A REGULATORY PERSPECTIVE OF THE RESTORATION PROCESS FOR THE FORMER SODIUM DISPOSAL FACILITY AT ENERGY TECHNOLOGY

completion of a lengthy process to obtain the regulatory approval of a workplan to remediate its Former Sodium Disposal Facility (FSDF) and restore the area, approximately 3 acres (12,000 sq. meter), to its natural state. This remediation project has undergone numerous cleanup phases and has been closely monitored by several regulatory agencies. The FSDF has been released for (radiologically) unrestricted use, but the chemical remediation and final restoration is on hold. This paper provides a brief overview of the regulatory process that will allow an “Interim Cleanup ” in the near future and may ultimately allow the closure of this facility. The history of the FSDF project is presented with the emphasis on jurisdictional controls, how a “Closure” project has been reduced to an “Interim Cleanup ” project, and how even the interim project is still not close to completion. The lessons learned are included. To date, the project has cost slightly over $ 12,000,000 and has extended over a period of nearly eight years. Excavation and disposal of about 9,000 cubic meters of soil and 9,000 kg of debris have been accomplished to date, and more is required (Reference 1). There have been no significant radioactive exposures or other injuries. The current plan, derived from a human health risk assessment, calls for excavation of anothe