TDEC officials outline Oak Ridge cleanup priorities for 2024 and beyond

During the Oak Ridge City Council Work Session on February 18, 2025, significant discussions centered around environmental cleanup efforts in the area, particularly those managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Dana Casey, the DOE oversight advisor at TDEC, along with Randy Young and Eileen Marcello from the division of remediation, provided an overview of ongoing cleanup initiatives at the Oak Ridge Reservation. They emphasized the importance of the Federal Facilities Agreement (FFA), which outlines the responsibilities of the three agencies in overseeing cleanup operations. The team highlighted recent milestones, including the signing of two Record of Decisions (RODs) for groundwater cleanup at the East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP), marking a significant step forward in addressing contamination issues.

The discussions also touched on the critical need for property reindustrialization to support economic development in Oak Ridge. The representatives noted that as buildings are demolished, it is essential to ensure that the underlying soil is adequately remediated to prevent future contamination. They expressed concerns about the interim cleanup goals set in the past, which may not adequately protect groundwater and other environmental resources as land use evolves.

The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts among TDEC, DOE, and EPA to address these challenges, with a focus on ensuring that cleanup efforts align with the community's needs and future development plans. The representatives reassured council members that they are committed to transparency and public safety, regularly conducting environmental sampling and sharing results with the community.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment of local and state agencies to work together for the betterment of Oak Ridge residents, ensuring that environmental cleanup efforts are thorough and effective while supporting the area's economic growth. The council expressed appreciation for the agencies' work and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to address the unique challenges posed by the integrated nature of the reservation within the community.