The Fernald Preserve is a former nuclear production facility located in a rural, residential area 18 miles northwest of Cincinnati, Ohio. The site has gone by many names over the years, including Feed Materials Production Center, Fernald Environmental Management Project, and Fernald Closure Project, but is most often referred to as Fernald. Uranium metal products for the nation’s defense programs were produced at Fernald, including slightly enriched and depleted uranium. Smaller amounts of thorium metal also were produced.  Uranium, radium and other radioactive materials contaminated the soil, debris, ground water and surface water. Production stopped in July 1989 to focus resources on environmental restoration.  All remediation, with the exception of on-going ground water pumping was completed in 2006. Strong community involvement through the Fernald Citizens Advisory Board was key to the successful cleanup.  The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, along with U.S. EPA, oversaw cleanup activities at the site since the 1980's. For a more in-depth look at the Fernald cleanup, see the Fernald Factsheet.

Following remediation, restoration was initiated to return natural plant and animal communities to the site.  The Fernald Preserve is expected to be a green space park with wildlife.  Habitats such as wetlands, ponds, prairies and upland forest were created based upon original land surveys and post excavation topographies. An on-site disposal facility remains at the site containing approximately 3 million cubic yards of contaminated soil and debris. On-going aquifer remediation includes pumping uranium contaminated ground water and associated treatment to meet discharge criteria. Ohio EPA continues an active role in ensuring the cleanup remains protective through monitoring and inspection as well as community outreach.