Vol. 17, Issue 43

News on the world's largest environmental cleanup

Office of Environmental Management

November 3, 2026
Estimated Read Time   min
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Community Reuse Organization Sets Stage for Portsmouth Site Revitalization

A group of professionals posing for a photo in front of a building

Decades of community collaboration are paving the way for new energy development and economic opportunities at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Portsmouth Site. ⚡

More than 350 acres have been transferred for redevelopment, and plans for a $33 billion American Energy Hub will bring new industry, jobs and innovation to southern Ohio. Read the full story to learn how cleanup progress and community partnerships are transforming former nuclear sites into engines for economic growth.

Hanford Builds on Drone Program to Improve Facility Inspections

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The Hanford Site is taking safety and innovation to new heights with drone technology. 🛡️

For the first time, Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure used a drone to inspect the roof of an aging facility, reducing the need for workers to perform inspections at elevated heights. Read the full story to learn how cross-contractor collaboration and remote technology are improving safety, efficiency and facility inspections across the cleanup mission.

Oak Ridge Beats Goal for Highest Priority at ORNL: Uranium-233 Processing

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The Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management exceeded its annual uranium-233 processing goal, preparing 62 canisters for safe transportation and disposal. 🔬

Crews have now processed and disposed of more than 78% of the original uranium-233 inventory while recovering a rare isotope used in developing targeted cancer treatments. Read the full story to learn how innovative solutions are accelerating cleanup, reducing costs and supporting medical research.

Los Alamos County Annual Tour Highlights Legacy Cleanup Priorities

A group of professionals in yellow and orange safety vests taking a tour of the Los Alamos site

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Environmental Management Los Alamos Field Office joined local and state leaders to highlight ongoing legacy cleanup efforts and environmental protection priorities. 🤝

The tour provided an opportunity to discuss groundwater monitoring, contamination management and continued collaboration with stakeholders. Read the full story to learn how these efforts are supporting safe cleanup and protecting surrounding communities.