NukeWorker Forum

Facility & Company Information => Region IV (Western) => Humboldt Bay => Topic started by: xynergy on Oct 09, 2007, 07:13

Title: Humboldt Bay
Post by: xynergy on Oct 09, 2007, 07:13
I spent about a year at Humboldt (2004 - 2005) helping them look for their "lost" fuel.  Interesting plant to work at.  QA Manager still thinks they are running an operating plant and accordingly, they are buried in procedures.  They haven't learned the lessons of the northeast plants that went through decommissioning.  It will be a long, long project regardless of what the schedule indicates.

For the most part the folks at the plant are great to work with.  I am not an HP, but an engineer, so maybe things are different.  Anyway no bad experiences.  But they do things the Humboldt way.

You are right, the plant hasn't operated in more than 30 years.  It is an interesting unit.   Bulk of reactor building is below ground.  There is no fuel transfer canal.  The fuel was moved from the reactor to the spent fuel pool via a transfer cask.  Whole operating floor area is no bigger than about 50' x 40' or so.  The T/G is about the size of a large truck.  The fossil units next door are bigger than the nuclear unit.

I thought that the plant was pretty clean.  Could go to the fule pool without PCs as well as most of the plant.  At one time the place was an alpha nightmare - most contaiminated plant in the US (even old timers agree about that).  There was a tremendous amount of fuel damage, but that was in the '60s and early '70s.  All that fuel was sent to West Valley for reprocessing.  Fuel pool was semi-cleaned up while searching for "lost" fuel.  Still has some issues.  Dose has pretty well died off.

The area is beautiful, but remote.  Plant is located in Eureka.  Not a lot of work, some logging and wood processing, but nothing more.  Arcata to the north is a left over hippie area.  Looks like Frisco in the late '60s (I am old enough to remember since I was a Deadhead).  There are two colleges in the area - Humboldt State and Redwoods College.  Lot of college students and college town feel, more so near Arcata.

There is alll types of housing available, but it is limited due to the presence of the colleges.  A lot of students never leave for the summer so nothing becomes available.  Number of good restraunts and great seafood.

Winters are mild, may get cold, but no snow, but you can see it in the adjacent mountains.  Does get cold, rainy, and wet in the winter (similar to Washington State).

Drop a line if you has specifics.
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: LaFeet on Mar 23, 2010, 11:21
Decommissioning is slowly starting. Still awaiting the new power plant to come on line prior to going full bore on the decom.  Managed to refill the vessel. 
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: techtoolong on Mar 24, 2010, 12:13
Any chance they will hire RAD TECHS techs in the near future ?  Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Brett LaVigne on Mar 24, 2010, 10:59
We are in a holding patern currently. We're staffed up for current needs, but they do change. I wouldn't expect any RP staffing in the near future. If your young enough, check back in 10 years, many will be wanting to retire and there will be plenty of work left to do ;D

An earlier post refferred to Humboldy Bay as being the most contaminated plant in the US at one time. I would argue that the current Humboldt Bay has the most significant radiological challenges of the entire US commercial world. We have painted everything to fix the contamination throughout the plant and most of it is just a RCA/Rad material area. Very low gamma dose due to the CO-60 being in it's 6th'ish half-life. We have millions of DPM/100cm2 alpha in our systems and pool and up-side-down beta/gamma to alpha ratio's. If you have ever tried to detect and control alpha contamination with upside down ratio's and it's on and in EVERYTHING, you know what a challenge that can be. It is a slow and deliberate pace here, but it is not for the weak of heart, that's for sure!!! But it can be big big fun!!!
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: HousePuke on Mar 26, 2010, 06:58
I spent a little time there in '07.  Who has the contract now?
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Brett LaVigne on Mar 26, 2010, 11:34
I spent a little time there in '07.  Who has the contract now?

RP/Decon: Direct Hire by PG&E

Several companies on site with small groups or individuals, all in all a pretty small group for the whole project.
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Iceman24601 on Mar 26, 2010, 11:42
I still have family in Eureka and my grandfather was actually a welder/boiler maker that helped build the place.  If you're looking to move to Eureka please understand you only see the sun a few dozen times a year b/c it's socked between mountanins and the coast.  If you need the sun, don't move to Eureka!  All in all it's a good place to live.  For those of you not familiar with the area (not that I condone it) it's also the home of Humbolt Hash!
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: LaFeet on Apr 14, 2010, 05:51
Brett   I just noticed your quote    you are in the right area (especially large versions) for those..... although most have'nt showered since the last rainfall :P
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: adacrombiecat on Apr 15, 2010, 07:55
 Do they have the Fuel Racks Loaded Yet? Whats up next?
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: LaFeet on Apr 16, 2010, 02:54
The fuel is gone, the pool is almost empty/characterizes and we are starting to pull stuff off of the rx head.....hopefully I will be done before I hit Social Security :-\
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: go.nukes on Apr 22, 2010, 09:34
Brett,
 Do you have a number up there for Rob Schnieder.
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Camella Black on Apr 22, 2010, 05:28
What part of PM don't you understand?

