EPA, state and local partners complete cleanup of American Nuclear Corp. Superfund Site
CLINTON, Tennessee (August 19, 2025) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and Anderson County, announced the completion of a $10.7 million cleanup at the American Nuclear Corp. Superfund Site. The former radioactive source fabricator leaked radioactive chemicals during the 1960s and has been a blight in Anderson County for decades.
“It is a priority of this Administration to clean up contaminated sites so they can be returned to the community for reuse in ways that expand the local economy,” said Region 4 Administrator Kevin McOmber. “American Nuclear Corp. had languished for decades, and now it is safe for redevelopment thanks to this collaborative cleanup effort. What a win for the people of Anderson County and the State of Tennessee!”
“The completion of the cleanup at the American Nuclear Corp. Site is a significant step forward for Anderson County and the State of Tennessee,” said Tennessee Lt. Governor Randy McNally. “This project reflects the power of collaboration across federal, state and local partners in addressing long-standing environmental challenges. I am grateful to all those who worked tirelessly to make our community safer and healthier. I look forward to the land returning to productive use for the benefit Tennesseans for generations to come.”
“This project is a great example of perseverance by local leadership and commitment to follow through by our federal partners with the EPA,” said Tennessee Representative Rick Scarbrough.
“I am so thankful for the collaboration between EPA, the State of Tennessee, and TDEC that led to the successful cleanup of the former American Nuclear Corporation Site,” said Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank. “This wonderful project and investment have removed contaminants from our community and restored peace of mind, closing out a very long chapter of environmental risk allowing us to move forward with plans to benefit the people of our county.”
“I want to express our deepest gratitude to the EPA and TDEC for their exceptional work in cleaning up the American Nuclear Corp. Site,” said Anderson County Commissioner Tracy Wandell. “We, the citizens of District 1 and the entire county, sincerely thank you for your efforts in cleaning up the superfund site and for the outstanding teamwork demonstrated throughout the process.”
This was considered a Nationally Significant Removal Action due to the type of contamination and cost to remediate. Radioactive materials at the American Nuclear site were five to six times more energetic than those at the nearby Oak Ridge Superfund Site.
The next step is to return the property to the State of Tennessee and consider redevelopment possibilities.
BACKGROUND
American Nuclear Corp., a 6.25-acre site, was a radioactive source manufacturing facility licensed by the Atomic Energy Commission in 1962. By 1964, inspectors had discovered noncompliance. In 1969, inspectors discovered radioactive material from ANC leaking into the environment. The company abandoned the site in 1970, and the site was condemned in 1980.
In 2022, EPA exercised enforcement discretion regarding exemption from liability under the BUILD Act. Tennessee claimed sovereignty to serve a protective function as the non-liable owner. In 2023, EPA signed an Action Memorandum requesting approval of a proposed Time-Critical Removal Action.