Site work has begun at DOE site in preparation for General Matter construction

Work has begun to clear land for the construction of General Matter’s uranium enrichment facility at Paducah’s Gaseous Diffusion Plant site.

General Matter’s goal is to be enriching uranium on the site by the end of the decade. They are planning to start construction ahead of the licensing needed from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Portsmouth Paducah Project Office Interim Acting Deputy Manager and Paducah Site Lead April Ladd said, "This skyline change is a visible reminder new industry is coming. Paducah is leaning into the new nuclear renaissance, working with commercial companies supporting national security and providing competitive jobs for the current and future Paducah workforce."

Prior to the start of work, the Department of Energy conducted what they described as a “cultural evaluation,” looking for any archeological items that would need to be preserved in the event of new development on the site. They also worked with General Matter on a review of potential environmental impacts that could arise from development. Then, General Matter did their own ecological study of the 100 acres of land leased from the DOE to ensure that any endangered species would not be affected by the construction preparations.

Once they clear the trees, root systems will be removed to create a smooth, flat surface. A series of geotechnical samples will also be taken before the construction process begins.

Global Laser Enrichment, which owns property adjacent to the DOE site, is also beginning the clearing process for its facility. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has completed what is called an acceptance review of the GLE application for a license to enrich at Paducah. GLE is planning to laser-enrich depleted uranium tails in Paducah by 2030.        


Source and Photo: U.S. Department of Energy and contributor Sarah Marko