SMITE
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: go.nukes on Apr 22, 2010, 05:35
There is always one...
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: LaFeet on Aug 09, 2010, 03:49
Blades be coming out of the reactor - finally.  We have had an unfair number of challenges (ie problems) but the crew keeps on coming up with solutions.  I still hope I am out of here before I hit 62.
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Brett LaVigne on Aug 10, 2010, 04:08
  I still hope I am out of here before I hit 62.

Dude...There is no way you are getting out of here next year! ;D
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: OldHP on Aug 10, 2010, 10:08
He still has a few good years left!
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: LaFeet on Aug 17, 2010, 07:10
He still has a few good years left!

Thanks Terry - though I dont bounce as well as I used too
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: UncaBuffalo on Dec 09, 2010, 05:31
Great area.   The Redwoods are all around, so some of the most interesting hiking trails in the world.  Also some good sea kayaking opportunities.  And they get a couple of decent bands through every week.

Plant still having some growing pains on the decommissioning.  Trying to overcome the inertia of 30+ years since operations, with the added burden of little or no nuclear experience in the craft ranks.  Also, some of the usual D&D suspects who would rather footdrag than accomplish anything.  And the expected 'reinvent-the-wheel' problems.  Still, there are some GREAT people on-site and I would expect them to mostly overcome these problems in the next 6 months, or so.

I definitely recommend it to anyone who can make it out here!  :)


Humboldt STINKS!  (Modified at the request...nay, ORDER...of the BOSSMAN!)  ;)
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: HydroDave63 on Dec 09, 2010, 06:14
What's the hurry? No heat waves in summer, fishing is great in the Eel River, local crab is cheap and beautiful scenery. Just be mellow like the banana slug! ;)
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Brett LaVigne on Dec 09, 2010, 07:30
If I see one more person on here talking about the great scenery, fishing, awesome big trees, layed back mentality, friendly people, great festivals, great restaurants, great local music and artists, awesome farmers markets, small town-take care of each other mentality, beautiful hiking and rivers, no Walmart within' 80 miles, and the fact that it isn't populated at all...I'm not going to be happy!

This is the agreed upon response for those in the know...

Humboldt County!!! You don't want to go there!!! It rains all the time and the Hippies are stinky!!!

Thank you, that is all... ;D
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: HydroDave63 on Dec 09, 2010, 07:53
You forgot all the smoked salmon you can eat at any roadside stand ;)
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: OldHP on Dec 09, 2010, 09:06
No comment from LaFeet ???
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Brett LaVigne on Dec 09, 2010, 10:31
Great area.   The Redwoods are all around, so some of the most interesting hiking trails in the world.  Also some good sea kayaking opportunities.  And they get a couple of decent bands through every week.

Plant still having some growing pains on the decommissioning.  Trying to overcome the inertia of 30+ years since operations, with the added burden of little or no nuclear experience in the craft ranks.  Also, some of the usual D&D suspects who would rather footdrag than accomplish anything.  And the expected 'reinvent-the-wheel' problems.  Still, there are some GREAT people on-site and I would expect them to mostly overcome these problems in the next 6 months, or so.

I definitely recommend it to anyone who can make it out here!  :)


Humboldt STINKS!  (Modified at the request...nay, ORDER...of the BOSSMAN!)  ;)

Haha!!! Glad you stopped by for a bit UncaBuffalo...just remember, Humboldt sucks! ;D
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: UncaBuffalo on Dec 09, 2010, 10:36
Why isn't there a poll to rate Humboldt Bay?

Is someone afraid we will unseat Diablo Canyon from their 'Best-Ever' rating? 

I smell a conspiracy!!!
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Sun Dog on Dec 10, 2010, 07:38
Why isn't there a poll to rate Humboldt Bay?

Is someone afraid we will unseat Diablo Canyon from their 'Best-Ever' rating? 

I smell a conspiracy!!!

Knowing Humboldt, that probably isn't a conspiracy that you are smelling...
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: matthew.b on Dec 17, 2010, 12:36
Did Humboldt Bay have containment?

