Paducah Site Completes Key Survey, Advancing Toward First Land Transfer

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education performs an independent verification for the environmental baseline survey on a 188-acre parcel of land at the Paducah Site slated for transfer to the community for future reuse and economic development. The institute has been providing independent verification for the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and others for more than 40 years.

PADUCAH, Ky. — Officials are a step closer to the first land transfer at the Paducah Site for future reuse and economic development after completing a comprehensive survey of the 188-acre parcel that identifies environmental impacts through review of records of past operations and inspections, historical photographs, and interviews with former and current employees.

The environmental baseline survey is required under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Commonwealth of Kentucky approved the document, per a regulatory agreement for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) site.

Completing this key step for the parcel, located on the southeastern portion of the site, advances the community’s vision for reindustrialization through the land-transfer process.

“New opportunities are on the horizon for Paducah as we work side by side with the community and their vision for reindustrialization, planting the seeds for economic growth in the region,” Portsmouth Paducah Project Office Manager Joel Bradburne said. “Receiving approval on the environmental baseline survey is a significant step in the transfer process and continues to demonstrate commitment from DOE and the regulatory parties to take action to complete safe and successful cleanup at the Paducah Site.”

A cultural survey is conducted to identify and document any cultural, historical or archaeological resources that may exist on or near a 188-acre parcel of land at the Paducah Site slated for transfer to the community for future reuse and economic development. This work was done as part of a broader, comprehensive survey of the parcel.

The survey report says EM met the requirements for the transfer, and affirms the transfer is protective of human health and the environment. The survey incorporated thorough records reviews, visual inspections, interviews and sampling data, ensuring a full and accurate assessment of environmental conditions.

“Fulfilling the community’s request for land for reuse is integral to the site’s overall cleanup strategy moving forward, helping to drive new industry and investment,” Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership (FRNP) Program Manager Myrna Redfield said. “The completion of the environmental baseline survey ensures steady progress toward that goal, allowing the site to move into the next phase of the land-transfer process.”

FRNP is the deactivation and remediation contractor at the Paducah Site.

-Contributor: Dylan Nichols