PIKETON, Ohio – The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sharply criticized the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for allegedly providing false and misleading information about Parcel 4 at the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant. In a letter dated December 31, 2024, the Ohio EPA highlighted significant deficiencies in the DOE’s Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP), raising concerns about the DOE’s readiness to transfer the land back to the public for future development.
Parcel 4, a section of the former nuclear plant site, is being prepared for public use as part of a broader effort to redevelop the land. However, the Ohio EPA’s findings suggest the DOE may be rushing the process, potentially compromising public safety and environmental integrity.

Key Issues Highlighted by the Ohio EPA
The Ohio EPA’s review of the DOE’s October 2024 submission identified several critical issues in the DOE’s approach to preparing Parcel 4 for transfer. The deficiencies range from misleading contamination claims to inadequate sampling protocols and deferred testing for toxic substances.
1. Misrepresentation of Contamination Levels
The DOE has characterized Parcel 4 as “uncontaminated” in multiple instances, despite data showing contamination well above safe levels. The Ohio EPA asserts that these statements mislead the public and could jeopardize efforts to make the land safe for future use.
2. Sampling Deficiencies
The Ohio EPA found the DOE’s sampling protocols insufficient to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of Parcel 4’s safety:
- Soil and building sampling were incomplete and did not account for deeper contamination layers.
- The DOE postponed testing for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), critical chemicals known for their persistence and toxicity.
- The boundaries of Parcel 4 were set without adequate supporting data, raising questions about the thoroughness of the contamination assessments.

3. Downplaying Radiological Risks
The DOE’s evaluation of radiological contamination risks, particularly uranium isotopes, drew heavy criticism. The Ohio EPA flagged inconsistencies, noting that action levels for uranium-234 were set inexplicably higher than those for other isotopes. Additionally, the DOE’s proposal to use land-use restrictions as a workaround for contamination was firmly rejected by the state agency.

Preparing for Public Use: A Questionable Approach
A Legacy of Contamination
For decades, the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant has been a source of radioactive and toxic contamination. While efforts are underway to prepare the land for transfer back to the public, critics argue that the DOE’s plans prioritize expediency over environmental and public safety.
Tensions Over Development Plans
The redevelopment of Parcel 4 is part of a larger economic revitalization initiative aimed at repurposing land from the former nuclear facility. However, the Ohio EPA’s concerns have cast doubt on whether the DOE is adequately addressing the site’s contamination before the land is made available for development. Other parcels of land have been transferred already, raising concerns about those parcels being more contaminated than the new owners were ever made aware of.
Public Concerns
Residents of Piketon and environmental advocates have long been wary of the DOE’s oversight. The Ohio EPA’s findings validate these concerns, underscoring the need for thorough remediation before the land can be safely repurposed.
Ohio EPA’s Recommendations
The Ohio EPA has called for substantial revisions to the DOE’s plans before Parcel 4 can be deemed suitable for public use. Key recommendations include:
- Eliminating Misleading Claims: References to Parcel 4 being “uncontaminated” must be removed from all documents.
- Comprehensive Sampling: Expanded soil and building sampling, including deeper layers, is necessary to fully assess contamination.
- Immediate PFAS Testing: Delayed testing for PFAS could complicate land transfer timelines and should be expedited.
- Transparent Boundary Justifications: The DOE must provide clear data to support the established boundaries for Parcel 4.
What’s at Stake?
Safety vs. Speed
As the DOE pushes forward with plans to transfer Parcel 4, the Ohio EPA warns against cutting corners. The agency insists that thorough testing and remediation are critical to ensuring the land is safe for public use and future development.
Economic and Community Impact
While redeveloping Parcel 4 has the potential to bring economic benefits to the Piketon community, unresolved contamination issues could lead to long-term health and environmental risks. Local residents are urging both the DOE and the Ohio EPA to prioritize public safety over economic expediency.
FAQs
1. What is Parcel 4, and why is it significant?
Parcel 4 is part of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant site in Piketon, Ohio. It is currently being prepared for transfer back to the public as part of a redevelopment plan.
2. What are the Ohio EPA’s main concerns?
The Ohio EPA is concerned about misleading contamination claims, inadequate sampling, deferred testing for toxic substances, and downplayed radiological risks.
3. Why is PFAS testing important?
PFAS are toxic chemicals that persist in the environment and pose serious health risks. Testing is essential to determine the extent of contamination and ensure the land is safe for redevelopment.
4. What could happen if the DOE ignores the Ohio EPA’s recommendations?
Ignoring these recommendations could lead to delays in transferring the land, legal challenges, and potential public health risks if the land is developed without proper remediation.
5. How does this issue affect local residents?
Residents are concerned about potential exposure to toxic substances and the long-term environmental impacts of inadequate remediation. The controversy has heightened their distrust of federal oversight.
6. What is the timeline for Parcel 4’s transfer?
The timeline remains uncertain as the Ohio EPA’s findings could delay the process. The DOE must revise its plans to address the identified deficiencies before proceeding.
As the DOE and Ohio EPA clash over the safety of Parcel 4, the stakes are high for both public health and economic development in Piketon. The Ohio EPA’s detailed review underscores the need for transparency and accountability, ensuring that the land is truly ready for public use. The fight for environmental justice continues for the community as they wait to see whether federal and state agencies will prioritize safety over expediency.