Maxey Flat
Encyclopedia
The Maxey Flat Low-Level Radioactive Waste (LLRW) facility is a Superfund site
Superfund
Superfund is the common name for the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 , a United States federal law designed to clean up sites contaminated with hazardous substances...

 in Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...

.

Location

Maxey Flat is a hilltop community in Kentucky approximately 10 miles (16.1 km) northwest of Morehead
Morehead, Kentucky
As of the census of 2010, there were 6,845 people, households, and families residing in the city. The population density was 726.2 people per square mile. There were 2,356 housing units at an average density of 253.3 per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 93.2% White, 3.2% African...

 and approximately 17 miles (27.4 km) south of Flemingsburg
Flemingsburg, Kentucky
Flemingsburg is a city in Fleming County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 3,010 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Fleming County.-Geography:Flemingsburg is located at ....

 on County Road 1895. It is on the county line of Rowan
Rowan County, Kentucky
Rowan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2010, the population was 23,333. Its county seat is Morehead. The county was created in 1856 from adjacent counties originally part of Mason county, and named for John Rowan, who represented Kentucky in the U.S...

 and Fleming
Fleming County, Kentucky
Fleming County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed in 1798. As of 2000, the population was 13,792. Its county seat is Flemingsburg. The county is named for Colonel John Fleming. It's a prohibition or dry county...

 counties. Maxey Flat is in the Knobs physiographic region of Kentucky, an area characterized by flat-topped ridges (Flats) and hills (Knobs). Maxey Flat is one of the largest flat-topped ridges in the area. Though the area is frequently referred to in government documentation as 'Maxey Flats,' the historically correct name of the area is simply 'Maxey Flat.'

Maxey Flat Low Level Radioactive Waste facility

As part of a program to encourage the nuclear industry in Kentucky, the Kentucky General Assembly
Kentucky General Assembly
The Kentucky General Assembly, also called the Kentucky Legislature, is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Kentucky.The General Assembly meets annually in the state capitol building in Frankfort, Kentucky, convening on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January...

 created the Division of Nuclear Information. In 1960 the Kentucky General Assembly passed legislation granting the governor power to enter into agreement with the federal government for the transfer of regulatory powers concerning atomic energy in Kentucky. Also in 1960, Governor
Governor of Kentucky
The Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the head of the executive branch of government in the U.S. state of Kentucky. Fifty-six men and one woman have served as Governor of Kentucky. The governor's term is four years in length; since 1992, incumbents have been able to seek re-election once...

 Bert T. Combs
Bert T. Combs
Bertram Thomas Combs was a jurist and politician from the US state of Kentucky. After serving on the Kentucky Court of Appeals, he was elected the 50th Governor of Kentucky in 1959 on his second run for the office. Following his gubernatorial term, he was appointed to the Sixth Circuit Court of...

 charged the Cabinet of Health with the regulatory and licensing responsibilities for the handling of radioactive materials. In 1962 Kentucky became the first of the old Atomic Energy Commission
United States Atomic Energy Commission
The United States Atomic Energy Commission was an agency of the United States government established after World War II by Congress to foster and control the peace time development of atomic science and technology. President Harry S...

 "Agreement States." The Kentucky Division of Nuclear Information was then succeeded by the Division of Atomic Development which then transferred its responsibilities to the Kentucky Atomic Energy Authority which eventually became the Kentucky Science and Technology Commission. In retrospect it seems that many of these agencies were established with the hope of bringing a nuclear power plant to Kentucky. Despite being the first state to enter into agreement with the Atomic Energy Commission, Kentucky has never been the site of a nuclear reactor. However, in 1962 Nuclear Engineering Company, Inc. (NECO) bought 252 acres (1 km²) of land on Maxey Flat and submitted an application for a license to bury radioactive waste there. The license was granted in January 1963.

