DOE starts demolition of former uranium process site

Photo: U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management

Workers have begun demolishing the X-333 Process Building, the second of three former uranium process buildings at the DOE site.

The work, which started last week, marks a major priority for the DOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) in its ongoing cleanup efforts.

The X-333 is the largest of the three process buildings, covering 66 acres under roof and measuring 1,456 feet long, 970 feet wide, and 82 feet high.

It once housed the site’s largest enrichment equipment, including converters weighing up to 66,000 pounds each.

Demolition is expected to take about five years, although project officials note efficiencies could shorten the timeline.

“The start of X-333 Process Building demolition marks the next significant step in the final cleanup of the Portsmouth Site,” said Portsmouth Site Lead Jeremy Davis.

“When this building is down, we will further position the site to support the community’s future economic development vision for the site.”

Federal Project Director Christy Brown added: “Although we have incorporated a number of useful lessons learned from the X-326 Process Building demolition, this one will take longer due to the sheer size of the building and building structures, as well as technical challenges.”