The DOE EM PPPO recently launched a website that “will help people stay current, involved and informed” about the radioactive material cleanup efforts at the Portsmouth, Ohio and Paducah, Kentucky Gaseous Diffusion Plant Sites. Photo source: PPPO
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
The Cold War is a distant memory for many. Political tension between the United States and the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics led to a massive buildup of nuclear weapons over decades. That era is over and has left a legacy of nuclear material, radioactive waste, and contamination. It all sounds a little scary. But you can take some comfort due to the work of the Department of Energy (DOE). Many Americans are oblivious to the role of DOE in everyday life. Our focus for this government spotlight is DOE’s Office of Environmental Management (EM), the United States’ response to its Cold War environmental legacy. Since 1989, EM’s focus has been on managing nuclear materials and cleaning up radioactive waste and contamination in the United States.
EM’s Legacy…
EM’s impact on communities around the country cannot be overstated. Nuclear products, if not properly managed, can have serious consequences on life and our environment. Here are five important ways EM is working for Americans and keeping the environment safe from the harmful effects of radioactive waste and contamination.
- Retiring Nuclear Facilities. One of the responsibilities of EM is deactivation and decommissioning (D&D). During this process, EM safely and completely shuts down nuclear facilities to protect the environment and communities from hazardous and radioactive materials. One facility that is currently in the process of D&D is the Kentucky-based Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, which in the past was a nuclear enrichment plant for military and civil programs. The Paducah facility was the last uranium enrichment plant in the USA. Last month, the EM Portsmouth/Paducah Project Office (PPPO) launched a new website (energy.gov/pppo) that “will help people stay current, involved and informed” about the progress of the decommissioning of the Paducah plant, according to PPPO Manager William E. Murphie.
- Promoting Sustainability. In addition to D&D, EM has a strong commitment to renewable energy. For instance, innovations at EM have led to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®), a noted green building certification program, honored EM’s groundwater treatment plant at Hanford (Washington State) with the very first gold certification in the sustainable design category. Additionally, EM’s Savannah River Site (SRS) recently received a Department of Energy Sustainability Award. Why? SRS developed a new way to determine radiation levels from containers of transuranic (TRU) waste—materials from plutonium or other human-made radioactive elements. The new technique has already saved the government more than $10 million.
- Processing Waste. The SRS initiative above is part of EM’s Tank Waste and Waste Processing program. EM is tasked with disposing of radioactive and hazardous waste at a number of facilities around the country. How much nuclear waste are we talking about? There’s a lot of it. DOE is responsible for more than 85 million gallons of liquid waste and over 4,000 cubic meters of solid waste in bins.
- Protecting the Public and Environment. The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is the only deep geologic repository for TRU waste in the United States. TRU waste can remain harmful for thousands of years according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). So, this type of radioactive material must be kept isolated to keep the public and environment safe. As its name suggests, WIPP is secluded—located in the Chihuahauan Desert of southeastern New Mexico, approximately 26 miles east of Carlsbad. DOE sites send contaminated materials including soil, clothing, and debris to WIPP for permanent disposal in rooms that are located 2,150 feet underground.
- Consolidating to Improve Business and Performance. In order to meet its high-stakes mission of waste management and nuclear clean-up, EM is doing its work smarter. Last year, Federal News Radio highlighted the EM Consolidated Business Center (EMCBC) and how that office has pulled many of EM’s functions into one centralized location. The result is that things are working better, including the overall management of radioactive waste site closures.
Environmental Thoughts…
The use of nuclear energy and products remain highly controversial. (1) What are your thoughts about the work EM is currently doing around nuclear waste management and cleanup? (2) Are you for or against the use of nuclear power? (3) What are your ideas around sustainable sources of energy?
