The regulatory framework for the Decontamination & Decommissioning program requires five major decisions with public input, as outlined in the Director’s Final Findings and Orders.
Environmental Remediation
Environmental remediation, or the cleanup of soil, groundwater and other environmental media contaminated by operations at the Portsmouth Site, is conducted in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrative Order by Consent, issued on September 29, 1989 (amended in 1994 and 1997), and Consent Decree with the State of Ohio, issued on August 29, 1989. U.S. EPA and Ohio EPA oversee environmental remediation activities at the Portsmouth Site under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action Program.
The EPA Administrative Consent Order and Ohio Consent Decree address the investigation and cleanup of hazardous waste releases to environmental media pursuant to RCRA and state hazardous waste laws. The agreements define roles and responsibilities and require DOE to investigate the Portsmouth Site for potential environmental impacts of past operations that resulted in releases or spills of hazardous material and provide groundwater and soil remediation plans as required.
Other agreements and permits have also been negotiated for the Portsmouth Site to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations (e.g., Toxic Substances Control Act, Clean Water Act, etc.).
Decontamination & Decommissioning
Decontamination and Decommissioning (D&D) of the Portsmouth Site is proceeding in accordance with The April 13, 2010, Director’s Final Findings and Orders for Removal Action and Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study and Remedial Design and Remedial Action agreement (including July 16, 2012 Modification), also referred to as the “D&D DFF&O,” and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The D&D DFF&O describes the process for the D&D of the gaseous diffusion process buildings and associated facilities.
The D&D DFF&O addresses the investigation and cleanup of the gaseous diffusion process buildings and facilities, as well as evaluation of site-wide waste disposition and establishes the agreed upon regulatory framework for conducting those activities under CERCLA.
Decisions
To reach final cleanup goals, the Portsmouth program will finalize five major environmental decisions.
DFF&O Decisions
- D&D of 46 Plant Support Buildings and Structures (Action Memorandum completed 2012)
- Site-Wide Waste Disposition
- D&D of Process Buildings and Complex Facilities
Consent Decree Decisions
- Contaminated Soil Remedy
- Groundwater Remedy