The operation of a Priest Rapids dam is stated to necessitate river flow manipulation varying from 25,000 cfs to 120,000 cfs in the winter months of a critical water year. The low flow may persist for periods of six hours daily, and the expected daily average low flow is 61,000 cfs. The possible effects of this on reactor operation and waste disposal to the Columbia River which are of the interest to the Radiological Sciences Department were reviewed by J.F. Honstead, R.E. Rostenbach, and R.F. Foster. These include radiation hazards in reactor area water treatment plants, reactor area drinking water contamination; increased river temperature; chromium pollution problems; effects on downstream river usage, and effects on aquatic life.

The recent modernization program for the 300 area metal preparation process has included installation of automatic spray pickling machines. Operative problems have accompanied start-up of the new machine including too rapid reoxidation of slugs leaving the pickle operation. Numerous slugs have had to be repickled with consequent interruption to canning operations. Investigations were conducted in cooperation with Coatings and Corrosion Unit, Fuel Technology Sub-Section and Process Improvement Unit, Metal Preparation Section, to obtain basis information about slug oxide removal and reoxidation. Findings and conclusions from the investigation are presented in this document.