The Pantex facility is a Government Owned/Contractor Operated (GO/CO) plant. The various GO/CO operating companies have consistently been clients since the founding of OA Systems in 1991. Under various fixed price contracts, OAS has successfully executed a series of projects for the contact operators at the Pantex DOE plant in Amarillo, TX.This project description covers the activities conducted at the site over this 14-year period.

Remedial Investigations and Studies - OAS conducted a subsurface investigation of a petroleum hydrocarbon release in a secure area of the plant. The area investigated was on a steep berm of an elevated and very large aboveground storage tank. Both skid-mounted and truck-mounted drilling rigs were used. OAS designed and built access roads and retaining walls during the operation in order to safely execute the task. OAS installed monitoring wells and a Soil Vapor Extraction well at the site. OAS personnel operated the heavy equipment. After remediation goals were reached, OAS decommissioned the system; removing the SVE system and plugging the wells. The site was then returned to its original condition by OAS.

Remedial Action - OAS has conducted remediation of solvent and explosive contaminated soil at various locations. Several contracts at Pantex have involved the clean-up of solvent and explosive contaminated soil and process materials. OAS has excavated, decontaminated, and prepared for disposal of 800 feet of solvent contaminated piping at a high explosives processing facility. We utilized high temperature to decontaminate solvent and explosives contaminated steel equipment.  The equipment was then tested for dioxin residuals, cut into small pieces and shipped for recycling to a foundry. OAS characterized, prepared shipping papers and manifests and disposed of approximately 600 drums of waste.

Environmental Compliance - OAS personnel prepared the original Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures  (SPCC) plan and RCRA Contingency Plan for the Pantex Plant. Activities included: an inspection of each petroleum storage tank (approximately 75), chemical storage area, and a selection of oil-containing transformers at the plant. Physical descriptions of each facility were prepared. Recommendations for facility upgrades were proposed. Data and information provided by facility personnel were incorporated into the plans and the plans certified by an OAS Professional Engineer. OAS personnel have re-certified the plans and inspected the facilities on a three year basis.

OAS personnel conducted waste characterization studies and evaluated explosives contaminated waste streams with respect to regulatory requirements, contaminants of concern (COC), and discharge criteria. Samples of process waste streams were collected and analyzed for COCs. Analytical results were compared to regulatory criteria to assess compliance. A study report was prepared with recommendations for handling the various waste streams.  OAS conducted regulatory compliance inspections of 28 RCRA waste management areas; several small 90-day storage areas as well as, the RCRA permitted storage areas. Containers were checked for proper labeling, management, spill control, and record keeping. Recommendations for upgrades were proposed.  OAS performed RCRA closure certifications of permitted hazardous waste management units. Activities included physical inspection, review of analytical data, review of closure plans, and preparation of certification documents.

Environmental Services - OAS personnel designed and developed data management software used to manage radioactive materials at the plant. OAS performed with close coordination and security oversight from both on-site and off-site Pantex personnel and computer systems. OAS provided guidance for risk communication of activities at the Pantex Plant.

Emergency/Critical Response - Designed and conducted leak testing of underground tanks associated with the fire protection system. The project involved confined space entry into eight underground deluge system tanks in one of the most high secure areas of the Pantex plant. OAS personnel and equipment were subjected to thorough security and safety inspections. “Q” clearances were required. All work was conducted at night to minimize impact to the manufacturing operations. OAS designed and built specialized equipment so that each of the tanks could be vacuum tested individually.