Day 1: The journey begins

Today, the first of two 125-ton melter assemblies that will be installed in the Low-Activity Waste Vitrification (LAW) Facility began its nearly 800-mile route to the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant (WTP). The assembly will travel from the manufacturer Petersen, Inc., in Ogden, Utah, to the WTP construction site, 25 miles north of Richland, Wash.

Starting point: Ogden, Utah
Ending point: Moreland, Idaho
Miles traveled: 170
Hours traveled: 7.5
Average speed: 22.6 miles per hour
Maximum speed: 42 miles per hour

Cities/towns traveled through:

• Brigham City, Utah (population: ~17,000)
• Logan, Utah (population: ~42,000)
• Pocatello, Idaho (population: ~51,000)

Landmark passed: Idaho State University

The transporter carrying the first of two LAW melter assemblies pulls out of the parking lot at Petersen, Inc., in Ogden, Utah. (View larger image.)

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Interesting facts:

• Both melter assemblies measure 30 feet long, 21 feet wide, and 13 feet tall
• Because of their size, the assemblies will be delivered using a specially configured heavy-haul transporter and will require two separate trips
• The transporter will be preceded by at least two lead cars that verify clearances and at least one or two follow cars
• A transporter carrying a forklift and dunnage, both used to provide support during stops, also follows
• The transporter carrying the melter assembly uses a tractor in front, a 13-axle trailer and a tractor in back, totaling nearly 190 feet in length
• The melter caravan’s maximum speed is 45 miles per hour
• The clearance between the bottom of the trailer and the road is less than 9 inches

(View larger image.)

(View larger image.)

(View larger image.)

For media inquiries:

Suzanne Heaston, Bechtel National, Inc., Waste Treatment Plant Communications
(509) 371-2329, smheasto@bechtel.com

Carrie Meyer, Department of Energy
(509) 372-0810, Carrie_C_Meyer@rl.gov

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