A upgraded computer modeling system with the combined power of more than 1,100 desktop computers improves the analysis of environmental data.
Office of Environmental Management
May 14, 2019
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RICHLAND, Wash. – A recently upgraded computer modeling system with the combined power of more than 1,100 desktop computers significantly improves the analysis of environmental data, allowing EM's Richland Operations Office (RL) and contractor CH2M HILL Plateau Remediation Company (CHPRC) to better evaluate the cumulative effect of cleanup decisions at the Hanford Site.
The advanced system, called Gaia, provides a more comprehensive look at how potential cleanup actions affect one another and evaluates the long-term effect of cleanup progress.
Modeling data input in the system produces lightning-fast calculations, with results coming in days compared with months for the previous system. Data from the enhanced system will enable a technical approach to evaluating environmental cleanup actions.
“The ability to quickly review and evaluate the predicted outcomes of integrated cleanup scenarios is groundbreaking,” said Bill Hamel, RL assistant manager for river and plateau. “Hanford cleanup is incredibly complex, and the enhanced data will improve confidence in our decision-making process.”
CHPRC and subcontractor INTERA successfully launched the Gaia system in April. The new system is able to run multiple models simultaneously, generating results by as much as 94 percent faster than the previous system.
“I am proud of our team for completing this much-needed upgrade,” said Moses Jaraysi, CHPRC vice president for environmental programs and strategic planning. “The improved tool will provide a better understanding of the impacts of environmental cleanup decisions for years to come and support risk-based decision-making.”