The status of the experimental boiling water reactor (EBWR) decontamination and decommissioning project

The present status of the EBWR (Experimental Boiling Water Reactor) D and D project is reported. This project consists of four major phases. Phase I started in 1986 as preparatory work for D and D and was completed by 1988. Phase II was the dismantling of EBWR components except the reactor vessel complex during 1988 to 1989. Phase III is the dismantling of the reactor vessel complex during 1989 to 1994. Finally, in Phase IV, decontamination, cleanup and project closeout will be conducted during 1994 to 1996. The projects schedule was impacted by several key factors including: limitation of available D and D laborers; unexpected delays in construction of facilities for Phase III D and D activities; implementation of an extensive D and D labourere training programme; waste shipments to DOE Hanford Facility for disposal instead of to DOE INEL Facility. The above identified concerns have now been resolved. Physical dismantling has resumed. The reactor vessel will be segmented by the abrasive water jet cutting in consideration of cost effectiveness and safety. This work will be conducted during this year. (author). 3 refs, 3 figs