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Printer Friendly| Release date: | September 25, 2002 |
| Contact: | Geoff Tyree - 509-372-1145 |
| Greg Koller - 509-372-4864 |
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Hanford tank science and technology partnership formalized
RICHLAND, Wash.— CH2M HILL Hanford Group President and General Manager Ed Aromi and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Director Dr. Lura Powell have signed a memorandum of agreement on science and technology integration in support of Hanford tank cleanup and closure.
Successful execution of CH2M HILL's work scope for the Department of Energy’s Office of River Protection requires a thorough understanding of the project’s technical uncertainties, and the science, technology development, technology deployment, and technology integration necessary to address those uncertainties. Technology integration is particularly critical within the new framework of accelerated cleanup at Hanford, and various technology options are being considered to supplement current plans for tank waste treatment.
CH2M HILL and PNNL have enjoyed a longstanding and successful partnership in Hanford tank work. PNNL has provided science and technology support to CH2M HILL tank projects, including:
- Solving problems with the buildup of flammable gas and subsequent surface level rise in Tank SY-101
- Closure of the Hanford tank flammable gas safety issue in 2001
- Development of the remotely operated Pit Viper, a robotic arm for waste transfer pit work
- Development of methods for retrieving solid waste from Hanford’s single-shell tanks
Recognizing the value of a close partnership on key projects, this new agreement formalizes the relationship between CH2M HILL and PNNL. The agreement establishes a co-led Technology Integration Program within CH2M HILL, responsible for managing all aspects of technology identification, development, and planning for technology deployment by CH2M HILL.
Four Key areas of PNNL emphasis in this collaboration with CH2M HILL include:
- Providing technical support to projects
- Coordinating external research and development interfaces with other Department of Energy sites and national laboratories, universities, and industry
- Planning, analysis, and risk management
- Establishing the scientific basis for closing a waste tank
The personnel who will co-lead this effort are Rick Raymond, CH2M HILL’s Technology Integration Program Director, and Tom Brouns, of PNNL’s Environmental Technology Division. Raymond’s prior work with CH2M HILL includes managing several projects, including the effort that solved problems with the buildup of flammable gas in Tank SY-101. Brouns’ prior work includes managing a team of seven national laboratories and Department of Energy contractors for the Tanks Focus Area, a Department of Energy science and technology national program supporting the remediation of radioactive waste tanks.
CH2M HILL Hanford Group, Inc. is the Department of Energy’s Office of River Protection prime contractor with responsibility for retrieving for treatment and disposing of approximately 53 million gallons of radioactive and hazardous waste stored in 177 underground tanks. It is part of the CH2M HILL family of employee-owned companies that provides engineering, construction, operations, and related technical services to public and private clients in numerous industries. The firm's work is concentrated in the areas of water, energy, environment, transportation, telecommunications, construction, and industrial facilities. CH2M HILL has more than 10,000 employees in 165 offices worldwide.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is a DOE research facility and delivers breakthrough science and technology in the areas of environment, energy, health, fundamental sciences and national security. Battelle, based in Columbus, Ohio, has operated PNNL for DOE since 1965.
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