Using Software to Model the Risks of DOE Nuclear Waste Cleanup

ISSAQUAH, Wash., July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Risk modeling software created by GoldSim Technology Group is at the core of a new Department of Energy program to better manage the risks of its nuclear waste site cleanup programs nationwide, and improve communication with stakeholders.

The DOE's PRISM model ("Prioritization Risk Integration Simulation Model"), which is being developed by Predicus LLC, utilizes the GoldSim software to allow DOE managers to not only track and quantify technical risks, but also gauge the relevance of budget concerns, legal and other issues. In its first deployment at Hanford, Washington -- one of 80 nuclear cleanup sites nationwide -- officials will utilize PRISM to evaluate how best to proceed with the remediation and environmental clean-up of the nuclear waste site.

Following a successful development and implementation of PRISM, the GoldSim model could be used to fully integrate all 80 of the DOE's environmental remediation projects.

"Massive projects are often plagued by risks that are difficult to predict and quantify, such as local political factors or legal roadblocks. This causes project delays, consternation among stakeholders, and a domino effect impacting other projects in the queue," said Ian Miller, CEO of GoldSim Technology Group. "The Department of Energy's PRISM program is designed to get a handle on this and use powerful risk modeling software to quantify these risks."

The DOE was specifically looking for a model capable of conducting a comprehensive risk evaluation over the entire life cycle of the Hanford clean-up operation. The GoldSim model will further enable DOE and stakeholders to:

• Evaluate and compare alternative budget-funding or prioritization scenarios
• Gauge the impact of potential legal challenges and local political acceptance
• Examine the overall impact associated with waste and the subsequent activities
• Simulate the status of multiple waste systems, inventories, processing and transport activities

"GoldSim's sophisticated risk modeling engine will enable DOE to use PRISM to better prioritize key projects, communicate with stakeholders, and explain their decisions," Miller said. "As engineering projects get larger and more complex, this kind of sophisticated modeling is an essential part of the planning process. GoldSim has a long history with DOE and we are looking forward to working with Predicus to help make PRISM a success."

About GoldSim Technology Group

The GoldSim Technology Group is a privately held software company dedicated to delivering software and services to help organizations understand complex systems and make better decisions. GoldSim software is used by over 160 organizations worldwide to support risk management, strategic planning, and policy analysis in many industries, including waste management, mining, health care, energy, manufacturing, aerospace and defense.