Crane Co.
State: Illinois
Location: Chicago
Time Period: 1947-1949
Facility Type: Atomic Weapons Employer
Facility Description
Crane Co. supplied the Atomic Energy Commission with uranium and thorium in the 1940s (and perhaps in the 1950s) and likely used materials containing uranium in manufacturing valves for the AEC. At the completion of one project in 1949, 1000 pounds of contaminated wastes,
including 346 grams of uranium, were shipped from Crane to Oak Ridge. In 1949, Crane also shipped 265 kg of normal uranium to Hanford. In 1954, records indicate government interest in purchasing more uranium and thorium from Crane, but this work has not been verified.
Listing
Crane Co. is listed as an Atomic Weapons Employer (AWE) site and as a Department of Energy (DOE) site under the EEOICPA.
Compensation
As of 03/22/2015, the total compensation paid under Part B of the EEOICPA, including medical compensation, for workers suffering from the effects of having worked at Crane Co. is $158,641.
Crane Co. Workers
If you or your parent worked at this or any other AWE facility and became ill, you may be entitled to compensation of up to $150K plus medical benefits from the US Department of Labor. Call EEOICPA Counsel Hugh Stephens at 1-855-EEOICPA (336-4272) or fill out the form to the right, whether or not you have already filed a claim and even if your claim has been accepted or denied.
We can help with all OWCP (Federal Workers Compensation) claims, impairments, wage loss and health care. 2495 Main Street, Suite 442 Buffalo, NY 14214.
*Crane Company other locations:
4100 South Kedzie 3501 West Pershing Avenue (1945)
Chicago 5, Illinois 836 South Michigan Avenue (1954)
The Crane Company may have been involved with MED activities in two separate functions: in the development of valves and in the supply of uranium and thorium metals.Crane Company conducted valve development studies for General Electric at Hanford (Ref. letter S. R. Gaarder to P. J. Selak, 9-19-49). The following purchase orders are listed in “Partial List of Purchase Orders Placed by General Electric Co. for Construction Items ($50,000 or More in Amt.) During Period January 1947 to Present,” RLO Box: 1603, Folder: Manager Databook 1949 & 1950:
Date | P.O.No. | Item | Cost,$ |
7-20-50 | 8966 | Electrical Connector | 77,935.60 |
2-28-50 | HWC-8105 | S/S Connectors | 539,676.03 |
2-9-50 | D-22266 | Pipe Connector | 95,997.24 |
10-23-50 | D-22349 | Electrical Connectors | 106,400.45 |
11-24-50 | D-22362 | Pipe Connectors | 127,259.71 |
11-24-50 | D-22265 | Pipe Connectors | 429,958.24 |
Pipe Connectors | 194,682.70 |
Two contract numbers associated with Crane are W-7418-eng-17 and W-7418-eng-18. The total contract price of the latter was $13,580,872.14.
Uranium-containing materials were used ‘in the valve development process, presumably for the purpose of testing the valve designs. At the completion of one project in September 1949, all contaminated material was packaged in two steel drums. The total weight was about1000 pounds, with 346 grams of U in one drum contained in a slurry which resulted from cleaning and neutralization of contaminated material. These two drums were shipped to Oak Ridge Operations on November 9, 1949.
The Chapman Valve Manufacturing Company, located in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, was purchased by Crane Company. Chapman was contracted by DOE predecessors to roll uranium rods. In addition, Heavy Minerals Company, a supplier of hydroxide sludge to the Mound refinery, is referred to as the Crane Company. Although most of the references to Crane, Chapman, and Heavy Minerals in the records identified to date can be clearly associated with the respective company, it is possible that confusion could result in the future from the apparent common ownership.
No known evidence has been found which would indicate that a DOE predecessor owned the Crane site or had control over operations there. Similarly, there is no reason to believe that a DOE predecessor was responsible for the environmental integrity of the site. The present condition and present owners of the site are unknown.
In summary, based on the type of work performed and the quantity of radioactive materials handled or processed, it is concluded that the potential for finding radioactive contamination on the site is remote. Furthermore, no records have been found that would support a finding of DOE authority to conduct remedial action if required. Therefore, the Crane Company site in Chicago is recommended for elimination from further consideration under FUSRAP.
*Source
Share this:
EEOICPA CLAIMS
Contact Us
"*" indicates required fields
*note: Submission of this form does not establish an attorney-client privilege.
Contact Us
Address:
2495 Main Street, Suite 442
Buffalo, New York 14214
Phone:
(716) 852-7590
Fax:
(716) 852-7599
After Hours:
(716) 208-3525
Email Us:
R. William Stephens, Esq.
R. Hugh Stephens, Esq.
Lisa P. Neff, Esq.
