Research Reactor | Project Experience

Project: Ford Nuclear Reactor Decommissioning
Site Location: University of Michigan
Client: CH2M HILL

General Description:

The Ford Nuclear Reactor (FNR) was a 2-Megawatt open-pool design located on the University of Michigan campus. The FNR was operated from 1957 until termination of operations in July 2003 and fuel removal from the facility was completed in December 2003.

Scope of Work:

Bartlett Services, Inc. (BSI) was responsible for providing supervision, labor, specified materials and equipment to prime contractor CH2M Hill in support of the D&D, complete site characterization and FSS of the FNR. Labor Classifications included health physicists, senior radiological engineers, FSS engineers, FSS technicians, supervisors, foreman, radiological control technicians, D&D technicians, ALARA personnel and procedure writers.

BSI developed the radiation protection program plan in support of this decommissioning effort, in addition to providing CH2M Hill the following support:

  • Created and implemented project radiation program plans, procedures and work permit
  • Developed and performed project and site-specific training
  • Provided all radiological monitoring support during the ALARA phase of the project and later transitioned the staff to support the characterization and FSS phases
  • Performed the demolition and dismantlement of all major systems, structures and components including embedded piping removal
  • Performed video surveillance to verify integrity of the piping prior to D&D activities
  • Selected all radiological detection instrumentation required to support the project and provided instrument calibration, instrument issue and daily response check support
  • Authored the FSS Report in support of the unrestricted release of the FNR facility and termination of the operating license
  • Performed all radiological surveys including building surface, land area, sub-surface and underwater surveys
  • Performed the removal, packaging and shipment activities of more than 2,000,000 lbs. of radioactive waste