Fleischmann Leads Groundbreaking of New Disposal Cell at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Below is a press release from Tennessee Congressman Chuck Fleischmann.

Chattanooga, TN – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Chairman of the Energy and Water Subcommittee of Appropriations and Co-Chairman of the bipartisan Nuclear Cleanup and National Labs Caucuses, led the groundbreaking of the new Environmental Management Disposal Facility at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Y-12 National Security Complex. The groundbreaking of the $550-million disposal cell is a major infrastructure project for the Oak Ridge community and ensures that environmental cleanup efforts in Oak Ridge will continue. Work on the new disposal cell is the cumulation of years of persistence and advocacy by Chairman Fleischmann with state, federal, and private partners.

“Since I first came to Congress, I’ve vowed to the Oak Ridge community that cleanup of contaminated sites dating back to the Manhattan Project and Cold War eras would continue. I’m proud that with the groundbreaking of the new disposal cell at ORNL and Y-12, I have kept my promise. Because of the work now being done to construct a new disposal cell, legacy cleanup will continue in Oak Ridge until it’s complete”, said Congressman Fleischmann. “That means that ORNL will be able to take down excess facilities. That means that our friends at NNSA will be able to do the critical work on our nuclear arsenal to keep our country safe.”

“In my role as Chairman of the Energy and Water Subcommittee of Appropriations and Co-Chair of the Nuclear Cleanup and National Lab Caucuses, I’ve long said that we have an obligation to communities nationwide to continue the important work of legacy nuclear cleanup. Too many communities, including Oak Ridge, are dealing with contaminated buildings, soil, and groundwater. The government has an obligation to clean up these sites and return them for localities to use.”

“The $550-million disposal cell project is a major investment into Oak Ridge’s and East Tennessee’s future. Not only is the facility a massive and important infrastructure project for our state that provides good-paying jobs, but the cleanup of previously contaminated sites will allow billions of dollars in new investment to flow into Oak Ridge. I want to thank the countless local and state leaders, private partners, and federal officials who worked with me to make this groundbreaking a reality.”