WATCH: High Risks at Hanford

Columbia Riverkeeper's Staff Attorney Simone Anter shares a recap from the "High Risks at Hanford" virtual presentation.

WATCH: High Risks at Hanford 

Just three years ago the Hanford Nuclear Site made international headlines when PUREX Tunnel 1 suddenly collapsed, sending a plume of dust into the air, risking radioactive contamination to people and the environment. Old structures at Hanford pose a serious threat. Some structures even contain enough plutonium to build several nuclear bombs, making long term cleanup essential. 

Want to learn more? Check out the “High Risks at Hanford” virtual presentation that aired on  April 28, 2020, as a part of the “Love Your Columbia Community” online series:

Columbia Riverkeeper extends a special thank you to Yakama Nation Environmental Restoration Waste Management Program (ERWM) for co-presenting. Rose Ferri, Project Tracking and Resource Analyst for ERWM, shared about the tribal nation’s engagement with Hanford cleanup activities and the cultural resource connections to the area.

Columbia Riverkeeper Conservation Director, Dan Serres, shared information about Hanford’s aging infrastructure and how the public can engage on this issue. Today, the U.S. Dept. of Energy is asking for public input on an important cleanup plan. The plan involves three structures identified as high-risk for collapse at Hanford. 

Here are three ways to get involved:
  1. Act: Hold the U.S. government responsible for cleaning up the most contaminated site in the Western Hemisphere: the Hanford Nuclear Site. Sign our petition today!
  2. Learn: Read Riverkeeper’s Comment Guide, which provides helpful tips on how to make the most of your comments.
  3. Create: Enter the Hanford Art Contest. This year's theme: "Reclaiming our River from Hanford’s Nuclear Legacy." What does a clean and healthy Columbia River mean to you? Enter the all-ages art contest for a chance to win cash.

We’ll be in touch with you on the Hanford cleanup process and let you know how you can help. If you are able, please donate today to Columbia Riverkeeper and together we will continue to demand clean up at Hanford. Now, more than ever, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to clean up Hanford.

 Hanford—A Future Worth Fighting For:

Resources:

Stay tuned for future "Love Your Columbia Community" online events.