Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Building 251 Deactivation, Decommissioning & Removal
APTIM successfully completed the deactivation, decommissioning, and removal (DD&R) of radiologically impacted Building 251 (B251) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), enabling development of state-of-the-art research and collaboration workspaces.
As part of the B251 DD&R project, APTIM has:
- Successfully executed safe and compliant radiological decommissioning, disposing of approximately 6,000 cubic yards of waste material
- Packaged and transported over 2 million pounds of licensed radioactive, hazardous, and municipal solid waste in full compliance with all regulatory requirements
- Conducted all operations deliberately and with control, achieving three consecutive years of operations without any occupational injury or illness
- Collaborated with the client and host site management to perform DD&R activities seamlessly, ensuring no adverse impact on mission-critical operations
Project History
B251
B251, also known as the Heavy Element Facility at LLNL, was commissioned in 1956 to provide research areas for conducting experiments in radiochemistry using transuranic elements and to provide tracer sets associated with the underground testing of nuclear devices.
Structure Overview
B251 is a 31,128 gross-square-foot, steel-framed, reinforced concrete block and masonry structure. It was constructed between 1955 and 1981 in 8 separate increments. The increments are eight individual buildings abutted together and joined by doorways. Except for the mezzanine in Increment 7, the building is 1 story with no windows other than in the offices in the northeast section and in the breakroom in the southwest corner. Seismic and safety upgrades to Increment 6 and part of Increment 3 were completed in 1981.
Operational and Post-Operational History
Operations ceased and the building became inactive by 1995. From 2001 to 2005, the LLNL Risk Reduction Program transferred rare and useful radioactive materials to other sites, deactivated and decommissioned glove boxes and ventilation systems, and packaged and shipped waste off site. B251 nuclear material inventory and radiological hazards were significantly reduced.
In 2005, B251 was downgraded from a Category II Nuclear Facility to less than a Hazard Category III Nuclear Facility. Residual contamination from spills, fires, and other incidents is known to remain within the building.
APTIM’s Contributions
APTIM work activities on this project included:
- Asbestos Abatement: Safely removed and disposed of hazardous asbestos materials
- Interior Dismantlement: Removed interior hazards, including contaminated and deteriorated materials
- Structural Demolition and Decontamination: Demolished building structures and conducted decontamination to address residual contamination
- Final Site Restoration: Restored the site to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards and prepare it for future use
Services Provided
- Project Management
- Facility Characterization
- Demolition
- Waste Handling/Management
- Subcontractor Management
- Erosion Controls
The flood protection structure was functional for the 2022 high water season, and Phase 5 was set to be completed by the end of 2023.
Learn more about APTIM’s Nuclear Decommissioning services.
Learn more about the historical significance of B251.
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