Risk Identification, Analysis, and Mitigation Plan for Environmental Remediation Activities at Brookhaven National Laboratory - 11109

This paper describes the on-going activities for updating the risk identification, analysis and mitigation plan for environmental remediation work at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). Currently BNL is integrating risk identification and analysis results with other relevant information to make decisions about the need for and method of risk reduction. The focus is on those aspects of the planned activities that have significant uncertainties. The ultimate objective is to generate and implement risk mitigation plans that reduce, prevent or mitigate risks. Some of the key remaining scope of legacy cleanup at BNL site includes deactivation and decommissioning (D&D) of the Brookhaven Graphite Research Reactor (BGRR). This work included the removal of the 7.62 m (25-foot) square graphite pile and the biological shield (called bioshield). The bioshield is a steel and concrete enclosure with walls and roof sections in varying thicknesses from 1.3 m (4 feet 3 inches) to 1.62 m (5 foot 4 inches) that functioned to shield personnel from radiation, and provided physical support and an airtight membrane around the graphite pile. Removal of the graphite pile was completed in May 2010, leaving the 9.14 m (30-foot) tall bioshield. The paper addresses key risks with the demolition, removal, packaging, shipment and disposition of this radiologically activated bioshield. A comprehensive risk identification, analysis and mitigation plan update is intended to provide BNL the tools to be ready to meet the challenges resulting from unforeseen conditions during the implementation of bioshield removal/disposition activities. Risk management at BNL is a continuous process and the risk management plan is being updated on a regular basis. The process keeps track of identified risk, monitors residual risk and identifies new risks as they arise. To date, the process has been very effective and has resulted in mitigation/avoidance of major potential issues and impacts of unanticipated events to a minimum.