PIKETON, Ohio – A Canadian engineering and nuclear services company with a complex corporate history has been awarded a $2.3 billion contract by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage nuclear materials at two key facilities, including one in Piketon, Ohio.
AtkinsRéalis Group Inc., formerly known as SNC-Lavalin, will operate the depleted uranium hexafluoride (DUF6) conversion plants in Piketon and Paducah, Kentucky, as part of a joint venture with Westinghouse Government Services and Jacobs Technology Inc. The partnership, called Mission Conversion Services Alliance (MCSA), will oversee the stabilization of nuclear byproducts, site maintenance, and emergency management for the next decade.
The contract is a significant step for AtkinsRéalis, which markets itself as a leader in nuclear services, particularly in environmental remediation and decommissioning of aging infrastructure. The work will involve converting hazardous DUF6—a byproduct of uranium enrichment—into a stable material suitable for long-term storage and disposal.
Corporate History and Controversies
Despite its technical expertise, AtkinsRéalis has faced scrutiny over its corporate past. Under its previous name, SNC-Lavalin, the company was implicated in multiple corruption scandals, including allegations of bribery and fraudulent practices in Canada and abroad.
One of the most high-profile controversies involved the company’s dealings with Libya’s Gadhafi regime. SNC-Lavalin secured several major contracts during Gadhafi’s rule, including a $500-million airport project in Benghazi and a $275-million prison construction deal. Allegations later surfaced that the company funneled millions in kickbacks to Saadi Gadhafi, one of Moammar Gadhafi’s sons, to fund personal luxuries. Officials at the time alleged that company executives attempted to smuggle the Gadhafi family out of Libya to Mexico.
In Canada, the company faced accusations of illegal political donations and a kickback scheme related to the construction of Montreal’s McGill University Health Centre. AtkinsRéalis has since rebranded and implemented corporate governance reforms, aiming to rebuild trust and distance itself from past controversies.
Environmental and Safety Concerns
The management of nuclear materials, particularly DUF6, remains a contentious issue. DUF6 is chemically toxic and requires careful handling to prevent environmental contamination. The conversion process at the Piketon facility is designed to stabilize this material, but challenges persist regarding the long-term safety of storage solutions.
The Piketon site itself has a history of contamination and regulatory scrutiny. In 2024, the previous contractor overseeing the DUF6 conversion plants was cited by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for safety violations.
DOE’s Perspective
The DOE has defended its decision to award the contract to AtkinsRéalis, citing the company’s technical expertise and longstanding collaboration with the agency. The MCSA partnership, DOE said, is expected to bring specialized knowledge and resources to address the challenges of DUF6 conversion and site management.
Community and Advocacy Group Reactions
Local residents and advocacy groups have expressed a range of reactions to the contract. While some welcome the project as a step toward addressing nuclear waste, others are concerned about potential risks and the company’s history.
“Any company handling radioactive material needs to have a spotless record,” one local advocate said.
Others highlight the broader challenges facing the nuclear industry, particularly the unresolved issues of waste disposal and environmental impact.