For generations, the Scioto Valley has been home to a resilient community. But beneath the surface of this southern Ohio landscape lies a toxic truth, a legacy of contamination emanating from the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PORTS) that has poisoned the land, the water, the air, and, residents fear, their very lives. This investigation, drawing on a mountain of official documents, scientific findings, and harrowing community testimonies, exposes a decades-long saga of environmental negligence, systemic regulatory failure, and a web of culpability involving the plant's operators, federal and state authorities, and private contractors. The grim consequence: dangerous radioactive and chemical contaminants have spread far beyond the plant's fences, and Pike County now bears the horrific burden of some of the highest cancer and mortality rates in the state, a crisis this report will demonstrate is inextricably linked to the toxic shadow of PORTS.

For one week, from March 14–21, a sweeping nuclear disaster exercise is unfolding across Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Ontario, testing the emergency response capabilities of more than 70 local, state, provincial, and federal agencies. Cobalt Magnet 25, led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), will simulate the aftermath of a nuclear power plant accident—an operation involving over 3,000 participants and extensive field activity that could make for an unsettling sight to residents in affected areas.

In a major policy shift, the North Dakota Senate has overwhelmingly passed Senate Bill 2159 (45-2), paving the way for the state’s energy research sector to explore high-level radioactive waste projects. If signed into law, the bill would repeal a long-standing prohibition preventing the North Dakota State Energy Research Center from engaging in research, storage, or disposal efforts related to nuclear waste.

PIKETON, OH - For a town that’s been grappling with fears of radioactive pollution for years, the last thing residents wanted was another reason to doubt their tap water. But that’s exactly what they got when the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the Piketon Village Public Water System (PWS) for failing to monitor disinfection by-products (DBPs) in its drinking water.

WASHINGTON - The future of nuclear cleanup efforts across the United States remains uncertain as potential federal budget cuts loom under the Trump administration’s latest cost-cutting initiatives. The Department of Energy (DOE) has yet to finalize its 2026 fiscal year budget, and concerns are growing that remediation projects at major nuclear sites, including Portsmouth, Paducah, and Oak Ridge, could see significant funding reductions.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a sweeping move that has left national security experts stunned, the Trump administration has executed mass layoffs across the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)—the agency responsible for maintaining America’s nuclear arsenal and responding to nuclear threats.

BETHESDA, MD. – Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE American: LEU) closed 2024 with significant revenue growth, expanded government contracts, and major strategic investments, but declining profits and geopolitical risks cast uncertainty over the company’s trajectory.

OKLO - Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO), a nuclear power and fuel recycling company, announced on Tuesday that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Lightbridge Corporation (Nasdaq: LTBR), a nuclear fuel technology firm. The agreement aims to explore the feasibility of co-locating a Lightbridge commercial-scale fuel fabrication facility at Oklo's proposed fuel fabrication plant, as well as investigate methods for recycling nuclear waste.

PIKETON, OH - The demolition of the X-326 Process Building at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, a sprawling Cold War relic in Piketon, Ohio, is turning into a case study of bureaucratic oversight and environmental anxiety. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has raised pointed questions about the Department of Energy’s (DOE) At- and Below-Grade Demolition Design Plan, highlighting potential risks to public safety and the environment in the project to dismantle this once-massive uranium enrichment facility.

COLUMBUS, OH — American Electric Power (AEP) is seeking federal funding to explore the potential development of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) on two company-owned properties in the Midwest and Southeast. The utility’s plans, which aim to secure grants from the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE), could mark a notable shift in how electricity is generated—and in how local communities engage with nuclear power—in Indiana and Virginia.

PIKETON, OH - A new partnership between United Steel Workers Local 689 (USW) and Waverly High School, in Pike County, aims to prepare students for careers in manufacturing, but the initiative, tied to the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, is drawing criticism from residents worried about its connection to the site’s radioactive legacy.

PIKETON, OH - A decades-old “Fiat-Allis” dozer, long abandoned in the woods at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Portsmouth Site, has been removed in a move that is drawing renewed attention—and criticism—of past cleanup and disposal practices at the former nuclear facility.

OPINION - In the face of climate change, nuclear power is increasingly being championed as a clean energy solution. Advocates highlight advancements such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) as the future of the industry. They also push for the revival of decommissioned plants like Three Mile Island, claiming they are essential to energy security. But behind the promises lies a sobering reality: nuclear energy remains fraught with safety concerns, aging infrastructure, and unsolved waste issues that make it a hazardous bet for the future.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As Centrus Energy Corp. moves forward with its role in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) program, new questions are emerging about the independence of radiological monitoring and dose analysis performed at its facility in Piketon, Ohio.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Several events were reported to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) this week. Here are two safety incidents involving nuclear materials and facilities.

