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Tennessee raises concerns about proposed Oak Ridge nuclear landfill

In this undated file photo provided by the Energy Department, the sprawling gaseous diffusion plant, where uranium was enriched for the World War II-era Manhattan Project is seen in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
In this undated file photo provided by the Energy Department, the sprawling gaseous diffusion plant, where uranium was enriched for the World War II-era Manhattan Project is seen in Oak Ridge, Tenn. In this undated file photo provided by the Energy Department, the sprawling gaseous diffusion plant, where uranium was enriched for the World War II-era Manhattan Project is seen in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

By Associated Press 3 min read

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – Tennessee officials are raising concerns about the U.S. Department of Energy’s plans for a new nuclear landfill at Oak Ridge.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is pushing DOE to consider other Oak Ridge sites beyond the agency’s preferred one, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported.

The federal agency’s preferred site is adjacent to an existing landfill on the government reservation and only 650 yards from the city boundary.

“We are continuing to work with the DOE and EPA on this issue and taking the matter very seriously,” Kelly Brockman, communications chief for TDEC, said in an email response to questions.

The Department of Energy’s current landfill for cleanup wastes is approaching capacity. That’s largely due to the mountains of hazardous and radioactive debris generated by the demolition of K-25 and other former uranium-processing facilities in Oak Ridge.