At any given time during OSDF construction, one cell may have the cap being constructed, one or two cells may have waste being placed, and one cell may have the liner being constructed. The waste acceptance criteria were developed to protect the underlying Great Miami Aquifer and include concentration limits on specific radionuclides and chemicals, size criteria, and a list of prohibited items. By the close of 2000, Cell 1 was filled to capacity, Cell 2 was 51 percent filled, and Cell 3 was 23 percent filled. During 2001, Fernald plans to construct the 8.75-foot thick final cover over Cell 1 and place 60,000 cubic yards of material in Cells 2 and 3. Phased construction of the OSDF is expected to continue through 2006.
Construction is dependent on the schedule for soil excavation and building demolition.
Together, DOE and Fluor Fernald are committed to safely restoring the Fernald site to an end state that serves the needs of the community.