Beryllium (Be) is a metallic element; silver-grey, lightweight, non-magnetic, corrosion and fatigue resistant and a good thermal and electrical conductor. Beryllium is widely used in aerospace, automotive, computer and telecommunication applications, heavy machinery, and even in sporting equipment such as golf clubs. Beryllium alloys are tough, stiff, and lighter than similar alloys. For example, an alloy of beryllium and aluminum is three times as stiff and twenty-five percent lighter than pure aluminum.

Beryllium and its alloys are also the cause of severe medical disorders such as chronic beryllium disease (CBD) and cancer. The use of beryllium in the work place is controlled by federal and state regulatory agencies. Continuous environmental monitoring and established decontamination intervals are often part of a beryllium-compliance program. Environmental Dimensions, inc. (EDi) provides solutions for beryllium compliance, monitoring, and decontamination. For the past 20 years, EDi has accomplished projects large and small for governmental and private-sector clients.

EDi Turnkey Solutions & Resources

Recognized as an industry leader in beryllium support services, EDi specializes in detection, identification, characterization, safety training, and management support. EDi has a long and successful experience portfolio and the resources in this critical and specialized field. EDi is your turnkey solution to contaminated environments—everything beryllium.

Recent Projects

Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) Decontamination Services Contract, Albuquerque, NM
To date, EDi has completed more than ten major beryllium decontamination projects at SNL. EDi is involved in all aspects from project planning, characterization, determining the most efficient decon methodologies, and waste management. EDi coordinates site operations with existing workers; assists with equipment release protocols; packaging requirements, employee monitoring and safety protocols, and final verification surveys. EDi established SNL’s beryllium-monitoring program (10 CFR 850 compliant), which has been proven extremely successful. Projects have physically included ventilation systems, air handling units, ducting, fixed equipment, facility systems and components. Adherence to project schedule for completion is mission critical for all facilities and EDi has been on-time and on budget.

Lockheed Martin Corporation, former ABC Beryllium Company D&D, Tallevast, FL
EDi performed decommissioning and decontamination services at this 5.2 acre site. The former ABC Beryllium Co. was a precision manufacturing plant wherein beryllium was milled, lathed, and drilled into various components. EDi’s scope involved plan development, utility shutdowns, decon-tamination of all fixture and structural surfaces, waste management, air sampling, swipe sampling, encapsulation and compliant final waste disposal.

Y-12 National Security Complex Foundry D&D (Bldg. 9202), Bear Creek Valley, TN
This complex, constructed as part of the World War II Manhattan Project, was the location for highly precise manufacturing and assembly of uranium components for nuclear weapons. The foundry area and adjacent facilities to Building 9202 were contaminated with beryllium along with other contaminants of concern (COCs) such as radioactive materials, PCBs and mercury. EDi deconned all fixtures, machinery, and surfaces encompassed in 210,000 sq. ft. This firm-fixed-price project was completed on-time and on-budget and was crucial to the continuing mission critical operations at the facility.All work was performed in Q Clearance areas.

Los Alamos National Laboratory - TA-21 DP West, Los Alamos, NM
EDi conducted a comprehensive characterization survey of the facility (287,000 sq. ft.). The buildings were contaminated with high levels of plutonium and americium and lower levels of uranium, tritium, classified radionuclides, as well as beryllium and asbestos. Surveys for alpha, beta, and gamma radiation were conducted. More than 1,300 samples were collected and radiation measurements executed. Of particular interest on this project... underground vaults containing abandoned waste process lines required sampling as well. This created a challenge and EDi worked with a specialty company to design and construct a robot capable of recording gamma dose rates and video footage for remote operation in these areas.

For further information regarding EDi’s Beryllium Support Services, please contact Bill Rigby at brigby@edi-nm.com or call 865.482.7789.