Page 257 - Beyond Decommissioning

238 Beyond Decommissioning

association of architecture, engineering, and fine arts faculty known as The Architects
and Artists Group. The Nuclear Reactor Building remained in operation until 1992
when the nuclear program was terminated. In 2002, the building was renamed More
Hall Annex to soothe any fear of terrorist organizations seeking nuclear materials. The
reactor within the building was dismantled and the site free-released in 2006. In 2008,
demolition was applied for by the University. Although considered by many to be ugly
and uninteresting, there was also a vocal and vibrant community that valued the build-
ing as an emblem of Modernism and the nuclear age. The Friends of the Nuclear Reac-
tor Building, jointly with other historic preservation advocacy organizations
successfully managed to get the structure on both Washington Heritage and National
Historic registers in 2008. The building’s place on the historic register was secured,
“for its direct connection to the development of nuclear energy and as a significant
example of the architectural style known as Brutalism.” But preservation of the build-
ing conflicted with University’s expansion plans. Then, the University sued the City of
Seattle as a means of establishing their independence from the city’s Landmark Pres-
ervation Ordinance (LPO). In June 2016, the multi-year legal case between the Uni-
versity of Washington and supporters of the Nuclear Reactor Building, reached an
end: the verdict liberated the University from the city’s LPO. In less than a month,
the building was dismantled and the University moved on for a new Computer Science
and Engineering facility.

6.5.16 Research reactors in operation

A few research reactors, still in operation, are open for public tours. Presumably, once
decommissioned, these reactors will become museums. A selection of these reactors
includes:
l Institute of Atomic and Subatomic Physics (Atominstitut), Vienna, Austria. The 250-kW
TRIGA Mark II reactor in the Prater Park started operation in 1962. The reactor is used
for training by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors and neighboring
countries. Upon registration, the Institute offers guided tours for groups.
l Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Germany. The 10-MW research reactor BER II delivers neutron
beams for a wide range of scientific investigations. On open days, visitors can take guided
tours through the experimental halls around the reactor. Scientists and reactor staff are avail-
able on these days to answer questions by the visitors.

6.5.17 Building 413 Active Laundry, Harwell, UK (Atyeo, 2010)
The building was constructed in 1955. It was a chemical cleaning plant (mostly used
for metal degreasing and surface polishing). In 1970, the eastern side of the building
was turned into an Active Laundry and the western side into a radiological calibration
station. The building remained for radiation uses for 30 years. In 2000, the active laun-
dry was decommissioned. This included de-planting, dismantling and removal of floor
surfaces and ventilation ducts. A few areas of low-level contamination were removed.
The cost of conversion was relatively low. Factors supporting reuse included: