Waste Misclassification Threatens River
Leaked high-level waste is still high-level waste.
On June 29, 2023, the U.S. Dept. of Energy (Energy) announced a radical change in cleanup at Hanford’s 324 Building. The 324 Building is the same building where, earlier in 2023, workers encountered a startling radioactive surprise—a large amount of highly contaminated soil underneath the building, in an area outside the expected zone of impact. This discovery led to a pause in all structural stabilization efforts at the building while soil sampling and analysis explored the extent of contamination. The presence of deadly levels of radiation very close to the Columbia River set off alarm bells.
Need a refresher on the history of the 324 building? Read More.
Now, Energy has finished a focused feasibility study, presenting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with two proposals for how to proceed with safely removing and remediating the 324 building and the soils beneath B Cell, known as 300-296 Waste Site.
The problem? Neither proposal treats the soils beneath the building as high level waste, with no legally backed explanation.
Take Action: Join us in urging Energy and EPA to appropriately classify the soils below the 324 building as high level waste, and to proceed with cleanup that protects workers, groundwater, and the River.
Dear U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
I appreciate the effort of cleanup workers, agency staff, and regulatory agencies to address the pollution in and near the 324 Building. I strongly support efforts to prioritize worker safety, and to pace the work in a way that is realistic and responsive to workers’ experience.
The presence of extremely radioactive waste in close proximity to the Columbia River and the City of Richland at the 324 Building presents major challenges involving material from irradiated nuclear fuel, high-level waste material that originated in Hanford’s B Plant.
I am deeply concerned that you are not treating the soils below the 324 building, contamination associated with the 300-296 waste site, as high level waste, contradicting the Nuclear Waste Policy Act.
I do not want high level waste grouted and disposed of onsite at Hanford. I do not want the 324 Building cleanup to be encumbered by mistakenly downplaying the need to remove the highly radioactive material from Hanford. This is contrary to the law and poses a long term threat to people and the Columbia River.
I urge you to treat the soils below 324 as the law requires, anything less is not permissible.
Sincerely,