Fermi Lab Site Map

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

The Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, also referred to as the FermiLab, is located on a 6,720 acre plot in Batavia, Illinois, approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) west of downtown Chicago. The Fermilab began operation in 1967 as a research and development facility. The mission of the lab was to explore the basics of matter, using high-energy proton beams to probe subatomic structure. This continues to be the laboratory’s mission today. Major environmental concerns included remediation of polychlorinated biphenyl spills; possible chromate contamination; and management of hazardous, radioactive, and toxic waste. Quarterly groundwater monitoring will continue indefinitely, despite the overall remediation of the site. Remediation was completed in FY 1997.