(88d) From an Environmental Liability to a Sustainable Asset

Just outside the small town of Oak Ridge, Tennessee the reuse of a large, government industrial site is contributing to positive environmental, economic, and societal change. A massive environmental cleanup project led by the Department of Energy and UCOR has transformed nearly 2,200 acres that once supported national defense and energy missions from an environmental liability to a community asset. The removal of 500+ contaminated buildings and thousands of cubic yards of impacted soils has improved air, land, and water quality. Throughout the cleanup journey, sustainable practices have been at the forefront of project execution, including reuse of electrical and other equipment; sustainable purchasing/materials programs; and waste diverted via recycling. The cleanup effort has also resulted in ecological restoration and contributed to a better quality of life for nearby residents. The once blighted property is now a growing industrial park with greenspace and natural areas that provide public recreational spaces, birding, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Solar fields dot the landscape and clean energy businesses are starting operations and bringing new jobs to the area. It is also home to the nation’s 409th National Historical Park dedicated to education and preservation. This success story provides an example of how turning an environmental threat into a considerable asset is ensuring a sustainable future for the East Tennessee region.