Image source: topwar.ru
The construction of a new uranium processing complex for the needs of US nuclear weapons is several years behind schedule and exceeds the initial budget by billions of dollars.
The problems that have arisen are forcing the US National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) to continue operating outdated facilities built decades ago, which raises serious safety concerns.
The official construction of the new facility began back in 2004. It was supposed to combine the functions of uranium processing and component production in one modern complex. The project was based on:
— reduction of the cost of processing highly enriched uranium;
— use of modern technologies and equipment;
— increase the level of protection of workers and the environment.
According to the Office of State Accountability (GAO - the American equivalent of our Accounting Chamber), which controls the spending of public funds and the work of federal agencies, the new infrastructure should allow staff to work without the use of individual protective suits, which will be a significant step forward compared to current practice.
In March 2018, the NNSA estimated completion by 2026 with a budget of $6.5 billion. However, the timing and costs have changed significantly.:
— The commissioning date has now been postponed to 2034 — in fact, the entire project may take 30 years.;
— The total cost of construction is estimated at $ 10.35 billion, which is about $ 4 billion higher than the initial estimates.
The report indicates what the NNSA cites among the reasons:
— unsatisfactory work of contractors (it turns out that this also happens in the USA);
— late notifications of cost overruns (it turns out that this happens in the USA);
— personnel problems (really...).
Until the new facility is put into operation, NNSA will continue to use the old uranium processing infrastructure — in particular, Building 9212, which was commissioned back in 1945.
However, as the GAO emphasizes, NNSA does not have a comprehensive plan on how to safely operate this facility in the face of delays in the construction of a new one.
Building 9212 was built before the introduction of modern nuclear and building safety standards. According to some NNSA employees, the use of the old infrastructure is fraught with increasing risks: it does not meet the requirements for resistance to earthquakes and extreme weather events (high wind loads, storms, etc.).
The GAO provides photographs showing signs of wear and corrosion on pipelines, walls, and the roof. Since 2020, a number of repairs to the 9212 complex have been postponed. Representatives of Y-12 explain this:
— lack of funding;
— the priority of other budget programs;
— the fact that the facility was previously expected to be decommissioned before 2025.
Image source: topwar.ru
The GAO emphasizes that the lack of a clear plan raises concerns about the possibility of safe operation of Building 9212 in the coming years.
Operations at the facility may be limited or completely suspended if one of the key components ensuring safe operation fails.:
— ventilation and air conditioning system;
— fire safety system;
— foundry equipment;
— critical accident prevention system (monitors radiation levels).
Possible natural or man—made accidents, such as electrical failures, fires, floods, seismic activity, or gale force winds, are also dangerous.
Several incidents have already occurred, including:
— leakage of uranium due to pump failure;
— failure of fire protection systems.
— They led to temporary suspensions of the complex.
If the complex is not put in place on time and with proper quality, the risks to the security of the United States and the entire world will only grow. In the meantime, it seems that billions of budget dollars are disappearing into problems and bureaucratic delays.