I've seen the claim that it didn't in multiple places, but then that might just be the fact that when people don't see the big concrete dome, they think that means the plant didn't have containment.
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: snowman on Dec 20, 2010, 02:44
Brett,
 Do you have a number up there for Rob Schnieder.

Hollywood actors are getting in the D&D business? Well shiver me timber...
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: LaFeet on Jan 19, 2011, 03:59
Okay, first let me say that i wear thermals even during the summer months. 
The amount of sunshine is the main cause of vitamin D deficiency and rampant depression. 
This is one of the few places that I know of people collecting welfare and unemployment while driving different "Benz's & 'Cedes" to collect said funds. 
You can tell which houses are grow houses by the horrible stench the emit (and many of them next to public schools).
The sand is black and the water cold.  The oysters are bland and the beef blander.
Your chances of an on time or successful flight into/out of the regional airport is not in your favor.

On the bright side, there are several casinos and excellent local breweries in the area.
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: OldHP on Jan 19, 2011, 06:32
Okay, first let me say that i wear thermals even during the summer months. 
The amount of sunshine is the main cause of vitamin D deficiency and rampant depression. 
This is one of the few places that I know of people collecting welfare and unemployment while driving different "Benz's & 'Cedes" to collect said funds. 
You can tell which houses are grow houses by the horrible stench the emit (and many of them next to public schools).
The sand is black and the water cold.  The oysters are bland and the beef blander.
Your chances of an on time or successful flight into/out of the regional airport is not in your favor.

On the bright side, there are several casinos and excellent local breweries in the area.

Finally a comment feom LaFeet.  Tell it like it is!   ;D ;D +K

Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Brett LaVigne on Jan 19, 2011, 10:28
Finally a comment feom LaFeet.  Tell it like it is!   ;D ;D +K



While I agree with some of what LaFeet says, like anywhere you have areas that you don't want to live and areas where you do. My family and I find Humboldt County to be one of the most unique and wonderful areas we have ever lived in. It is a very family orientated area but has little outlet for younger folks that might be looking for a night life. Yes, a large portion of the area is supported by marijuana growing, but it isn't in your face unless you frequent certain areas. The fact of the matter is that there is little else to do here for a living and if the marijuana trade were to go away, the area would litterally sink into total dispair. I won't get into the moral arguments of the subject other than to say that I find it hypocritical of people to denounce something that has no science to prove it to be as evil as some would like us to believe and in the same breath be just fine with alcohol and tobacco which claim the lives of many each year...whatever, that is a personal thing to decide upon. The California handout programs suck, that I agree with. CA politics are just plain stupid, but that goes for the state in general.

The businesses are all open (most) and have patrons. There is a small town mentality that strives to take care of each other by keeping big business out and shopping at the store that your neighbor owns (nearest WalMart is 1 1/2 hours away ;D). The scenery is 2nd to NONE with the huge trees, rugged coastline and breath taking inland lakes and mountains. During the summer months (when it literally never rains) there are more festivals, concerts, farmers markets (real ones) than you can shake a stick at. It is truly incredible how much there is to do here in the summer.

I could go on and on about my attraction to the area, but you get the point. It isn't for everyone, that is for sure, but if you like it here, you probably love it here. For many, it is not as great as I say it is...the heart wants what the heart wants and there is just no arguing taste. If you love nature and like the idea of a "live and let live" small town culture, this is THE place to be.

I just had to give my 2 cents. I joke about not talking this place up too much, but it is on my short list of great places to live...at the top of my short list.

Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: UncaBuffalo on Jan 20, 2011, 02:26
While I agree with some of what LaFeet says, like anywhere you have areas that you don't want to live and areas where you do. My family and I find Humboldt County to be one of the most unique and wonderful areas we have ever lived in. It is a very family orientated area but has little outlet for younger folks that might be looking for a night life. Yes, a large portion of the area is supported by marijuana growing, but it isn't in your face unless you frequent certain areas. The fact of the matter is that there is little else to do here for a living and if the marijuana trade were to go away, the area would litterally sink into total dispair. I won't get into the moral arguments of the subject other than to say that I find it hypocritical of people to denounce something that has no science to prove it to be as evil as some would like us to believe and in the same breath be just fine with alcohol and tobacco which claim the lives of many each year...whatever, that is a personal thing to decide upon. The California handout programs suck, that I agree with. CA politics are just plain stupid, but that goes for the state in general.

The businesses are all open (most) and have patrons. There is a small town mentality that strives to take care of each other by keeping big business out and shopping at the store that your neighbor owns (nearest WalMart is 1 1/2 hours away ;D). The scenery is 2nd to NONE with the huge trees, rugged coastline and breath taking inland lakes and mountains. During the summer months (when it literally never rains) there are more festivals, concerts, farmers markets (real ones) than you can shake a stick at. It is truly incredible how much there is to do here in the summer.

