Uses Sought for Tons of Radioactive Nickel Scrap

Uses Sought for Tons of Radioactive Nickel Scrap

WASHINGTON, DC, (ENS)

9th March 2007

The U.S. Department of Energy, DOE, is seeking input from industry representatives on the safe disposition of about 15,300 tons of radioactive nickel scrap recovered from uranium enrichment process equipment at the Department’s Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Paducah, Kentucky, facilities.

The Expression of Interest, released today, will assist in DOE’s evaluation of restricted uses of its nickel material for controlled radiological applications.

These restricted uses could include use in commercial nuclear power plants, DOE nuclear facilities, or by the U.S. Navy. The Department will solicit input through May 8, 2007.

All interested parties will be required to demonstrate their ability to obtain all required authorizations, licenses, personnel, and equipment to accept and declassify any classified nickel scrap at a DOE approved facility.

These parties must demonstrate their ability to transport, store, and process radioactively-contaminated nickel at a licensed radioactive materials facility.

To apply, parties must demonstrate their ability to dispose the unclassified and decontaminated nickel scrap into products suitable for use only in controlled government and/or commercial radiological applications; and finally to handle the disposition all byproducts and residual wastes.

DOE says it will determine its future acquisition plans, if any, consistent with the outcome of the appropriate environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act.

An information meeting in Oak Ridge is tentatively scheduled for April 3, 2007, for registered participants. An information meeting in Paducah is scheduled for April 5, 2007, and includes a short tour to view the inventory.

For more information, visit: www.fedbizopps.gov.