The Department of Energy is preparing a fourth draft version of the remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS) for a new CERCLA landfill in Oak Ridge, which underscores the number of issues raised by environmental regulators and the continuing differences about the project, which DOE deems critical to finishing the environmental cleanup campaign from former defense nuclear operations in the area.
Mike Koentop, executive officer of DOE’s Environmental Management Office in Oak Ridge, said the agency wasn’t surprised by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s tough position on a number of landfill issues or the growing controversy among local entities, such as the city of Oak Ridge – which recently submitted unsolicited comments on the project to DOE and environmental regulators.
“I wouldn’t say we’ve been surprised,” Koentop said. “People are interested in the topic and making sure we’re looking at everything we’re supposed to. It’s part of the process.”
TDEC has insisted that the Department of Energy consider other potential sites for the landfill on the government’s Oak Ridge reservation. DOE’s preferred site is adjacent to the Environmental Management Waste Management Facility, which has received radioactive and hazardous wastes from cleanup projects since 2002 and is nearing its capacity. The proposed site to the east of EMWF is only 650 yards from the boundary with the city of Oak Ridge.
“We are continuing to work with the DOE and EPA on this issue and taking the matter very seriously,” Kelly Brockman, TDEC communications chief, said in an email response to questions.
In an 80-page response to DOE’s third draft of the feasibility plan, TDEC raised numerous objections about the landfill plans, including the proposed location “over steep slopes” and a shallow water table. The state is also concerned about DOE’s desire to dispose of significant quantities of mercury waste at the site, and that may become a crux issue.
Jobs