PIKETON, Ohio — A recently released Department of Energy (DOE) report highlights serious radioactive contamination and environmental safety failures at the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Piketon, Ohio. The findings included in an annual update to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), detail ongoing risks to public health as cleanup efforts face significant challenges.
Groundwater Contamination Raises Concerns
The DOE report reveals the presence of radioactive isotopes and other contaminants in the environment:
- Technetium-99, a long-lived isotope associated with nuclear waste, was detected in groundwater monitoring wells between March and July 2024. Known for its ability to spread quickly through soil and water, this isotope has a half-life of 211,000 years.
- Enriched Uranium was identified in leachate samples, pointing to historical contamination leaking into groundwater systems.
- Additional contaminants, such as mercury, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), were also routinely present in groundwater samples.
Efforts to assess the full scope of contamination were hindered by sampling failures, with several wells running dry or producing insufficient water. These gaps raise questions about the accuracy of monitoring data.
Airborne Risks Linked to Demolition and Fires
The demolition of site structures, including the X-326 Process Building, has introduced airborne radioactive threats. Notable findings include:
- Transuranic isotopes, such as neptunium-237, were detected during demolition, with at least two results reported in January 2024. Although one offsite result was dismissed as a lab error, environmental groups have expressed skepticism.
- Elevated particulate matter (PM10) levels, tied to construction dust and debris disposal, were reported at several monitoring sites.
- The DOE’s reliance on quarterly air sampling leaves significant gaps in detecting real-time airborne risks, sparking concerns about the adequacy of monitoring practices.
Fire Incidents Damage Containment Systems
The report details multiple fire incidents during 2024, further exposing vulnerabilities in waste containment:
- On August 28, 2024, a fire during welding operations damaged key containment liners designed to hold radioactive and chemical waste.
- Additional fires on September 3 and September 24, 2024, disrupted waste disposal activities, raising questions about safety protocols and infrastructure resilience.
Stormwater Failures and Groundwater Risks
Stormwater management challenges were another critical finding:
- Sedimentation ponds routinely exceeded safety benchmarks, with Total Suspended Solids (TSS) levels reaching up to 357 mg/L—more than triple the acceptable limit.
- Elevated pH levels caused by algal growth pose further risks, as they can mobilize metals and other toxins in stormwater runoff.
- Unexplained anomalies, such as inconsistent uranium isotopic readings, suggest potential flaws in containment systems.
Calls for Action and Oversight
While the DOE maintains that contamination levels remain within acceptable state standards, experts stress that materials like technetium-99 and neptunium-237 pose long-term risks due to their persistence in the environment.
Local leaders and environmental advocates are demanding immediate action to address the issues highlighted in the report, including:
- Independent monitoring of groundwater, air, and containment systems.
- Real-time public reporting of contamination and environmental incidents.
- A halt to unsafe demolition and disposal activities until containment systems are verified as secure.
“For years, this community has dealt with the consequences of nuclear activity and DOE missteps,” said a local organizer. “This report underscores the ongoing risks and the need for urgent, transparent action to protect public health and safety.”
The report’s findings have reignited calls for accountability, as the community continues to grapple with the environmental and health impacts of decades-long contamination.