The Pantex Plant was originally constructed during World War II to produce traditional munitions and conventional bombs in support of the national war effort. The plant was located on approximately 16,000 acres east of Amarillo, Texas. The end of World War II brought the abrupt closing of Pantex and subsequent leasing of the land to Texas Tech University.
The plant remained under University control until 1951 when the Atomic Energy Commission reclaimed the land and repurposed the Pantex facilities for nuclear weapons production. During the late 60s and early 70s various nuclear weapons and nuclear initiatives throughout the country were relocated to Amarillo. Pantex is now the United States’ only nuclear weapons construction and disassembly site; responsible for maintaining and protecting the national nuclear arms stockpile.
Like many nuclear weapons sites throughout the United States, concerns surrounding toxic chemical contamination and radiation exposure at the Pantex Plant began surfacing in the early 80s. By 1994, the Plant was listed as a Superfund site by the EPA with cleanup being declared completed in 2010. Increased rates of cancer and low birth weights have been detected in the areas surrounding the Pantex Plant.
Current and former workers of the Pantex Plant or their survivors are eligible for up to $400,000 in compensation and health benefits under Part B and Part E of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Program Act (EEOICPA). The Department of Labor has also granted Special Exposure Cohort status to those who worked at the site for at least 250 consecutive days between the years 1984 – 1991. For more information on benefits and how to apply contact your local DOL Resource Center.