Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) - BWXT Frequently Asked Questions

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Thank you for your questions and concerns regarding the BWXT site in Washington County, TN. We are providing this Frequently Asked Questions document to those who have reached out through various portals to find answers.

For your convenience, we have divided the questions into two categories: the existing Aerojet Facility and the proposed property expansion.

Q: What does the existing facility make?

A: The Aerojet facility manufactures specialized components for the defense and aerospace industries. It is essentially a metalworking facility creating various specialized metal alloys. The facility began production in 1969 and was acquired by BWXT in 2025. The existing Aerojet Facility receives depleted uranium, as this is used in the products they manufacture.

Q: Has TDEC received any permit requests at their existing facility?

A: TDEC Division of Radiological Health (DRH) has approved a license amendment for Aerojet's existing HPDU project on its current site to increase the facility's output from pilot scale to production scale.

On May 14, 2025, BWXT Ordnance Tennessee submitted an insignificant activity / insignificant emissions unit request for a new High Purity Depleted Uranium (HPDU) process to TDEC's Division of Air Pollution Control. This expanded process will result in emissions of air pollutants below the permitting thresholds. The Division issued an insignificant activity / insignificant emission unit letter on June 9, 2025. Thus, the process is not required to obtain an air quality permit. The BWXT request and the Division's insignificant activity / insignificant emissions unit letters can be found on our dataviewer at: Learn More about the BWXT request and the Division's insignificant activity / insignificant emissions unit letters.

The TDEC Division of Water Resources is working on a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) renewal for the existing permit TN0057983 at the Aerojet Facility. Please note that the NPDES being reviewed is for renewal of an EXISTING permit first issued in the 1970s. An NPDES permit regulates the release of treated industrial wastewater. Information on the permit can be found on our dataviewer at: Learn more about existing NPDES permit TN0057983.

Q: Does TDEC monitor this facility?

A: The Division of Radiological Health (DRH) performs monthly independent site-specific monitoring of air and water for radioactive effluents in and around BWXT Ordnance Tennessee, as well as routine compliance inspections. The facility's license number is S-90009 with a current inspection frequency of every two years. Their last compliance inspection was performed in September 2025 with no items of non-compliance.

The Division of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) performs Hazardous Waste compliance evaluation inspections at Aerojet Ordinance, Tennessee, TND 05-398-2807. Since it is a small quantity generator of HW, the DSWM inspects these facilities on a 5-year cycle, typically. The last inspection was performed on August 3, 2022, and no violations were observed.

The Division of Water Resources (DWR) has 2 permits associated with the BWXT facility located in Washington County, TN (formerly Aerojet). DWR serves as the regulatory oversight authority, reviewing and monitoring data, conducting inspections every 5 years or more frequently, and ensuring compliance with permit conditions. Permit TNR051099 (Tennessee Multi-Sector Permit for discharge of stormwater) & permit TN005798 (NPDES) inspections were last conducted in 2022, which was a Compliance Biomonitoring Inspection. These inspections were found to be in compliance.

The Division of Air Pollution Control, BWXT Ordinance, Tennessee, Inc., 90-0047, is a True Minor Source. True Minor Sources are worked into the inspection workload as time allows. The last inspection at the facility was October 31, 2023. No violations were found for active permit 079430, which is for a surface coating operation. View records for the facility, including but not limited to inspection reports, permits, applications, and insignificant activities, can be found on APC's Data viewer.

*Q: Was there a public notice for the amendment to BWXT’s existing license?

A: There is not a regulatory public notice or comment period required for BWXT’s radioactive material license.

*Q: When did BWXT submit their amendment request to their current license?

A: The Initial request was submitted 7/10/2025. The Division of Radiological Health required additional documentation for approval and the final documents were received 11/6/2025.

*Q: What date did the Division of Radiological Health approve the license amendment to BWXT’s existing license?

A: The amendment was approved on 12/8/2025

*Q: Did the application describe the HPDU process?

A: Yes, BWXT was required provide highly specific details and meet stringent licensing requirements regarding the process prior to approval of the recent amendment. Note, the recently approved amendment was for BWXT’s previously existing HPDU project on its current site to increase the facility’s output from pilot scale to production scale.

*Q: Does TDEC know if BWXT is producing the same products or something new / different?

A: Most TDEC divisions permit waste streams, not the manufacturing process or end products. The Division of Radiological Health reviews specific processes and the waste streams.

The Division of Radiological Health has not received any additional amendment or license requests concerning products not authorized by BWXT’s current license that covers the storage and use of material, manufactured products, and waste generated by the manufacturing process based on radiological health and safety.

*Q: Is there a link to the BWXT’s Radioactive Material License?

A: No, Radioactive Material Licenses contain protected security related information and must be redacted. For a redacted copy of the license, please submit a public records request.

Q: Is TDEC aware of buried radioactive material on this property?

A: Yes. In the mid-1980s, Aerojet completed the remediation of a retention pond. The soil left from that project and other areas was placed into an internment cell on the property. This cell was constructed above the floodplain, following NRC guidance, and was approved by TDEC. This internment cell is the cause of the restrictive covenant on the land and states that there may not be excavation below a specific depth in the internment cell area without prior approval from the authorities. The internment cell is well-maintained, and there is no proposed construction in this area.

Q: Will BWXT's proposed HPDU facility be built at the Aerojet facility in Jonesborough, TN?

A: No, the proposed HPDU facility would be built on property adjacent to the Aerojet Facility.

