PIKETON, Ohio — The United States Department of Energy (DOE) announced earlier this month that plans are on track to begin the demolition of the X-333 Process Building at the site of the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant.
In a press release on July 9, 2024, the DOE confirmed the successful completion of characterization activities at the X-333 Process Building. This structure, one of three large buildings used until 2001 for the enrichment of uranium, played a significant role in producing enriched uranium for nuclear weapons.
The characterization process involved inspections of equipment, piping, and valves to identify potential contamination deposits. In a report to the Ohio EPA, the DOE warned of the potential release of radioactive contaminants, including plutonium, during demolition operations. The X-333 building is slated to be torn down in 2025, but the project exists amidst local anxieties.
The Portsmouth site is near Zahn’s Corner Middle School, which closed in 2019 due to radioactive contamination concerns. Though inactive, the school’s upkeep has become a financial burden for the Scioto Valley School District. In a recent statement, the district announced plans to auction the property, a move met with resident protests.
Adding to the unease, the Guardian broke the story of recent environmental testing revealing radioactive elements, specifically neptunium, in nearby plant life. This further exacerbated concerns about the potential health risks associated with the former plant.
The demolition of the X-333 signifies the removal of the second of three large process buildings at Portsmouth. In 2022, crews completed the demolition of the X-326 Process Building, with much of the contaminated material from the X-326 buried at the on-site radioactive dump.