From 1963 to 1977 the Maxey Flat Low Level Radioactive Waste facility served as a dump for 832 corporations and government agencies. The site covered 252 acres (1 km²) and consisted of a series of 52 unlined trenches that are an average of 360 feet (109.7 m) long, 70 feet (21.3 m) wide and 20 feet (6.1 m) deep. Approximately 4750000 cubic feet (134,505 m³) of Low Level Radioactive Waste was deposited on-site. These trenches were capped with dirt when they reached their capacity limit, but because of the heavy rainfall in the area the soil collapsed into the trenches and the trenches filled with water. It has since been referred to as the "bathtub effect." The water that invaded the trenches became radioactive and had to be disposed of. Under the direction of President and Chief Executive Officer James N. Neel, Nuclear Engineering Company (referred to in operational documentation as 'NECO'), now known as 'American Ecology' (Nasdaq: ECOL), installed an evaporator and disposed of the accumulated radioactive water as steam from 1973 to April 1986, nearly 9 years after the site had stopped accepting waste materials. The evaporator generally operated 24 hours a day. Approximately six million gallons of liquid were processed by the evaporator. In addition to the trenches for Low Level Radioactive Waste there were "Hot Wells" that were used to store Special nuclear material
Special nuclear material
Special nuclear material is a term used by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of the United States to classify fissile materials. The NRC divides special nuclear material into three main categories, according to the risk and potential for its direct use in a clandestine nuclear weapon or for its...

 (plutonium and enriched uranium). The Hot Wells were typically 10 to 15 feet (4.6 m) deep, constructed of concrete, coated steel pipe or tile, and capped with a slab of concrete. Approximately 950 pounds of Special Nuclear Material is buried at Maxey Flat.

From 1987 to 1991 a study was done to determine the best method of cleaning up the site. Extensive remediation was then undertaken, including the installation of a 45 mil scrim-reinforced geomembrane liner covering the site of the trenches to prevent the infiltration of water. The site is currently managed by the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The site is considered non-reclaimable and will have to be monitored and maintained in perpetuity. In 2003 the site's nature as a risk to national security came under review by the Department of Homeland Security, primarily because of the transuranic isotopes stored at the site.

In response to concerns that the radioactive isotopes at the site might be used against American interests, DHS had the sign at the entrance to the facility removed so it would be harder to find.

Potentially Responsible Parties (incomplete)

Companies

AAI Corporation (for Aircraft Armaments)

Abbott Laboratories
Abbott Laboratories
Abbott Laboratories is an American-based global, diversified pharmaceuticals and health care products company. It has 90,000 employees and operates in over 130 countries. The company headquarters are in Abbott Park, North Chicago, Illinois. The company was founded by Chicago physician, Dr....



ADCO Services (for Atomic Disposal)

Advance Transportation Co. (for A&H Truck Line)

Aeronca, Inc.

Aeroprojects, Inc.

Akzo Nobel (for American Enka)

Aladdin Industries, Inc.

American Can Co.

American cast Iron Pipe Co.

American Machine & Foundry

Anchor Dyeing & Finishing Co.

Applied Science Laboratories

APA/Smithls Transfer

Associated Radiologists, Inc.

B. F. Goodrich Co.

BASF Comp.

Batesville Manufacturing Co. (Gencorp Aerojet)

Bausch & Lomb
Bausch & Lomb
Bausch & Lomb, an American company based in Rochester, New York, is one of the world's leading suppliers of eye health products, such as contact lenses and lens care products today. In addition to this main activity, in recent years the area of medical technology has been developed...



Beazer East, Inc. (for Koppers Co.)

Bethlehem Steel Corp.

The BOC Group (for Air Reduction Co. & Airco Alloys & Carbide)

BoWater Carolina Corp.

BRT Inc. (for Huyck Felt)

Bulova Watch Co., Inc.

Campbell Soup Co.

CBS, Inc.

Chemetron Chemicals

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

Dow Corning Corp.

Eaton Corporation

Eli Lilly & Co.

Ethyl Corporation

Fansteel, Inc.

Ford Motor Co.

GAF Corporation

General Motors Corp.

The GNI Group, Inc. (for Nuclear Environmental Engineering)

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

Honeywell Inc.

Industrial Process Co.

Institute of Gas Technology

Irvin Industries, Inc. (for Systems Research Labs)

Laboratory Equipment Corp.

Johnson Controls, Inc.

Kittening Research Lab

Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark Corporation is an American corporation that produces mostly paper-based consumer products. Kimberly-Clark brand name products include "Kleenex" facial tissue, "Kotex" feminine hygiene products, "Cottonelle", Scott and Andrex toilet paper, Wypall utility wipes, "KimWipes"...

 Corp.

