Deepak Bhojwani is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of leadership experience at Weston Solutions, Inc. (Weston), where he currently serves as the Trust Administrator and Client Program Manager. Throughout his career at Weston, he has held a variety of strategic roles, including that of a Service Line Leader and a key contributor to Weston’s major growth initiatives.
Deepak’s diverse expertise spans site investigation and remediation, environmental planning and permitting, multi-media compliance, construction services, and engineering design, as well as business, finance, and risk management. He brings deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments, with extensive experience in major environmental programs. Known for his adaptability and understanding of client needs, he has led high-performing teams in both private and public sectors to achieve exceptional results.
For the past 12 years, Deepak had led the West Chicago Environmental Response Trust (WCERT) tasked with the decommissioning and remediation of a former thorium mill, also known as the former Rare Earths Facility (REF), and associated sites impacted by its operations. Under his leadership, WCERT has made significant progress toward site restoration and revitalization. Deepak is currently spearheading the implementation of an innovative remediation method that involves extraction of uranium from on-site soil. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing Weston’s mission and making a lasting impact on environmental stewardship.
Can you provide an overview of the West Chicago Environmental Response Trust and its primary objectives?
WCERT was established as a Grantor Trust by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2011 when Tronox, LLC, the party responsible for decommissioning and remediating the REF, declared bankruptcy in 2009. The Grantor Trust is a legal arrangement in which one party, known as the grantor, transfers assets to another party, the trustee, to manage for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. The beneficiaries of WCERT include DOJ, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the State of Illinois, and local communities such as the City of West Chicago, the City of Warrenville, DuPage County, and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. WCERT’s primary objective is to decommission and remediate the REF and surrounding impacted areas to address extensive contamination resulting from decades of industrial activity. The fully remediated site is slated to be transferred to the City of West Chicago in 2027 for redevelopment as a public recreational space.
As the trustee since 2011, Weston has collaborated with the beneficiaries and local stakeholders to manage and implement the decommissioning and remediation of the REF. In this role, Weston conducts all activities in full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This includes adherence to major regulatory frameworks such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA/Superfund), the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations, along with corresponding State of Illinois regulations, which play a key role in the remediation of severely impacted sites.
To provide historical context, the REF was owned and operated by the Lindsay Light Company from 1930 to 1973. During this period, the company manufactured both non-radioactive rare earth elements and radioactive materials such as thorium, radium, and uranium, as well as gas lantern mantles. Some of these radioactive elements were purchased by the U.S. government, including the Department of Energy, for use in federal atomic energy programs such as the Manhattan Project.
The facility’s operations resulted in widespread environmental contamination that extended beyond the site itself—impacting nearby neighborhoods, waterways, public parks, and even the City of West Chicago’s sewage treatment plant. In 1973, the facility was sold to Kerr-McGee Corporation, which subsequently ceased all operations due to environmental and health concerns. The contamination left behind created a significant environmental legacy, prompting ongoing remediation efforts. Today, WCERT plays a critical role in managing and mitigating the risks associated with this legacy, leading the restoration of the affected areas.
What are some of the most significant challenges in remediating radiologically contaminated soil and groundwater?Â
Radiological contamination presents significant challenges due to its complexity, detection, and management. Radioactive materials decay over varying periods, requiring remediation efforts to address both immediate contamination and long-term exposure risks. The extended half-lives of certain radionuclides complicate predictions about the success of remediation strategies. Measuring radiological contamination is difficult due to the wide range of isotopes, each with distinct properties and detection needs, necessitating specialized equipment and expertise. The nature and extent of contamination can vary, often requiring specialized knowledge and techniques for accurate assessment and cleanup.
Moreover, radiologically contaminated media pose serious health risks, requiring strict safety protocols, advanced remediation technologies, and compliance with complex regulations. Cleanup efforts are often costly and technically challenging, with ongoing monitoring needed to ensure long-term safety. A multidisciplinary approach and clear stakeholder communication are essential for successful remediation and community support.
Can you discuss any recent case studies where innovative remediation methods have been successfully implemented?Â
Absolutely. We are employing innovative treatment processes such as in-situ leaching (ISL) and thermal treatment for the full-scale remediation of uranium-contaminated soils at the REF in West Chicago, IL. The uranium leaching process occurs within a double-lined, in-ground treatment cell, and the resulting liquid substance, or leachate, is processed using a zero-discharge thermal treatment system. This system uses thermal evaporators and dryers to concentrate the uranium-rich leachate into solids, which are then safely disposed of at a permitted off-site low-level radioactive waste landfill.
Extensive bench-scale and pilot-scale studies demonstrated that ISL minimizes the waste volume needing off-site disposal and could save $10 to $30 million in remediation costs compared to traditional methods like excavation, transportation, and disposal of contaminated soil. This approach represents a significant advancement in environmental remediation and cost-effective management of radiologically contaminated waste.
