control over the project’s efficiency, safety, and quality. Our extensive experience in working with Holtec on similar decommissioning projects has solidified our role as a trusted partner in the nuclear industry.

Services Provided:

• Lead & Asbestos Removal: Ensuring the safe removal of lead and asbestos-containing materials, which can pose a health risk if not properly handled during decommissioning.
• Electrical Services: Disconnecting and safely removing electrical systems and equipment throughout the plant.
• Demolition & Decommissioning: Managing the systematic dismantling of the plant’s structures and systems, including the reactor heads, cooling towers, and auxiliary buildings.
• Fuel Removal: The precise and careful removal of spent nuclear fuel from the reactors to a safe storage or disposal location.
• Radiological Waste Removal: The safe handling, containment, and transport of radioactive materials in compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

Conclusion:

The decommissioning of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant is a complex, high-stakes project that requires the highest levels of safety, precision, and efficiency. By applying advanced techniques like diamond wire cutting and maintaining strict safety protocols, we are able to safely manage the risks associated with radioactive materials and ensure a successful decommissioning. Our role as the general contractor overseeing all aspects of the decommissioning—from fuel removal to reactor head demolition—sets us apart as a leading contractor in this field.

We look forward to completing this project by the end of 2025, ensuring that the site is fully decommissioned, safe, and ready for its next phase.