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.

PIKETON, OH — The deactivation of the sprawling 33-acre X-333 Process Building at the Portsmouth Site has reignited fears over worsening radioactive contamination in the community. Scientists and residents are voicing concerns that the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) reliance on open-air demolition methods is exacerbating an already well-documented environmental crisis.

AUSTIN, TX - A coalition of Utah, Texas, and microreactor startup Last Energy has filed a lawsuit against the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), targeting a rule that mandates even the smallest nuclear reactors obtain operating licenses equivalent to those required for large-scale facilities. Proponents of reform argue that the rule stifles innovation, but critics maintain that robust oversight is essential for public safety and environmental protection.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On December 6, 2024, Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE American: LEU) filed an SEC Form 4 detailing changes in CEO Amir Vexler’s ownership of company stock. The filing highlights Vexler’s participation in the company’s equity incentive plan, coinciding with Centrus’s recent award of a major U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) contract to expand domestic production of Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU).

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has launched a study into the proliferation risks posed by high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), a controversial nuclear fuel that is central to plans for next-generation reactors. Critics argue that the push for HALEU, while touted as a technological advancement, raises serious security and environmental concerns.

LYNCHBURG, VA – BWX Technologies has announced significant acquisitions and expansions, solidifying its position as a dominant force in the global nuclear and defense industries. The company revealed a $525 million deal to acquire Kinectrics, Inc., a Canadian firm specializing in lifecycle management for nuclear power and radiopharmaceutical industries. This follows the recent acquisition of L3Harris’ Aerojet Ordnance Tennessee (A.O.T.) business, completed just days prior.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Biden administration has finalized a major energy policy, offering a tax credit of up to $3 per kilogram of hydrogen produced. While the 45V tax credit, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, is aimed at accelerating the production of clean hydrogen, the inclusion of nuclear energy and fossil fuel facilities with carbon capture in the program has sparked concerns from environmental groups who say it falls short of truly promoting renewable energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has announced the completion of the Last Production Unit (LPU) for the B61-12 Life Extension Program (LEP), a significant achievement in the modernization of America’s nuclear arsenal. The B61-12, a gravity bomb employed by U.S. and NATO forces, consolidates and replaces several older variants while extending its service life by at least 20 years.

PIKETON, OH - A growing health crisis in Pike County, Ohio, has brought national attention to a region plagued by some of the highest cancer rates and premature death rates in the country. Decades of uranium enrichment and ongoing demolition at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant are now being linked to the troubling health trends impacting this community and six surrounding counties.

PIKETON, OH — Could a potential storm be brewing between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the future of Parcel 4 at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, a 245-acre site under review for transfer? Ohio EPA’s scathing critique of DOE’s Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) has raised alarms about potential risks to public health and environmental safety, accusing the DOE of misrepresenting contamination levels and employing inadequate testing methods.

PIKETON, OH - Centrus Energy has secured approval from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to import Russian-enriched uranium in 2025 under existing contracts. This decision, reported by S&P Global, comes as debates intensify over reliance on foreign nuclear resources and the health risks associated with uranium enrichment.

PIKETON, OH - The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has raised fresh concerns about the Department of Energy’s (DOE) handling of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant cleanup in Piketon, Ohio. This came the same day the Ohio EPA sent a letter accusing the federal agency of providing false and misleading information about contamination risks.

PIKETON, OH - In a letter dated December 31, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accused the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) of providing false and misleading information regarding Parcel 4 at the site of the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Piketon, Ohio. The letter, addressed to DOE officials Kristi Wiehle and Jeremy Davis, criticized the DOE’s Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) for its lack of transparency, inadequate data, and misrepresentation of contamination levels.

KATHIANN M. KOWALSKI, ENERGY NEWS NETWORK - The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel and the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association Energy Group asked the Ohio Supreme Court on Dec. 16 to reverse Ohio regulators’ rulings allowing millions of dollars in contested charges for two 1950s-era coal plants subsidized by House Bill 6. The financial ratings agency Fitch recently said it expects the plants will remain “uneconomical for the foreseeable future.”

Ohio continues to face critical challenges in managing fracking wastewater as the disposal of this byproduct poses increasing risks to both public health and the environment. The problem is magnified by the presence of radionuclides such as radium 226 and radium 228 in wastewater—naturally occurring but dangerously elevated through industrial activities. Recent studies and groundwater quality reports illuminate the scope of the issue, tying it to long-term radioactive contamination risks.

