2017 PUREX Tunnel Collapse – It’s Predecessors and Aftermath

On May 9, 2017 @ 0830 a radiological control technician (RCT) discovered a partial collapse of the Plutonium Extraction (PUREX) Tunnel 1, which placed 200E into a Take-Cover condition. This placed our speaker, Mike Maloof, in the crosshairs of a radiological emergency that ultimately led to a Site-Wide Take-Cover condition that lasted until the following evening. Fortunately, his prior work experience and education had prepared him well for this situation. He and the recovery teams worked 24x7 to return the tunnel to a radiological stable and safe condition in approximately 36 hours.

Mike graduated from CWU with a degree in engineering in 1996 where he then worked for 10 years in Manufacturing at OEM Western Sintering, where he managed the secondaries production machine shop. During his time at Western Sintering, he obtained his Metal Powder Industry Federation (MPIF) Powdered Technologist (PMT) Level I certification. He started work onsite as a sub-contractor through Vista Engineering at the Plutonium Finishing Plant (PFP) doing mostly field work on the 216-Z-9 crib taking air samples from the crib and performing an analysis of the chemical constituents. From 2007-2013 he then was a Staff Aug Engineer and Design Authority (DA) for mechanical systems at PFP and also participated as a member of the Facility Emergency Response Organization (FERO). In 2015 he then worked as a DA for the Central Plateau Surveillance and Maintenance (CPS&M, now called End-States) as a DA for numerous facilities. He was assigned as the DA for the failed equipment tunnels at A-Plant (also known as PUREX). Prio to the tunnel collapse, Mr. Maloof presented his findings to management, environmental, DOE and Ecology where he shared with them the unknown state of the structural integrity of both tunnels. Unfortunately, six weeks later, Tunnel I partially collapsed and what followed was emergency recovery actions.

Mike will discuss the precursors, the immediate steps taken and the overall assessment of this incident.

This presentation will be available in person in Floyd 231 at WSU Tri-Cities, 2710 Crimson Way. Pizza and soft drinks will be available beginning at 5:30 pm and the presentation will commence at 6:00 pm. Space is limited, so sign up as soon as possible.

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