Leeds & Northrup

Mallinckrodt
Mallinckrodt
Mallinckrodt is a set of pharmaceutical, chemical, imaging, and respiratory equipment suppliers based in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. Founded in 1867 when the Mallinckrodt brothers formed G. Mallinckrodt & Company to manufacture pharmaceutical chemicals, Mallinckrodt was purchased by Tyco...

, Inc.

Merck & Co, Inc.

Marion Merrell Dow
Marion Merrell Dow
Marion Merrell Dow and its predecessor Marion Laboratories was a U.S. pharmaceutical company based in Kansas City, Missouri from 1950 until 1996....

 Inc. (for William S. Merrell Co.)

Monsanto Company

Morrison-Knudsen, Inc.

Navistar International
Navistar International
Navistar International Corporation is a United States-based holding company that owns the manufacturer of International brand commercial trucks, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, IC Bus school and commercial buses, Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans, and is a private label...

(for International Harvester)

Nuclear Radiation Devel. Inc.

Nuclear Sources & Services, Inc.

Occidental Chemical Corp. (for Diamond Shamrock & Diamond Alkali)

Oxcart Corp.

Old Colony Dayton Envelope Co. (International Paper)

Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corp.

Oxy USA (Cities Service Oil & Gas. Co.)

Parke Davis & Co.

Parkson Corp.

Pennwalt Corp.

Pharmacia, Inc. (for Electronucleonics)

PPG Industries, Inc.

Pyrotonics, Division of Baker Industries

Quantum Chemical Corp. (for National Distillers and U.S. Industrial Chemicals Co.)

R. G. Thomas & Associates

Radiac Research Corp.

RAM Electronics, Inc.

Rexham Corp. (for Speedring and National Spectrographic Laboratories)

Rhone-poulenc Rorer Pharmaceuticals Inc. (for William H. Rorer, Inc.)

Rohm & Haas (for Warren-Teed Consolidated Biomedical Labs)

Sealed Power Technologies (SPX Corp.)

Searle Diagnostic Lab

Standard Steel

Texas Instruments, Inc.

Theodore R. Schwalm, Inc.

Todd Shipyards Corp.

Troxler Electronic Labs, Inc.

TRW, Inc.

Uptown Company

W. R.. Grace & Co.

Warner-Lnohert Co.

Welding Engineering

Xtek Inc. (for Tool Steel Gear & Pinion co.)

Government agencies

Department of Energy
United States Department of Energy
The United States Department of Energy is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government concerned with the United States' policies regarding energy and safety in handling nuclear material...



Department of the Interior

Environmental Protection Agency

National Institute of Mental Health

National Institute for Standards

NIOSH
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is the United States’ federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness. NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the U.S...



U.S. Bureau of Mines

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

U.S. Food & Drug Administration

U.S. Geological Survey

U.S. Public Health Service

Smithsonian Institution

Veterans Administration

Florida Dept. of Transportation

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Utilities and Energy firms

Northern States Power

Omaha Public Power District

Wisconsin Electric Power

Maine Yankee Atomic Power Co.



Ashland Chemical Co.

Ashland Petroleum Co.

Exxon
Exxon
Exxon is a chain of gas stations as well as a brand of motor fuel and related products by ExxonMobil. From 1972 to 1999, Exxon was the corporate name of the company previously known as Standard Oil Company of New Jersey or Jersey Standard....

 Research & Engineering (for Esso and Humble Oil Co.)

Phillips Petroleum
Phillips Petroleum
Phillips Petroleum Company was founded in 1917 by L.E. Phillips and Frank Phillips, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Their younger brother Waite Phillips was the benefactor of Philmont Scout Ranch....

 Co.

Medical Research facilities

Carnegie Institution of Washington

IIT Research Institute
IIT Research Institute
IIT Research Institute is a contract research organization located in Chicago, Illinois. IITRI is an independent corporation that operates in collaboration with its parent entity, the Illinois Institute of Technology ....



Institute for Cancer Research

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Sterling Winthrop Research Inst.

Research Triangle Institute

Wistar Institute

Universities

Auburn University

Brown University

Bryn-Mawr College

Carnegie-Mellon University

Case Western Reserve University

Catholic University

Centre college

Clemson University

Columbia University

Drexel University and Institute of Technology

Medical College of Pennsylvania
Drexel University College of Medicine
Drexel University College of Medicine is the medical school of Drexel University. The medical school has the nation's largest enrollment for a private medical school, and represents the consolidation of two medical schools: the nation's first medical school for women and the first U.S. college of...



