In May 2000, workers began excavating isolated areas of soil on the BNL site containing low levels of cesium-137. The excavations were completed in September.
The areas that were excavated are shown on the map below. These locations were roped off and marked by BNL's Radiological Control division in early March. The excavated areas did not pose health risks to those who may have crossed these sites in the past. This soil excavation was part of the Laboratory's environmental cleanup program.
The excavation began with soils near Building 490 (Medical). It continued with lawns near the Brookhaven Center (Building 30), the Chemistry Building (555), Contracts and Procurement (355), and Information Technology (515). Lawns near Building 930 were excavated last. In most areas, the excavations extended to a maximum depth of about 2 feet. Excavation procedures were designed to minimize dust generation, and radiological monitoring ensured the safety of workers and other on-site personnel.
The excavated soils were packaged at the excavation site and taken to the Chemical Holes area, in the southeastern portion of the Laboratory, for loading onto railcars and transportation off site for disposal.
Surveys have shown that cleanup goals were reached, and backfilling of excavated areas has begun. The Radiological Control Division has authorized the removal of the ropes and signs surrounding these areas once backfilling of each area is complete.
For more information on this project, please contact Ken
White (Community Relations) at 344-4423 or Jim
Brower (Environmental Restoration) at 344-7513. The objectives for this
cleanup project are detailed in the Operable Unit
I Record of Decision.
Last updated: November 14, 2000