BWXT rezoning approved for depleted uranium processing expansion

The Washington County, Tennessee, Commission voted Monday to approve a rezoning ordinance for BWXT’s Jonesborough site, with a 10-5 vote. The ordinance would rezone land that BWXT already owns from agricultural to industrial. BWXT officials said they plan to open two high-purity depleted uranium processing facilities on either side of Limestone Creek. Residents spoke against the expansion, saying they are concerned about health risks and a negative image of Jonesborough. BWXT said operations at the site are not only clean and safe, but economically beneficial to the community, saying the two facilities would create 175 jobs locally.