Radiological emergencies, involving the release of radioactive materials, are rare but can occur due to industrial accidents, transportation incidents, or natural disasters impacting radioactive storage. Proper preparation can significantly reduce risks and enhance safety for you and your family.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) continued its aggressive push to expand nuclear energy across the nation. Through a combination of large-scale investments, regulatory changes, and new reactor technologies, the federal government is promoting nuclear power as a critical part of the clean energy transition. However, critics argue that this strategy neglects the long-term risks and costs associated with nuclear energy, including radioactive waste management, environmental impacts, and safety concerns.

COLUMBUS, OH — In a fierce pushback against a new legislative move, Ohio's environmental community is rallying to oppose a bill that not only extends fracking leases but also controversially labels nuclear energy as "green." House Bill 308 was hastily passed during the state's lame-duck session, bypassing public scrutiny, and now sits on Governor Mike DeWine's desk awaiting action.

IRVING, TX - Texas-based energy giant Vistra Corp., owner of two Ohio nuclear power plants, is poised to become a dominant player in the industry, pursuing deals with data center developers and seeking to expand its nuclear footprint.

PIKETON, OH - The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved a request from American Centrifuge Operating, LLC (ACO) to extend operations for the production of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) at their Piketon, Ohio facility. This extension allows continued operations for an additional six months, through June 30th, 2025.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its analysis of H.R. 8674, a bill aimed at boosting domestic nuclear fuel production. The CBO estimates that enacting this legislation would have a minimal impact on federal spending, with direct spending projected to be less than $500,000 over the next decade.

While Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) using thorium as fuel promise reduced nuclear waste and improved safety features, they also harbor significant dangers. The production of uranium-232 in these reactors poses a serious threat, as it emits highly penetrating gamma rays, making material handling extremely hazardous. Additionally, the molten salt mixture used in some thorium reactors is highly corrosive, necessitating specialized materials to withstand its harsh effects.

As part of its ongoing investigation into the transition of nuclear conversion services at Piketon, Ohio, and Paducah, Kentucky, the Ohio Atomic Press examines the more than $2 billion contract awarded to AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. This deal places a scandal-ridden company, formerly known as SNC-Lavalin, at the center of critical nuclear infrastructure projects in the United States.

PIKETON, OH – A recent scientific investigation this year has unveiled an alarming environmental legacy from the Cold War: the contamination of soil, water, and vegetation with Neptunium-237 (237Np), a highly radioactive isotope with a 2.1-million-year half-life. The source? The now-decommissioned Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP), a uranium enrichment facility that played a pivotal role in America's nuclear ambitions from 1954 to 2001.

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 Energy Corp. will participate in the Goldman Sachs Energy, CleanTech & Utilities Conference on January 8, 2025. The company plans to present its nuclear-focused initiatives during a fireside chat at 2:20 PM ET and will host private meetings with investors throughout the day. 

PIKETON, OH - AtkinsRéalis Group Inc., a Canadian engineering and nuclear services firm, has been awarded a $2.3 billion contract by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage nuclear materials at two key facilities. Partnering with Westinghouse Government Services and Jacobs Technology Inc., the company will operate the depleted uranium hexafluoride (DUF6) conversion plants in Paducah, Kentucky, and Piketon, Ohio, for the next decade. The joint venture, known as Mission Conversion Services Alliance (MCSA), builds on AtkinsRéalis’s longstanding collaboration with the DOE.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) over the summer released a detailed assessment of Ohio's Agreement State Program, which oversees the regulation of radioactive materials. The Integrated Materials Performance Evaluation Program (IMPEP) review, conducted from March 11-15, 2024, provided insights into the state's management of radioactive materials and public health and safety measures.

The race to become a leader in nuclear energy is heating up between Ohio and Tennessee, sparking concerns about the safety, environmental impact, and long-term consequences of nuclear expansion.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States has seen a troubling rise in incidents involving the loss of radioactive medical materials during transportation, sparking growing public health and safety concerns.

PIKETON, OH – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) continues to face mounting criticism over its handling of the cleanup and conversion of dangerous nuclear materials at former uranium enrichment sites in Ohio and Kentucky. While contractors tout their ability to exceed performance targets, a closer look reveals a system plagued by safety violations, environmental hazards, and questionable oversight.

In a new report released by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), a stark warning has emerged about the future of energy reliability across the United States, Canada, and parts of Mexico. The 2024 Long-Term Reliability Assessment outlines challenges that could lead to power shortages and blackouts over the next decade, raising questions about the role of nuclear power in an evolving energy landscape.

NORTH PERRY, OH – A defective thermal overload relay discovered during testing at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant has raised fresh concerns about the reliability of aging nuclear power infrastructure. Plant officials have issued an interim report to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in compliance with federal regulations, acknowledging a deviation in a stored component that could have significant consequences if installed. The discovery was made last month.