Hanford Site
Latest Stories
Hanford moves toward waste treatment milestone after decades of delays and concerns
A two-month study at Hanford’s Waste Treatment Plant is testing emission controls on a new stack, using chemical simulants to ensure safety and compliance before treating radioactive waste. The goal: protect health and environment ahead of full-scale operations.
Federal workforce
Federal worker firings put Hanford safety in jeopardy, says Sen. Patty Murray
Murray said at a news conference Tuesday she’s concerned about the Trump administration’s dismissal of about 12 U.S. Department of Energy staffers and what effect that will have on safety at the site.
What Trump’s 2nd term could mean for Washington’s toxic sludge at Hanford site
A conservative policy roadmap — and past actions from the new president's first term — could offer clues as to what he might have in store for one of the most radioactive places in the world.
Hanford safety officer hired on by Yakama Nation
Troy Watlamet, the new safety officer, will help guard the vast cleanup site in southeast Washington. The new position will work in concert with Hanford Patrol.
Science & Environment
Tribes, environmentalists gather forces against Amazon’s Northwest nuclear plan
Amazon's push for small modular nuclear reactors is just the latest development in decadeslong fight over nuclear energy.
Hanford K-9 officers concerned over kenneling during labor negotiations
Hanford Guards Union Local 21 criticized the poor care of K-9s, saying they return to their handlers covered in feces and show behavioral changes after being kenneled.
Science & Environment
Project 2025 calls for massive changes to Hanford nuclear cleanup
The Heritage Foundation’s blueprint proposes reclassifying radioactive waste as something less dangerous so it can be disposed of more cheaply.
Tumbleweeds sold for big bucks on popular home decor website causes chuckles in the Northwest
Firefighters at the Hanford site in southeast Washington burned 30,000 cubic feet of tumbleweeds in just one spot earlier this year. But in other parts of the country, people are paying to have tumbleweeds shipped to their doorstep — thanks to home decor company Bloomist.
Hanford managers and watchdogs hold first in-person cleanup dialogue meeting since before pandemic
The Hanford site produced more than 70 tons of plutonium from World War II through the Cold War. When that production ended… it left a big mess to clean up. Now, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Washington Department of Ecology and the Environmental Protection Agency are hosting a meeting on Dec. 5 to inform and take questions from the public about work out at the site.
US Department of Energy beckons clean energy development at Hanford
Companies are interested, but it could be complicated to develop lands with multiple layers of tribal, federal and even complex-science concerns.