The core of this remediation process involves solution mining, where lixiviants—a chemical extractant—are injected into the subsurface to selectively leach uranium from the soil. The lixiviant dissolves the uranium, and the leachate is pumped to the surface for recovery. Successful application of ISL technology depends on certain environmental conditions, such as porous ground, which allows for the leaching solution, including lixiviants, to soak in deeply and uniformly. While this method offers several advantages, it also carries potential environmental risks—particularly the threat of groundwater contamination. This can occur when dissolved minerals or chemical leaching solutions migrate beyond the intended area. If proper safeguards, such as engineered containment systems and robust monitoring protocols, are not effectively implemented, these substances may escape into surrounding soil and water systems, leading to long-term ecological and public health concerns. Weston has implemented robust containment systems and comprehensive monitoring protocols to effectively mitigate ecological and public health risks.
Over 4 years, Weston conducted a series of bench- and pilot-scale tests to adapt ISL technology to site-specific conditions. These tests focused on selecting the appropriate leaching solutions and in-situ application systems, quantifying uranium release rates, and gathering critical data to estimate treatment costs. After testing numerous chemical mixtures, a combination of sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate was found to be the most effective leaching solution.
In addition to ongoing operations, Weston has successfully executed a wide range of large-scale decommissioning, demolition, and remediation activities over the past 12 years as part of its commitment to environmental restoration at the West Chicago site. These efforts have included the systematic demolition and safe removal of former industrial buildings and structures, the excavation and off-site disposal of radiologically contaminated soil, and the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of groundwater treatment systems to address contaminants such as uranium, fluoride, and heavy metals.
Beyond environmental remediation, Weston has also led significant infrastructure improvements that benefit both the site and the surrounding West Chicago community. These include upgrades to sewer and water supply lines, electric and natural gas utilities, and stormwater management systems. Comprehensive soil and groundwater investigations, as well as detailed air dispersion and groundwater flow modeling, have supported data-driven decision-making throughout the project. Weston has also managed extensive reporting and permitting efforts to meet stringent regulatory requirements and obtain necessary approvals. Collectively, these actions have been essential in reducing environmental and public health risks while laying the groundwork for continued remediation and the site’s future redevelopment as a community asset.
What management challenges do you, as the Trust Administrator of the West Chicago Environmental Response Trust, face, and how do you ensure that the needs of our beneficiaries are effectively met?
Over the past 12 years, leading the administration of WCERT has been both a challenging and highly rewarding journey. When I stepped into this role, I had no prior experience in trust management or radiological contamination. But with Weston’s support, I was able to put together a top-tier team of Weston folks whose expertise and collaboration have been instrumental in driving the program forward. My prior experience at Weston also enabled me to navigate the complexities of the role. The position demanded a sharp focus on detail and came with a steep learning curve, but by staying committed and leveraging strategic problem-solving, I was able to guide the process effectively.
As a trustee, Weston is bound by fiduciary duties to act in the best interests of our beneficiaries, including DOJ, EPA, and local communities. Legal risks are inherent, particularly if we breach these duties through mismanagement or by acting in our own self-interest at the expense of the beneficiaries. To mitigate these risks, we consistently uphold our fiduciary responsibilities, ensure compliance with WCERT’s terms, and maintain transparent, regular communication with beneficiaries. Our duty of care requires us to manage WCERT’s assets with skill, prudence, and diligence—making informed decisions, minimizing risk, and ensuring full legal compliance.
Effective management of the trustee-beneficiary relationship has been central to our success. From the outset, we set clear expectations, ensuring that beneficiaries fully understand WCERT’s terms. Regular updates on expenditures, project progress, investment strategies, and any structural changes help prevent misunderstandings. Transparency is essential; we keep beneficiaries informed about key decisions, challenges, and developments. This open, proactive communication builds trust allows us to promptly address concerns and helps avoid disputes. By diligently fulfilling our fiduciary duties, maintaining transparency, and adapting to evolving challenges, we continue to ensure that WCERT effectively serves the needs of our beneficiaries.
What advice would you give to young professionals interested in pursuing a career in environmental remediation?Â
For young professionals interested in environmental remediation, establishing a solid educational foundation is essential. Degrees in related engineering majors, science, geology, or chemistry are fundamental, with a focus on specialized areas such as soil and groundwater treatment, regulatory compliance, permitting, and waste management. Practical experience gained through internships, fieldwork, and volunteer opportunities also provides invaluable hands-on exposure to the complexities of remediation projects. Additionally, pursuing certifications and staying informed about relevant regulations, laws, and environmental standards will enhance your credentials and ensure you are well-prepared to navigate the regulatory landscape.
Beyond technical knowledge, developing problem-solving, communication, and project management skills is crucial for success in this field. Environmental remediation requires collaboration with various stakeholders, so strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary to effectively convey complex technical information. Networking with professionals through organizations, seeking mentorship, and committing to lifelong learning will also support career growth. Remediation projects are often long-term and resource-intensive, so patience, resilience, and an understanding of the broader environmental and social impacts of your work are key to a rewarding career in this field.