Client contracted with Active to decontaminate drain pipe at the former Westinghouse research facility in Forest Hills, Pennsylvania. TechXtract was utilized to extract contaminants, which included elemental mercury, Radium 226 & 228, Thorium 228 & 234, and Uranium 234, 235, & 238, from drain pipes which had been removed as part of an ongoing remediation project. Pipe materials included cast iron, galvanized steel, and terracotta.

Active’s decontamination plan aimed to reduce wastes generated and to greatly reduce the costs associated with disposing of the contaminated pipes. Pipe sections were soaked in a chemical bath of TechXtract solution specially formulated for the target contaminants. Upon soaking, pipes were removed to a sealed decontamination structure where they were rinsed with high-pressure steam. Waste solutions were drummed and solidified for disposal.

Utilizing this approach, Active successfully reduced theradionuclide contamination on all drain pipe surfaces to free release concentrations, consistent with NRC Guide 1.86. Elemental mercury concentrations were reduced below RCRA regulatory thresholds. Active achieved a volume reduction of approximately 12:1, resulting in significant project cost savings for the client.