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| S A F E , S E C
U R E R A D I O A C T I V E M A T E R I A L S D
I S P O S I T I O N |
| www.duratekinc.com |
Bear Creek Eliminates Aged
Waste
by Assef Azadeh |
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1999, Duratek had in place contracts to process the radioactive
waste generated from the decommissioning of three nuclear power
plants. To present an idea of how much waste that is, a decommissioning
plant generates around 50 times more waste in weight than an
operating plant. A large part of this increase comes from the
dismantlement of the buildings and includes materials like concrete,
metal, and large components. A great deal more waste was coming
in than was being shipped out, and this waste began to accumulate
on site.
The problem with the large quantities of waste was compounded
by the fact that the processing services were competitively
and aggressively bid, leaving little room for delays and error.
In fact, the Commercial Processing group contributed to significant
losses to Duratek as a corporation both in years 2000 and 2001,
primarily because of the issues associated with aged waste.
(Aged waste is material that has not been processed within 365
days.) Starting in 2001, Duratek was left with approximately
two million pounds of aged waste: a huge challenge, and a significant
concern for both customers and our shareholders.
Beyond implementing new waste processing strategies, Duratek
took comprehensive and aggressive corrective actions, including
organization and management changes, new accounting and tracking
systems, and other cost reductions. An empowered and motivated
team faced its aged waste challenge. Throughout 2002, Duratek
reduced the aged waste inventory and achieved ZERO aged waste
at the end March 2003, where it has since remained.
In accordance with the continuous improvement philosophy and
to enhance excellence in customer care, Duratek is proud to
report that with the elimination of aged waste it has substantially
improved the average waste processing times, reducing cycle
time by approximately 50 percent since 2001. The approximate
100-day cycle time provides Duratek with optimum resource leveling,
allowing time to schedule, plan, and campaign specialty waste
streams along with the routine waste processing. In addition,
this cycle time reduction (1) reduces costs for storage, containers,
tracking, surveys, etc.; (2) allows more accurate invoicing;
and (3) addresses customer concerns regarding liabilities associated
with unprocessed waste and the potential for double payment.
Duratek is proud of the fact that the Commercial Processing
Group recovered and delivered on commitments to its customers
at no additional cost. With the improved controls in place,
Duratek is now cost-effectively processing more waste, with
less people, in less time. Duratek is here for long-term industry
needs helping to cost-effectively mitigate the risk of dispositioning
radioactive materials. |
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