Old Conservation Yard

Description

The Old Conservation Yard (OCY) was used for storage and salvage of surplus equipment during the period 1956 to 1984.

Sometime during that period, a small area of the OCY became contaminated with low levels of Cesium -137.

Building Cleanup

In 1988 a characterization survey of the OCY confirmed the extent of the contamination to be limited to a 20' x 20' area. The top layer of soil was removed in 1989. A total of 132 cubic feet of soil was excavated at a cost of $17,000 and disposed of as radioactive waste. A post-excavation final survey was performed in 1989, which was documented in 1990.

In 1993, the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) conducted a final verification survey of the area.

The California Department of Health Services (DHS) performed verification sampling on September 14, 1995, and found no residual contamination in excess of current limits.

The results of the independent surveys verified that residual activity was was well below agency approved cleanup standards such that there would be no exposure or risk to current or future users of the land.  Consequently the DHS released the OCY for unrestricted use in 1995 followed by DOE concurrence in 1996.  

In November 2006, a final status survey of the area to the north of the OCY, designated 4583, was performed showing the land was suitable for release for unrestricted use.

In February 2008, ORISE performed a verification survey of 4583 confirming that release limits had been satisfied.  

This solid waste management unit (SWMU) includes the historical OCY, a salvage yard and a former fuel tank farm. The OYC was utilized as an open storage area beginning in the 1950s. One acre of the OCY was partially paved as a barrel storage area. The salvage area held materials from DOE facilities, the Plant Services Department, and vehicles throughout its service. A fuel tank farm was installed adjacent to the OCY during the energy crisis in the early 1970’s.

Radiological contamination was discovered and removed from the OCY. In 1993, the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) conducted a final verification survey of the area. The California Department of Health Services (DHS) performed verification sampling and concurred with the radiological release of the site in 1995.

Fuel tanks and earthen berms were removed in 1999 and the area was graded. During the RCRA Corrective Action investigation of the salvage area metal debris was removed and surveyed for radiological contamination. No radioactive contamination was detected at the debris. 

This site has been sampled by U.S. EPA and DTSC in the 2010-2011 sampling activities. Final resolution of any residual soil contamination will be compliant with the 2010 Administrative Order on Consent.

Historical Site Assessment - Old Conservation Yard

Historical Site Assessment - 4583 Old ESG Storage Yard

Historical Site Assessment - 4583 New Salvage Yard

 


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