Y-12 authorized for first-phase EUO resumption
EUO is the last in a series of resumptions initiated at Y-12 following stand-down of operations in September 1994. Resumption of programs at Y-12 has included incorporating "conduct of operations," which defines the approach to safe accomplishment of work at the facility. Resumption of EUO, the most complex of all operations at Y-12, involved revision of more than a thousand work process procedures, establishment/update and implementation of training and certification of workers in all job groups and multiple critical reviews of all aspects of the program. The systematic startup of EUO during the next few weeks will involve bringing back on line the full range of enriched uranium metal working capability. According to Hall, efforts in the resumption of Y-12 programs have been successful "because DOE and the contractor are united in focus and intent"—resulting in "a cooperative endeavor that brings credit to DOE and the Y-12 Plant." "This has been a challenging time here in Oak Ridge. The conduct of operations changes have been demanding for both the contractor and for DOE, but we have found excellence at Y-12 during the past four years and expect to see more of the same from these employees," Hall said in announcing authorization for the resumption. "We have worked through budget changes, mission demands and other major issues during this time, but Y-12 continued through this difficult process meeting all mission requirements," he noted. The authorization was granted following a two-week operational readiness review conducted by DOE in which conduct of operations and criticality safety—two major issues that brought about the stand-down in 1994—were found to be significantly improved. Van Hook expressed pride in "the improvements we have demonstrated during this effort. Everybody at Y-12 has been dedicated to this resumption for more than a year and a half, and it is good to see this dedication recognized," he said. "The strict way in which operations here must be conducted demands a level of focus that is unequaled in most companies. Our workers know what they are doing and are determined to see this process through to the end." According to Energy Systems Vice President Lew Felton, who led the EUO restart, the methodical restart of individual operations within the program is appropriate, given the program's complexity. "It is not one of those programs where we can just flip a switch and say the resumption is done," he said. "We have a production program here at Y-12 that cannot be executed without proper controls in place. Now that we have established the controls for future operations, we will systematically begin operating enriched uranium metal forming processes over the next few weeks," he said. "Credit for this resumption authorization goes to our employees who worked long, hard hours to see this effort through. They were focused and committed to achieving success here, and that is what has happened." The resumption effort involves a series of critical assessments in which operations must meet extensive standards associated with the plant's overall move from experience-based to disciplined, standards-based operations. Elements of the effort include critical surveys of operations, personnel training and qualification, procedure adequacy and compliance evaluation and appropriate implementation of management controls and systems for safety. Addressing employees at a celebration ceremony, Van Hook said he is proud of the employees at Y-12 and of the managers who saw the resumption to completion. Summarizing, he concluded that he could not "let this opportunity pass without expressing appreciation to Dale Jackson (DOE site manager for Y-12) and Steve Richardson (ORO deputy manager) for both their support and their active involvement, without which we would not have gotten to this point." Other programs brought back into operation include Receipt, Storage and Shipment; Depleted Uranium Operations/Support Functions; Disassembly and Assembly; and Quality Evaluation. Noteworthy among accomplishments in the process is that Y-12 has continued to meet DOE Defense Programs mission obligations throughout the resumption period, completing activities of importance to national defense, nuclear nonproliferation and other work of national significance. "The DOE-Lockheed Martin team has been very successful in the past 18 months," said Van Hook. "We have continued to meet our defense mission obligations while conducting the resumption of Enriched Uranium Operations. "Y-12's biggest asset is our people—highly trained and dedicated people who ensure Y-12's position in the support of our nation's defense needs," he concluded.—Patricia Greeson
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