Reindustrialization of ETTP is an avenue by which DOE has hoped to accelerate the cleanup of usable buildings and bring new jobs to Oak Ridge. The Division supports these goals, but it is committed to ensuring that reindustrialization does not interfere with mandated progress on site cleanup and does not pose a health hazard to private sector workers or the public. Key Issues and Challenges Today's cooperative relationship between DOE, EPA and the State of Tennessee evolved from a difficult situation in 1983. Massive quantities of mercury, released for years from Y-12, were discovered to have polluted East Fork Poplar Creek, which runs through downtown Oak Ridge. State enforcement actions and federal court decisions forced a reluctant DOE to begin complying with federal and state laws and regulations.
Many challenges remain.
The current partnership between these three entities is based on open communication, mutual respect for the different interests of each party, and the shared desire to accomplish site cleanups. This relationship includes periodic meetings between senior management at Oak Ridge Operations, EPA Region 4, and the Division to resolve policy issues. Progress has been made in the past few years. The Lower East Fork Poplar Creek floodplain has been cleaned up, numerous other sites have been closed, and other significant milestones have been achieved.