The Department’s Environmental Management (EM) program is committed to cleaning up – and keeping clean – the soil and water at and around its former nuclear weapons sites. Whether a small spill or a large disposal area, EM takes actions to protect human health and safety. EM cleans up contaminated soil using a variety of methods: removal and disposal in a specialized facility; on-site processing to remove contaminants; capping in place to prevent further contamination; and natural remedies such as using native plants to soak up contaminants.
In treating surface water and groundwater, remediation techniques include pumping water out of the ground, removing the contaminant and sending it back into the aquifer; natural remedies such as the use of natural remedies; and on site treatment. Sites are then monitored for years to ensure that no further contamination occurs.
