BWXT seeks rezoning for nuclear manufacturing expansion

A proposal to rezone 128 acres near Jonesborough for expanded nuclear-related manufacturing — including about 40 acres in a flood hazard zone — will go before the Washington County Planning Commission on Tuesday. BWXT Ordnance Tennessee is seeking to rezone land behind the former Aerojet Rockdyne facility on Old State Route 34 to M-2 High Impact Use. The property was purchased by BWXT from L3Harris at the beginning of this year. The facility is a provider of depleted uranium for the United States government and also produces materials such as tungsten, molybdenum and custom alloys. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the Historic Washington County Courthouse, 100 E. Main St., Jonesborough, on the first floor conference room. A second vote is set for 6 p.m. on Nov. 24, at the George P. Jaynes Justice Center. The land is currently zoned A-1 General Agriculture and R-1 Low Density Residential, along with an existing portion already zoned M-2. The proposed change would place the entire 128 acres under the M-2 designation, which allows high impact manufacturing uses. The site is currently used for manufacturing, according to the planning agenda. The intent of the request is to expand manufacturing operations near Old State Route 34 and Berry Ridge Road. The agenda states about 40 acres of the parcel sits within a flood hazard zone connected to Little Limestone Creek and Bacon Branch, and that the portion already zoned M-2 has been developed under its existing regulations. Planning staff is recommending approval of the rezoning request, according to the agenda. Ahead of the hearing, some residents are urging neighbors to oppose the change. Gabriel Wilson, a Jonesborough resident, shared concerns about the proposal among local households. Wilson said in a statement to the Johnson City Press that the M-2 classification would permanently permit heavy manufacturing, high temperature metal work, chemical treatment, round-the-clock trucking and other industrial activity "right next to residential and agricultural land." Wilson said residents fear impacts on home values, citing declines seen near heavy industrial zones in other areas. He also raised concerns about potential health risks, saying other communities near industrial sites have reported increased cancer risk, respiratory illness and groundwater contamination. He referenced past industrial accidents in the region, including a 2006 wastewater leak at the Nuclear Fuel Service property in Erwin and the 2021 HEXPOL compounding fire, as examples of how hazards can affect surrounding areas. Wilson is asking the planning commission to deny the rezoning until an environmental and safety review is completed, independent oversight is in place and BWXT shares long term plans for the site. The public hearing is open to all Washington County residents.