Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear (D) initiated the final phase of the Maxey Flats Disposal Site cleanup project yesterday in a symbolic ceremony meant to kick off the construction of a $35.2 million permanent protective cap over the site. Maxey Flats previously served as a disposal site for the nation’s low-level radioactive waste, but due to poor burial practices, the site had to shut down its operations after the state regulators discovered leakage. Kentucky plans to place a protective cap on the site, which should cost an estimated $35.2 million and take 18 months to complete. Beshear joined with state and local officials, as well as representatives from Walker Construction and other team members involved with the final cap construction to shovel the first load of dirt onto the synthetic line. “This is a good day for Kentucky as one of our biggest environmental challenges is being properly dealt with, keeping our citizens and our environment safe from the radioactive disposal done here in the past,” Gov. Beshear said in a statement. “This action is being taken to ensure the safety of our citizens and our environment near the disposal site.” The final phase of closure also includes the purchase of property that will allow for the increased distance between the restricted areas of the site and the public, and reduce potential for public exposure, the state said.
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