Duke University

Emory University

George Washington University Hospital

Georgetown University Hospital

Haverford College

Howard University

Jewish Hospital of St. Louis

Johns Hopkins University

Louisiana State University

Lycoming College

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT has five schools and one college, containing a total of 32 academic departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technological education and research.Founded in 1861 in...



Michigan State University

Penn State University

Purdue University

Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center

Rockford College

Stevens Institute of Technology

Rutgers University

State University of New York

Tulane University

University of Alabama Systems

University of Arkansas

University of Cincinnati

University of Connecticut

University of Florida

University of Illinois

University of Maryland at Baltimore

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of Notre Dame

University of Oklahoma

University of Pennsylvania

University of South Carolina

University of Tennessee

University of Texas

University of Wisconsin–Madison

Vanderbilt University

Washington University

Wayne State University

West Virginia University

Wittenberg University

Yale University


Hospitals

Albert Einstein Medical Center
Albert Einstein Medical Center
Albert Einstein Medical Center is a tertiary care teaching hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An important aspect of the medical center is that of educating graduating physicians. The medical center offers residency and fellowship training programs in many specialized areas...



Alexander Blain Memorial Hospital

Allegheny General Hospital
Allegheny General Hospital
Allegheny General Hospital is a large urban hospital located at 320 East North Avenue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Allegheny General Hospital, also known locally by the acronym "AGH!", is located in the Central Northside neighborhood of Pittsburgh...



American Oncologic Hospital

Atlantic City Hospital

Baptist Memorial Hospital (FL)

Barnesville Hospital

Bashline Hospital Assoc., Ltd.

Bay Medical Center

Bethany Medical Center

Bethesda Hospital, Inc. (Cincinnati)

Braddock General Hospital

Brandywine Hospital (for Coatsville Hosp.)

Charleston Memorial Hospital

Chestnut Hill Hospital

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Children's Hospital (Colnmhusy OH)

Christ Hospital (James N. Gamble Institute)

Community Methodist Hospital

Dover General Hospital & Medical Center

Duplin General Hospital Kenansville
Kenansville, North Carolina
Kenansville is a town in Duplin County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,149 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Duplin County.-Geography:Kenansville is located at ....



Good Samaritan Hospital (Lexington, KY)

Greater Southeast Community Hospital (formerly Morris Cafritz Hospital)

Greene Memorial Hospital

Henry Ford Hospital

Hurley Hospital

Incarnate Word Hospital

Jackson Memorial Hospital

Jeanes Hospital

Jewish Hospital (Louisville, KY)

Johns Hopkins Hospital/Johns Hopkins Health System

Johnston-Willis Hospital

King's Daughterly Hospital

Lankenau Hospital

Lee Hospital

Lenoir Memorial Hospital

Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Inc.

Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital

Menorah Medical Center

Mercy Catholic Medical Center

Mercy Hospital Anderson (for Our Lady of Mercy Hospital)

Mercy Medical Center (Coon Rapids, MN)

Miami Valley Hospital
Miami Valley Hospital
Miami Valley Hospital is a large urban hospital located in Dayton, Ohio and is a member of the Premier Health Partners network. The hospital has a second location named Miami Valley Hospital South in Centerville, Ohio. It currently has the Dayton region's only level I trauma center and also has a...



Mother Fiances Hospital

Mt. Sinai Medical Center (OH)

Reid Memorial Hospital

Retreat Hospital

Roger Williams General Hospital

Saginaw General Hospital

Sandusky Memorial Hospital

Southeastern General Hospital

St. Francis Hospital

St. Juleps Hospital

St. Louis Testing Labs, Inc.

St. Thomas Hospital

Suburban Community Hospital

Tampa General Hospital

Tinmen Mercy Medical Center

West Penn Hospital
The Western Pennsylvania Hospital
The Western Pennsylvania Hospital , located at 4800 Friendship Avenue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a flagship 500 bed hospital of the West Penn Allegheny Health System and serves as a Clinical Campus of Temple University School of Medicine, offering a full range of medical education...


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