SM-1A nuclear power plant decommissioning

under construction

Westinghouse Government Services LLC has begun decommissioning the deactivated SM-1A nuclear power plant at Fort Greely, under a $103-million contract. The 20.2-MW thermal pressurized water reactor was constructed and activated in 1962 and served as a prototype for stationary medium-power plants. It was designed to be used as an “inservice” test facility for reactors in an Arctic environment. The secondary purpose was to study the economics of operating a nuclear plant compared to conventional oil-fired systems in a remote area where fuel costs were high and supply lines unusually long. It was shut down in 1972. The project entails dismantling and disposal of materials and documenting the necessary post-decommissioning radiological surveys to demonstrate that all affected areas of Fort Greely are suitable for unrestricted release.