Tags: Carlsbad, Dennis Powell, DOE, , EM, EMCBC, environment, EPA, government spotlight, Hanford, nuclear, Ola Sage, PPPO, SRS, TRU, WIPP
Although I think this country should continue looking for alternatives to coal, and nuclear energy is a part of the solution, I’ve always had a concern about what to do with the waste and what affect it would have on the environment. It’s uncharted territory, I think we’ll need to proceed carefully.
@Dwayne, I agree that when it comes to nuclear energy, public (and environmental) safety should be the top priorities. Thank you for stopping by and adding your thoughts.
I am all for renewable forms of energy as for economic standpoint, it balances out energy use and keeps it cost effective. I would consider nuclear energy only if it is safe for the environment and the people handling it. We have better technology but I think we should use those resources to provide cleaner and less wasteful forms of energy.
The obvious solution would be for countries to stop producing nuclear products; however, we know this will not happen due to the perception in the national defense community. Countries feel that the best strategy of protection is to produce massive nuclear weapons.
To tactical this problem, we must start at the State level with local government. The average citizen can play an important part in conserving renewable resources, something simple as recycling reusable goods is a great way to reduce waste and landfills that could potentially poisoned our land and water supply. I believe if the Federal Government can offer other incentives similar to the tax credit people received for using solar power energy, we would see more commitment to renewable resources from citizens and businesses. I applaud EMCBC commitment to finding other alternatives to renewable energy, and preservation to our lands. Keep up the great work!
Nuclear energy and products is a subject that have lack conversation since President Bush left office. Great that EM still have the passion to tackle
@Ann Duncan, thank you for stopping by and adding your voice to this conversation. EM is definitely an agency that takes its mission seriously and is finding ways to improve on its important work.
@Edward Cooper, great idea regarding tax incentives. I wonder if any states are already doing this. I need to research to find out. Thank you for stopping by and adding your comment.
@Kevin Henderson, safe nuclear power would be ideal. The question becomes how can nuclear plant operators convince the general public of the safety of nuclear power production when there have been recent accidents that have a lot of people becoming less supportive of nuclear energy? I don’t have the answer(s)– just posing the question. Thanks again for stopping by and adding your voice to the conversation.
Wind and solar energy need to be the focus for the future.
@Freda Smith, I agree solar power may have a bright future…have you read about what Tesla is planning? Check out “Tesla’s Next Big Idea: Storing Power.”
Thank you Dennis for a clear and concise article. I won’t repeat the points already highlighted but am excited to learn of the Weatherization Programme. We have a similar programme operating under a multi agency umberalla of working together & building safer, stronger communities. The only issue I would like to raise & seek clarification for, is that whilst keeping one’s own backyard clean, the disposal is happening by transferring to less wealthier countries? I agree that there has to be a continuation of an accountable body/this agency to oversee the valuable work.
@Fauzia B Karim, I agree accountability is a must and it looks like DOE EM is doing a great job at cleaning up America’s nuclear legacy and reducing the potential environmental impact from radioactive materials. Thank you for lending your voice to this discussion.
Very good article Mr. Powell. Perfect timing. Sustaining our earth and ensuring safety for human beings should definitely be the utmost priority. I like how you provided ways that Environmental Managers have recommended to protect the Earth and also alter our behavior/consumption. Another great article with specific details to move forward with better planning and use. Nuclear power does have some advantages but weaponizing power is always bad and of course there is always the issue of what to do with the radioactive materials. Like Fauzia stated along with your article, there is much to be done on the human side of the aisle, like keeping your own personal space and neighborhoods clean and figuring out ways to conserve fossil fuel energy consumers. Thank you for your insight!
@Tyrone Spencer, I agree that radioactive waste management should be a top priority. I just hope the experts have an accurate understanding of how best to dispose of nuclear waste. Thanks again for support the e-Management blog.
There must be a balance. It appears to me, however, to be ‘agenda’ driven and not enough real thought is given to the significant import of the issue and the consequences if society does not get it ‘right’.
@K. Lawson Wellington, Valid points and thank you for sharing your perspective on this important environmental issue.