I could go on and on about my attraction to the area, but you get the point. It isn't for everyone, that is for sure, but if you like it here, you probably love it here. For many, it is not as great as I say it is...the heart wants what the heart wants and there is just no arguing taste. If you love nature and like the idea of a "live and let live" small town culture, this is THE place to be.

I just had to give my 2 cents. I joke about not talking this place up too much, but it is on my short list of great places to live...at the top of my short list.



Preach it, Brother!  :)

...except...sorry about this...now we have to kick you out of the "Humboldt County!!! You don't want to go there!!! It rains all the time and the Hippies are stinky!!!" club  ;)




I agree with you about Humboldt making the short list of best places to live... :)
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: LaFeet on Jan 26, 2011, 07:17
 Peace to you Brett,  being from a different part of the country I understand how someone might enjoy what Humboldt County offers.   I do my best to enjoy myself out here, but having spent most of my early life on the Gulf Coast of Florida, I long for real sunshine and Appalachicola oysters.

 As for the politics -  this place sucks.  That much we totally agree on.  And yes, there are a plethora of establishments that offer decent food.  Sometimes you even need a reservation just to get in.  But black sand????? 50 degree water (when its warm)??? and vitamin D diminishing sunshine does not make this Southern boy happy all the time.  Thank goodness I get to work with people like you (yes  a complement -  you deserve it my friend).   ;D
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: OldHP on Jan 26, 2011, 09:05
Peace to you Brett,  being from a different part of the country I understand how someone might enjoy what Humboldt County offers.   I do my best to enjoy myself out here, but having spent most of my early life on the Gulf Coast of Florida, I long for real sunshine and Appalachicola oysters.
 

Someone who was able to become a 'full fleged' OKIE as quick as LaFeet can also live anywhere and find peace!  :) :) :)
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: LaFeet on Feb 08, 2011, 07:02
Thanks Terry -  and if you might have forgotten   I was born at Tinker.... it just took Enercon a while to get me back to the state.
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: OldHP on Feb 08, 2011, 08:25
Thanks Terry -  and if you might have forgotten   I was born at Tinker.... it just took Enercon a while to get me back to the state.

This is true, but you also lived through life on the 671!  My next to last as the SS Eng!   ;D ;D
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: IonEyes on Mar 01, 2011, 03:04
I hear Bartlett has a contract up there at Humboldt now for a small number of RP Techs and Deconners. 

PG&E TAs are getting what now?  About $42.98 plus per diem? 

What's Bartlett paying?
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Brett LaVigne on Mar 02, 2011, 07:55
I hear Bartlett has a contract up there at Humboldt now for a small number of RP Techs and Deconners. 

PG&E TAs are getting what now?  About $42.98 plus per diem? 

What's Bartlett paying?

They must pay prevailing wage. The perdiem and bene's are where folks are gonna miss out. Should be a pretty nice gig none the less when compared with other Bartlett jobs. There won't be many of them, but the rumors are true that we will have a handfull.
The hourly rate looks pretty close last I checked. We actually have more than one rate, it depends on experience level. The Decon spots will be filled by mostly locals and probably won't be a perdiem job for that regardless of where they come from. It is an entry level position.
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Sun Dog on Mar 02, 2011, 09:16
The new techs will be supplied by Bartlett de Mexico S.A. de C.V.  You know them.  Technically competent, barely literate in English, don't pay Federal or state tax, at least in the US of A.  Outsourcing on a local level...coming to a nuke near you!
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Brett LaVigne on Mar 02, 2011, 10:42
The new techs will be supplied by Bartlett de Mexico S.A. de C.V.  You know them.  Technically competent, barely literate in English, don't pay Federal or state tax, at least in the US of A.  Outsourcing on a local level...coming to a nuke near you!

Uh...not so much. I think you might be thinking of the plant that is about 20 hours south of us.  :)
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Sun Dog on Mar 03, 2011, 05:36
Uh...not so much. I think you might be thinking of the plant that is about 20 hours south of us.  :)


You know how it goes, SoCal sneezes and and the country gets a cold.

Overheard during a recent RPM conference call:

RPM #1  "Let me get this straight.  You are saying you lowered your outage costs and reduced the ability for the contractors to second guess everything with their irritating questioning attitude?  How?  How?"

RPM #2  "Insourcing Dude"
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Brett LaVigne on Mar 03, 2011, 10:46
You know how it goes, SoCal sneezes and and the country gets a cold.

