SRS Avoids Costs by Partnering With Organization to Remove Vintage Crane

AIKEN, S.C. – The Savannah River Site (SRS) recently transferred ownership of a massive 1960s vintage crane to the SRS Community Reuse Organization (SRSCRO), avoiding the estimated $2 million cost of disposing of the machine in a landfill.

“The crane was no longer needed to support solid waste missions at SRS,” SRS Solid Waste Management Facility Operation Support Manager Robert Minnick said. “With the SRSCRO partnership, SRS was able to essentially recycle the crane instead of throwing it away. Not only did this save the site money, but the transfer avoided the significant cost of disposition in a landfill.”

The Manitowoc 4600 Ringer Crane arrived at SRS in 1993. SRS used the machine to remove off-site components from railcars. It provided the distance needed to protect workers from radiation while being large enough to handle heavy components.

SRSCRO is responsible for disassembling the crane and transporting it offsite. SRS workers surveyed the crane extensively for contamination and cleared it for off-site release and use. Disassembly and transport of the crane components required more than 20 shipments. SRSCRO has sold the crane to a vendor.

“The mission of SRSCRO is to facilitate economic development opportunities associated with SRS technology capabilities and missions,” SRSCRO Executive Director Rick McLeod said. “Proceeds from the sale of this crane will go toward SRSCRO’s directed community programs related to economic and workforce development in the region.”

Minnick said the project was a win-win for all parties involved.

“It took the cooperation of many SRS employees, including people from solid waste management, the Savannah River National Laboratory, radiation protection, site services, asset management, and DOE-Savannah River,” Minnick said. “The can-do attitude and cooperation of all stakeholders is good business and a well-planned project is a safe project.”