Burrowing Animals Threaten Integrity of Piketon Radioactive Waste Disposal Site

PIKETON, OH - Inspections at the onsite waste disposal facility at the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant have revealed a recurring problem: burrowing animals are creating holes in the caps of several waste disposal cells, potentially compromising the long-term safety of these areas. The findings, documented in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) fourth quarter 2024 inspection report, highlight vulnerabilities that could allow water infiltration and jeopardize the containment of hazardous materials.

The report outlines multiple instances of groundhog activity, with notable issues at the X-616 Chromium Sludge Surface Impoundments, the X-735 Northern and Southern Portions, and the X-749B Peter Kiewit Landfill. These areas are critical components of the DOE’s strategy to safely manage and contain waste materials generated by decades of uranium enrichment activities.

Groundhog Activity Across Waste Caps

Groundhog burrows were identified at several sites. At X-735 North, inspectors noted three separate holes on the northwest, south, and north sides of the cap. Similarly, at the X-749B landfill, one burrow was found near the rip-rap on the cap’s east side. The DOE's report notes that these holes were filled, reseeded, and covered with straw during November 2024.

While these actions address the immediate issue, the repeated presence of burrowing animals raises broader concerns about the long-term effectiveness of the waste caps in preventing contamination. Burrows can disrupt the integrity of the cap by allowing water infiltration, potentially accelerating erosion and creating pathways for hazardous materials to migrate.

Other Maintenance Challenges

The issue of burrowing animals is part of a larger set of maintenance concerns noted in the inspection report. These include:

• Rip-Rap Displacement: At the X-616-unit, storm damage displaced erosion control rock along the north side of the site. Repairs have been deferred until weather conditions improve.
• Vegetation Growth: Woody plants and other vegetation were observed on the caps of the X-734 landfill. These were removed through spot mowing in November 2024.
• Obstructed Drain Screens: At X-749B, three drain screens were found blocked by debris. The DOE cleared these obstructions as part of its corrective actions.

The DOE has outlined a plan to address unresolved issues, including scheduling repairs for the displaced rip-rap when conditions allow.

Potential Risks and Oversight Concerns

Environmental experts have long warned that burrowing animals and similar maintenance issues can undermine the stability of capped waste sites. Left unchecked, these problems may compromise the protective layers designed to isolate hazardous materials from the environment.

The DOE’s reliance on reactive measures, such as filling burrows and clearing vegetation after inspections, has drawn criticism from some observers. They argue that proactive strategies—such as barriers to prevent animal intrusion or enhanced monitoring systems—are necessary to ensure long-term safety.

DOE’s Commitment to Maintenance

The inspection report highlights the DOE’s ongoing efforts to address deficiencies as they arise. Immediate actions, such as filling burrows and clearing debris, align with established maintenance protocols for capped waste sites. However, recurring issues, including animal activity and vegetation growth, suggest that additional measures are required to mitigate future risks.

Balancing Cleanup and Safety

As the DOE continues its environmental remediation efforts at the Portsmouth site, maintaining the integrity of its waste disposal systems is critical. The challenges outlined in the inspection report underscore the importance of robust oversight and proactive management to ensure these sites remain secure for decades to come.