Preparations to receive and store the TMI-2 core debris

A significant portion of the cleanup activities at unit 2 of the Three Mile Island (TMI-2) nuclear power station involves the transport to and receipt and storage of the core at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL). Core debris is packaged in approx. 280 canisters of three designs. Each type of canister has, as a minimum, vent and drain connections, a port for remote grapple connection, and a dewatered weight of approx. 2800 lb. A scenario was developed for transfer of the cask from the Central Facilities Area (CFA) to Test Area North (TAN), unloading canisters from the cask in the Hot Shop at TAN, and placing canisters in storage in the Water Pit of TAN-607. Equipment requirements, interfaces, and costs were determined. Other INEL projects were studied for applicability of equipment to the TMI-2 core receipt project. The design, fabrication, and installation of new equipment and modifications of existing equipment were allowed to proceed. Work began on safety documentation and detailed operational procedures soon thereafter. It is concluded that the TMI-2 core can be safely stored until final disposal methods are developed under the Nuclear Waste Policy act of 1982