PADUCAH GASEOUS DIFFUSION PLANT

Kentucky Congressional Delegation Asks DOE for Decision on Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant

Austin Ramsey — Mon, 13 May 2013 21:47:18 +0000

Members of the Kentucky Congressional delegation are giving Department of Energy leaders until June 14th to develop a long-term plan for the future of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant.

Cleanup Project Donates Used Computers to Fulton Technical School

Austin Ramsey — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:56:00 +0000

One of the agencies contracted to clean up the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant is donating used computer equipment to a local technical school.

DUF6, a uranium cleanup project of Babcock and Wilcox Conversion Services, transferred 223 computers and printers to the Fulton County Area Technical Center in Hickman late last month.

Principal Tom Pyron said the center, which provides technology and trade education for area high school students, was under budget pressure that the donation relieves.

LATA Notifies Employees of Summer Layoffs

John Null — Mon, 06 May 2013 17:26:49 +0000

The company contracted for clean-up at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant has notified employees of impending layoffs of up to 145 workers.

LATA Environmental Services of Kentucky currently employs 320 people at the Paducah site. The cuts come from the federal sequester and a lack of funding from the Department of Energy, which contracted LATA for the clean-up.

International Isotopes CEO on PGDP Site Interest

Todd Hatton — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:55:59 +0000

The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant has been enriching uranium since 1952, making it the world’s oldest such facility. Now, in 2013, it faces an uncertain future. New technology and a depressed market for their product have led the U.S. Department of Energy to consider closing the facility when USEC’s lease on the site expires next month. This threatens some 1,200 jobs in McCracken County. But, there are glimmers of hope.

Idaho Company Partners with Paducah Business to Consider PGDP Site

Todd Hatton — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:30:54 +0000

An Idaho-based company, along with Advanced Process Technology Systems of Paducah, has expressed interest in taking over operations of the U.S. Department of Energy's Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant if current lessee, the United States Enrichment Corporation, is unable to extend operations past next month.

USEC Still Undecided On PGDP Future

John Walker — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:12:42 +0000

Workers at Paducah's Gaseous Diffusion Plant will remain employed for at least the next 60 days as United States Enrichment Corporation officials continue discussions regarding future operations. USEC Spokesperson Paul Jacobson says the company has not yet decided on what kind of workforce it will leave behind. The plant currently employs around 1100 people.

Whitfield Weighs In on Restricted Fishing, PGPD, DOMA and MSU President Randy Dunn

Chad Lampe — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 21:15:50 +0000

Republican Kentucky Congressman Ed Whitfield (KY-01) visited WKMS this week to discuss many of his ongoing projects. You can hear the full interview above, or see a brief summary of topics below.

Tail Water Fishing on Cumberland River:

USEC Proposes Staying at Paducah Enrichment Plant

Whitney Jones — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:21:29 +0000

The United States Enrichment Corporation and several other companies have sent proposals to the Department of Energy to continue enriching uranium at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. USEC is currently operating at the plant but is scheduled to end its work there May 31. USEC spokesperson Paul Jacobson says the corporation is discussing a several month extension at the plant, but that doesn’t change its statement that the high costs and old technology makes continuing commercial endeavors beyond 2013 difficult.

GE-Hitachi May Be Interested In Operating Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant

John Walker and Chad Lampe — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:18:15 +0000

GE-Hitachi may be one of other possible companies vying to operate the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant if current operations at the plant cease. The United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) employs around 1,000 workers and currently leases the 3,500 acre uranium enrichment operation. USEC’s operations are set to end in May.

U.S. Department of Energy Seeks Proposals to Extend Operations of Gaseous Diffusion Plant

Chad Lampe — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 21:47:43 +0000

The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking proposals from companies for the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant to try to cut costs while preserving some or all of the 1,200 jobs at the the uranium enrichment site.

An emailed release from the DOE details a formal request for proposals from companies that want to lease or purchase the facility for commercial purposes.