Ensuring DOE Safely Deactivates and Decommissions Nuclear Facilities

Savannah River Site

Some defense nuclear facilities are no longer operational but still contain significant quantities of nuclear materials that can pose a danger to public health and safety if released.


Improving Nuclear Safety at an Unused Facility Containing Plutonium at Savannah River Site

Our Work

Building 235-F at Savannah River Site is a facility built in the 1950s that supported various nuclear material production and storage missions. All missions were completed in the early-2000s, but a significant quantity of a very hazardous form of plutonium was left behind in the facility. This plutonium could be released in a fire, putting nearby workers and the public in danger. To address this safety issue, DNFSB issued Recommendation 2012-1, Savannah River Site Building 235-F Safety.

Our Safety Impact

Since issuance of DNFSB’s Recommendation 2012-1, DOE eliminated all sources of electrical power from the facility, which substantially reduces the likelihood of a fire, and removed much of the plutonium material that was stuck in shielded hot cells.



 

LAt the Savannah River Site Building 235-F, disconnected electrical power sources (left); shielded hot cells before (top-right) and after (bottom-right) removal of plutonium materials.
Pictured: At the Savannah River Site Building 235-F, disconnected electrical power sources (left); shielded hot cells before (top-right) and after (bottom-right) removal of plutonium materials.

 

Last Updated: March 23, 2026