Ohio EPA approves part of DOE cleanup plan for Piketon site

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved the first of two Records of Decision (ROD) submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) on the Piketon Gaseous Diffusion Plant, a significant step toward beginning the cleanup.

“Careful consideration has gone into making this a viable, safe plan for cleanup and revitalization of this site,” Ohio EPA Director Craig W. Butler said. “This decision will allow DOE to take its first physical steps to the major cleanup and eventual reuse of this property.”

During the Cold War, the site was used to process uranium for a variety of uses. The site is now  contaminated with industrial chemicals, and has radioactive areas and abandoned buildings. The first ROD submitted by the Department of Energy, which has now been approved, details a plan for on-site waste disposal. The ROD allows for the option of waste transport outside of the Piketon site.

The second ROD deals with the destruction of buildings and structures.