PIKETON, Ohio – The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified a series of alarming environmental issues at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Piketon, including radioactive contamination in Little Beaver Creek and ongoing violations in wastewater management. The findings raise concerns about the plant’s oversight and its impact on local waterways and nearby properties.
Radioactive Contamination in Little Beaver Creek
In a separate report earlier this year, the EPA found that Technetium-99 (Tc-99) and Thorium-230, two hazardous radioactive materials, were detected at levels exceeding administrative thresholds in Little Beaver Creek. The contamination was traced to outflows from the plant’s on-site radioactive waste dump.
Key findings included:
- Technetium-99 (Tc-99):
- At monitoring site X780-SW08 (upstream), Tc-99 levels were 19.4 pCi/L in the first quarter of 2024, significantly above administrative safety limits.
- Downstream at X780-SW06, levels reached 15.4 pCi/L in the same period.
- Tc-99 is highly soluble in water, allowing it to travel long distances and potentially contaminate drinking water supplies or agricultural areas. With a half-life of 211,000 years, it poses long-term risks to the environment and public health.
- Thorium-230:
- Detected at 5.65 pCi/L at X780-SW08 in the first quarter and 2.32 pCi/L at X780-SW06 in the second quarter.
- Thorium-230 emits alpha radiation, which can cause severe internal damage if inhaled or ingested.
Environmental and Health Risks
Radioactive contamination in water poses significant risks to nearby communities and ecosystems. Tc-99 and Thorium-230, if ingested through water or food, can accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of cancer and other health issues. Little Beaver Creek’s potential connection to larger water systems heightens concerns about contamination spreading to crops, livestock, and drinking water supplies downstream.
Ongoing Wastewater Violations
During a September 2024 inspection, the EPA also identified ongoing issues with the plant’s wastewater treatment operations under Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth LLC, which managed the site cleanup until recently. Key violations included:
- Frequent Permit Violations:
- The facility recorded 121 violations of its wastewater permit between August 2018 and September 2024, including exceedances of mercury and suspended solids limits.
- A significant non-compliance status was noted for suspended solids discharges at one outfall (Outfall 005) over multiple months.
- Off-Site Impacts:
- Inspectors observed signs of erosion and potential contamination in areas of Little Beaver Creek located off the plant’s property.
- A leaking hydrant near the wastewater treatment plant has caused localized flooding, further complicating environmental conditions.
- Structural and Maintenance Problems:
- Sludge drying beds, last cleaned in 2023, require immediate attention, and sand filters at the treatment plant need to be rebuilt or replaced.
A Broader Cleanup Challenge
The findings come as a new company takes over the site’s cleanup operations, replacing Fluor-BWXT. The reports place added pressure on the new contractor to address radioactive contamination, improve wastewater management, and prevent further off-site impacts. Residents and environmental advocates are calling for stronger oversight to protect local ecosystems and public health – including placing radioactive signs along Little Beaver Creek warning residents to stay out of the waterway.
To date, the United States Department of Energy maintains that all cleanup operations at the Piketon site are safe. They contend that operations do not affect the surrounding environment or community.
