PIKETON, OH - The Department of Energy (DOE) recently awarded five companies positions on a $3.4 billion, 10-year contract to procure low-enriched uranium (LEU) from domestic sources, sparking concern among anti-nuclear advocates and environmental groups. One of the most contentious recipients is American Centrifuge Operating, LLC, a subsidiary of Centrus, which operates a facility in Piketon, Ohio—a site already mired in controversy over its history of environmental and economic impacts.
Centrus: A Controversial Choice
Centrus headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, oversees a uranium enrichment facility in Piketon, a small Appalachian community that has faced decades of nuclear-related challenges. The Piketon facility was previously part of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, a Cold War-era project that left a legacy of radioactive contamination, economic decline, and health concerns for local residents. Recent studies have shown that Pike County, Ohio has the highest cancer rates in the state.
Despite promises of job creation and clean energy solutions, critics argue that awarding a share of the $3.4 billion contract to Centrus places Piketon at further risk.
Environmental and Public Health Concerns
Piketon has long been a flashpoint in the debate over nuclear energy. The area still grapples with the fallout from decades of uranium enrichment at the Portsmouth plant, where significant radioactive contamination was discovered in nearby schools, homes, and waterways. Residents and environmental watchdogs fear that ramping up enrichment activities under the new contract will exacerbate these issues.
Key concerns include:
- Increased radioactive waste: Enrichment processes generate waste materials that require secure handling and long-term storage, something Piketon has struggled with for decades.
- Air and water contamination risks: Environmental advocates fear that renewed operations could threaten the region’s fragile ecosystems, including the Scioto River watershed.
- Public health impacts: Studies have linked past enrichment activities in Piketon to elevated cancer rates and other health issues among residents.
Economic Promises vs. Reality
The DOE and Centrus tout the project as a boom for local employment and clean energy development. However, many Piketon residents remain skeptical. The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant’s closure in 2001 devastated the local economy, and promised redevelopment efforts have been slow and inconsistent.
Anti-nuclear activists argue that the new contract offers more of the same—short-term economic gains overshadowed by long-term costs. They point to the lack of comprehensive oversight and accountability as reasons for concern.
Broader Implications of DOE’s Nuclear Agenda
The DOE frames the contract as essential for energy security and reducing reliance on foreign uranium, particularly from Russia. While these goals may resonate on a national level, opponents contend that the push for domestic nuclear fuel production ignores safer, renewable alternatives like wind and solar energy.
The Biden administration’s *Investing in America* agenda, which partially funds the contract, emphasizes clean energy and carbon reduction. Critics, however, argue that nuclear energy’s high costs, waste challenges, and potential for catastrophic accidents outweigh its benefits.
On November 20, 2024, Centrus revealed plans to restart centrifuge production, increase the capacity of its manufacturing facility in Tennessee, and ready its Ohio operating site for the receipt, testing, and installation of centrifuges. The company aims to invest $60 million over the next 18 months to rapidly scale operations and meet the demands of both commercial and government clients.
Call for Greater Oversight
As the DOE moves forward with its $3.4 billion investment, activists are calling for increased transparency and community involvement. They argue that Piketon residents deserve a seat at the table to ensure their voices are heard in decisions that affect their health, environment, and future.
A Community in Limbo
For Piketon, the DOE’s contract represents a familiar story of promises and perils. While proponents highlight the potential for economic revitalization, many residents fear the costs will far outweigh the benefits. The legacy of radioactive contamination, health crises, and broken promises looms large, casting doubt on the viability of nuclear energy as a sustainable path forward. Piketon remains a community caught between the promises of the future and the unresolved challenges of its past.
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