Overheard during a recent RPM conference call:

RPM #1  "Let me get this straight.  You are saying you lowered your outage costs and reduced the ability for the contractors to second guess everything with their irritating questioning attitude?  How?  How?"

RPM #2  "Insourcing Dude"

A Rad Protection Manager that makes statements like that does not deserve the job. "Irritating questioning attitude"...Seems like his peers would take issue with a question/statement like that if they were serious about what RP does.
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: HydroDave63 on Mar 03, 2011, 11:38
A Rad Protection Manager that makes statements like that does not deserve the job. "Irritating questioning attitude"...Seems like his peers would take issue with a question/statement like that if they were serious about what RP does.

Unless they were making up for a lack of HVAC by maintaining a "chilled work environment"  8)
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Sun Dog on Mar 03, 2011, 02:10
A Rad Protection Manager that makes statements like that does not deserve the job. "Irritating questioning attitude"...Seems like his peers would take issue with a question/statement like that if they were serious about what RP does.

Busted!  Not wanting to overstate the obvious, I chose not to use the  :-> emoticon.  Everybody knows that an RPM would never make statements like those where they could be overheard by a third party!
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: LaFeet on Mar 08, 2011, 09:49
The new techs will be supplied by Bartlett de Mexico S.A. de C.V.  You know them.  Technically competent, barely literate in English, don't pay Federal or state tax, at least in the US of A.  Outsourcing on a local level...coming to a nuke near you!

 With the initial (and continued) response concerning another contractor bringing in a large collective of spanish speaking (primary -  there are some that speak english well), but hard working personnel, I do not think that PG&E will insource from beyond the border.
 
 After all, this is still a union plant (somehow) and the do have some standards here.
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: IonEyes on Mar 09, 2011, 12:40
The Bartlett techs will join IBEW while working there, right?
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: LaFeet on Mar 09, 2011, 09:58
The Bartlett techs will join IBEW while working there, right?

I am not sure but I do not think so.....
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: IonEyes on Mar 09, 2011, 08:48
I hope they're joining IBEW.

If not, it begs the question, what's the deal with management putting non-union techs up there?  Hard to believe it could be so hard for Johnny C to find dues-paying Temporary Additionals for over $40/hour.

What does your union steward have to say about it?
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Brett LaVigne on Mar 15, 2011, 03:30
I hope they're joining IBEW.

If not, it begs the question, what's the deal with management putting non-union techs up there?  Hard to believe it could be so hard for Johnny C to find dues-paying Temporary Additionals for over $40/hour.

What does your union steward have to say about it?


The biggest reason that we have decided to go with a contractor is to be able to get folks in here in a timely fashion. We already have techs and decon here working for contract companies. The only difference here is that we are hiring contractors for the Operations group which has been PG&E T/A up till now. Our Human Resources dept. has made it so difficult to get people in here that we need to do it this way to support the timeline. I doubt that they will be part of the union. It's a long story, but that is the nutshell version.
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: LaFeet on Aug 10, 2011, 10:26
 Unless you have not heard, Day & Zimmerman is out of Humboldt.  Flour has replaced them, and the politics are only just now getting messy (ier).
 
 I have fallen to the political sway and shall depart Humboldt this Thursday.

 I wish the best for those remaining, but fear the worst.

 Perhaps I might return, only wearing a NRC hat.
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Laundry Man on Aug 10, 2011, 10:31
That stinks, I know you wanted to be there for the long haul.
LM
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: LaFeet on Nov 17, 2011, 04:59
I would like to say it is all quiet and nice on the Humboldt Front.... but that is not what I keep hearing.

Sorry for those suffering out there, but I am happy for those that got to go back to work.

Good luck all, miss working with you - Paule
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: LaFeet on Nov 17, 2011, 05:12
At least the Refuel Building Crane will be updated and ready for use by the time real work starts again.   How much money is PG&E saving doing business this way? ;)
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: duke99301 on Nov 21, 2011, 04:58
To bad my ex grew up there  been to the town a few  times with her good fishing hiking and all that there lots to do.
and could you belive it her brother went to collage and never worked.
have fun the HUT HUT Tiki Hut
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: UncaBuffalo on Dec 29, 2011, 08:08
Thanks for the new pictures, Brett!  :)

http://www.nukeworker.com/pictures/thumbnails-146.html
Title: Re: Humboldt Bay
Post by: Brett LaVigne on Jan 01, 2012, 01:18
Thanks for the new pictures, Brett!  :)

http://www.nukeworker.com/pictures/thumbnails-146.html

You betcha! i am going to try and keep it updated with stuff as it occurs. And, try to get better at taking pictures at work. Hope life is treating you well!!!