Portsmouth Crews Mark Progress Building Disposal Facility Cells
At the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Portsmouth Site in Piketon, Ohio, cleanup crews are marking substantial progress in the construction of new disposal facility cells—an essential step in the long-term remediation and transformation of the former gaseous diffusion plant. This work is a cornerstone of the site’s Decontamination and Decommissioning (D&D) mission, which aims to safely dismantle legacy uranium enrichment infrastructure while managing the resulting waste efficiently and sustainably.
Building the Foundation for Cleanup Success
The On-Site Waste Disposal Facility (OSWDF) is a critical element in the Portsmouth cleanup strategy. It is designed to safely isolate demolition debris and low-level radiological waste generated during deactivation and demolition of the site’s massive process buildings and support structures. Each disposal cell is a highly engineered system that includes multiple protective barriers—such as liners, leak-detection layers, and covers—to ensure long-term environmental safety and groundwater protection.
Portsmouth crews, under the DOE’s Office of Environmental Management (EM), are currently constructing additional lined cells to accommodate increasing volumes of waste as cleanup accelerates. As of mid-2025, several disposal cells have already been completed and placed into use, with new cells underway to keep pace with the projected 2.2 million cubic yards of waste expected over the life of the D&D project.
Infrastructure Meets Innovation
The Portsmouth OSWDF project reflects best practices in modern waste management engineering. Crews use advanced earthmoving equipment, GPS-controlled grading systems, and digital monitoring to ensure precise construction, regulatory compliance, and environmental safety. Each phase—from excavation and liner installation to final capping—is rigorously inspected and documented.
The project is not just about waste containment—it’s a long-term commitment to responsible land stewardship. Once completed, the facility will be maintained and monitored for centuries, with groundwater sampling, leachate control, and periodic inspections forming part of DOE’s long-term surveillance program.
National Trends in Nuclear Site Redevelopment
Nationwide, the DOE is transitioning its legacy nuclear sites from active remediation toward reuse and revitalization. The Portsmouth site is a model for this shift. While much of the work centers around decontamination and demolition, the ability to manage waste on-site through facilities like OSWDF reduces transportation risks, cuts project costs, and accelerates cleanup schedules.
This trend is echoed across other DOE sites like Paducah (KY) and Oak Ridge (TN), where localized waste containment and reuse planning are optimizing outcomes. Furthermore, in the private sector, similar models are influencing brownfield redevelopment, landfill engineering, and circular land use strategies—all part of the growing push for sustainable environmental management.
Jobs, Community Impact, and Economic Potential
The disposal cell construction also provides a tangible benefit to the local economy. The project employs hundreds of skilled workers in construction, safety, logistics, and environmental science—many of whom are from the surrounding communities in southern Ohio. Additionally, the work supports local suppliers and stimulates long-term regional development tied to post-cleanup land reuse.
Conclusion
As crews make visible progress building new disposal facility cells at the Portsmouth Site, they are also laying the foundation for environmental responsibility, economic growth, and site transformation. These engineered structures represent more than containment—they symbolize a strategic and sustainable path toward a cleaner future, supported by science, community, and the enduring commitment of the Department of Energy.
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