The first four boxes of radioactive parts from the reactor at the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station have been shipped to Texas for disposal.
Holtec, which owns the Plymouth nuclear plant, has been cutting up the steam dryer and separator, which removed moisture from steam before it exited the reactor, according to Dave Noyes of the decommissioning company CDI.
Work to dismantle the massive 54,000-pound dryer and 96,000-pound separator takes place entirely underwater. The parts are placed in boxes, sealed, and then raised from the water for shipping.
Patrick O’Brien, who represents Holtec, said the dryer was finished in December, and the first four boxes were shipped last Monday and Tuesday.
“That work was done safely and on time,” he said.
More will be shipped through the first half of the year.
The parts being sent to Texas are contaminated with radiation, but not as contaminated as the spent fuel rods, which cannot be shipped and will remain on site.
The plant closed in May of 2019.
