This show originally aired October 24, 2014.
The former Feed Materials Production Center in Fernald, Ohio, just 20 miles from Cincinnati, processed uranium as part of our country?'s nuclear weapons program from 1951 to 1989. When production at the site ceased, cleanup and environmental remediation began. Today, the once-contaminated site is home to the Fernald Preserve, more than 1,000 acres of wetlands and wildlife habitat, covered in seven miles of trails for birders, hikers and photographers.
Joining us to explore the history of the Fernald site are Jane Powell, former site manager with the Department of Energy; Department of Energy support contractor and Ecological Manager, John Homer; Thomas Schneider,EPA Division of Air Pollution Control supervisor and Fernald/Paddys Run Conservation Project Manager; and Lisa Crawford, a nearby resident who was a leader in an effort to close and clean up the plant.