Q: BWXT wants to expand its nuclear plant in Jonesborough. Will the expansion of the facility affect our air quality and drinking water?

A: The permits issued by TDEC are designed to be protective of air and water quality and require compliance with all current applicable standards and regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and TDEC. The issuance of a permit does not grant any authority to construct or operate the facility in violation of any law, statute, code, ordinance, rule, or regulation of the State of Tennessee. The decision to issue or deny a permit application is not discretionary or assumptive. If the applicant meets the standards set forth in the regulations, TDEC must issue the permit.

Q: If BWXT expands on the new site, will construction activity affect streams / wetlands? What processes are in place to protect water quality?

A: Before construction activity begins, the applicant should submit a hydrologic determination report that identifies any waters/wetlands that may be impacted. Hydrologic determinations are usually submitted by third-party professionals and categorize features as Waters of the State (WOTS) or Wet Weather Conveyances (WWC), and in the case of wetlands, as Isolated or Non-isolated. Wetlands also receive a quality score based on the Tennessee Rapid Assessment Method (TRAM). TDEC will verify the submitted determination(s) before permits are issued. If the construction proposes impacts to WOTS or
Wetlands, then coverage under the appropriate Aquatic Resource Alteration Permit (ARAP) would need to be obtained before alterations begin.

BWXT submitted a Hydrologic Determination report to TDEC on January 13, 2026. TDEC and the US Army Corps of Engineers conducted a joint site visit on February 20, 2026, to verify the resources identified within the report. The site contains Waters of the State, including streams and wetlands, as well as Wet Weather Conveyances. View Information concerning the Hydrologic Determination (TDEC HD# 34858).

 TDEC cannot speculate on potential impacts to any water resources, as no permit has been applied for by BWXT.

Q: Can TDEC answer our questions about zoning for the new site?

A: TDEC is not involved with zoning ordinances or decisions. Please consult with local authorities for more information. TDEC permits do not supersede or negate local planning or zoning authority.

Q: Has TDEC received any permit requests for the proposed new HPDU facility?

A: TDEC has not received any license / permit amendments or applications related to this proposed property.

Q: Will TDEC perform an environmental review?

A: Environmental impact reviews are required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA generally applies to federal actions or those projects that have significant federal involvement or funding. TDEC is responsible to review and comment on NEPA documents generated by federal agencies. Please be aware that DOE issued an Environmental Assessment for Off-Site Depleted Uranium Manufacturing in November 2024 (DOE / EA-2252). A finding of No Significant Impact for the Environmental Assessment for Off-Site Depleted Uranium Manufacturing was issued in November 2024. TDEC understands that DOE / NNSA would update this analysis, as needed, based on more recent information as it becomes available. TDEC understands that the High Purity Depleted Uranium award made to BWXT was not considered as part of the November 2024 EA and DOE NNSA will prepare an additional NEPA review for this recently proposed action.

Q: Is TDEC aware of buried radioactive material on this property?

A: TDEC is aware of the internment cell that is covered under their licensure and located on their current Aerojet site.

*Q: Will TDEC issue permits for the new proposed new facility operations?

A: TDEC is a regulatory agency, and our actions are driven by the requirement of state and federal environmental regulations and statutes. If a facility provides documentation that they will be able to comply with these regulations and laws, we are obligated to issue the associated environmental permits.

*Q: Has TDEC visited the proposed new site?

A: BWXT submitted a Hydrologic Determination report to TDEC on January 13, 2026. TDEC and the US Army Corps of Engineers conducted a joint site visit on February 20, 2026, to verify the resources identified within the report. The site does contain Waters of the State, both streams and wetlands as well as Wet Weather Conveyances. View Information concerning the Hydrologic Determination (TDEC HD# 34858)

Q: When is the new facility expected to start receiving depleted uranium, and will the Aerojet Facility also start receiving depleted uranium?

A: TDEC has not seen a schedule for completion of the proposed facility and recommends that people reach out to BWXT for this information. The existing Aerojet Facility already receives depleted uranium, as this is used in the products they manufacture.

Q: Will a complete Section 106 review of the BWXT site be conducted for archaeological and tribal significance?

A: If the proposed project has a federal nexus, it is subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing regulations at 36 CFR 800. In such cases, as the lead federal agency, the EPA must consider the project's impact on historic properties, including archaeological sites. Federal agencies, or applicants for federal permits, licenses, or other assistance, often meet these requirements by conducting a Phase I archaeological survey to identify archaeological sites that may be affected and that may be listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. If a listed or eligible site is identified and cannot be avoided, the lead federal agency must consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer and consulting parties, including federally recognized Tribal Nations, to assess the effects and resolve any adverse impacts.

Q: Will there be a formal consultation with the Cherokee Nation and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians regarding potential cultural resources?

A: The Section 106 process requires the lead federal agency to consult with the State Historic Preservation Office and consulting parties, including federally recognized Tribal Nations, on each step of the process, including the definition of the Area of Potential Effects, the identification and evaluation of historic properties (including archaeological sites), the determination of effects, and the resolution of any adverse effects.

Thank you for your interest in environmental protection. We will provide updates to this mailing list when pertinent.

To join TDEC’s BWXT mailing list for public participation opportunities and pertinent updates, please use this link to sign up.

For media requests and opportunities, please contact Jennifer Donnals via email or by phone at 629-294-0122.

Sincerely,
Office of External Affairs for the Johnson City Environmental Field Office
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation