Successful Cleanup of Contaminated Road by N3B Marks Major Milestone at Los Alamos

Following a surprising discovery in 2020, the legacy cleanup contractor for the Department of Energy's Los Alamos National Laboratory, Newport News Nuclear BWXT Los Alamos (N3B), has officially completed the remediation of a contaminated stretch of Middle DP Road. This achievement was announced in a press release by N3B on Monday, with the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) confirming the successful cleanup in a February 14 letter. NMED has declared the area safe, stating the two parcels remediated by N3B no longer pose a risk to human health or the environment.

Discovery and Response

In February 2020, workers uncovered contamination while preparing for a new housing complex in Los Alamos, leading to an immediate investigation by N3B. The contaminated area was once part of the Department of Energy's Los Alamos National Laboratory, specifically located in Technical Area 21 and near a previously remediated disposal area. This unexpected find prompted a comprehensive cleanup initiative by N3B, with the support of the NMED, to ensure the safety and health of the local community and environment.

Comprehensive Cleanup Efforts

Over the course of the cleanup, N3B excavated and safely disposed of more than 5,917 cubic yards of contaminated soil and debris. The contractor also conducted an extensive sampling operation, collecting 867 samples from 289 points along Middle DP Road. These samples were meticulously analyzed for potential health and environmental risks, ensuring a thorough and effective remediation process. The fieldwork, concluding in the summer of 2023, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to address legacy contamination at Los Alamos.

Implications for Los Alamos and Beyond

This successful cleanup effort not only mitigates immediate health and environmental risks but also sets a precedent for managing legacy contamination at nuclear sites nationwide. The collaboration between N3B, NMED, and local stakeholders illustrates the importance of vigilance, transparency, and responsiveness in environmental remediation projects. As Los Alamos prepares for future development, this event underscores the critical need for comprehensive historical assessments and the potential for unforeseen challenges in repurposing former industrial and laboratory sites.

The completion of the Middle DP Road cleanup represents a pivotal achievement in the ongoing mission to address the environmental legacies of the nation's nuclear research and development activities. It reaffirms the commitment of N3B, the Department of Energy, and regulatory agencies to protect public health and the environment, while also paving the way for safe development and community use of previously contaminated lands. As Los Alamos looks to its future, the lessons learned here will undoubtedly inform similar efforts across the country, ensuring safer, more informed approaches to legacy contamination cleanup.