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From bombs to glass: Hanford site can now transform nuclear waste
The vitrification process will solidify 56 million gallons of radioactive waste into stable glass, reducing environmental risks at the Hanford site, officials said.
- The Hanford Nuclear Reservation began processing liquid nuclear waste into glass logs for safer storage, scheduled to start operations by October 15, 2025.
- This effort follows decades of handling highly radioactive waste from Hanford's plutonium production during World War II, with over 56 million gallons stored in 177 tanks, many leaking.
- Construction on the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant started in 2002 after groundbreaking in 2001, with initial plans to start in 2009 and new permits issued in September 2025 enabling vitrification.
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright acknowledged obstacles but reaffirmed the goal to start operations by October 15, 2025, while Senator Patty Murray noted that the low-level waste component alone could exceed $30 billion in costs.
- Initiating vitrification represents a significant milestone in addressing contamination at one of the country’s most hazardous nuclear waste locations, though concerns about environmental impact and long-term cleanup responsibilities continue to spark debate.
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A long-awaited solution to Hanford's nuclear waste may be weeks away
Earlier this month, it looked like a pivotal part of the effort to clean up the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in south central Washington was going to be stuck in limbo. Plans to build an important and long-awaited radioactive waste treatment plant appeared to be put on hold, but then the US Secretary of Energy's Office confirmed the plant would be operational by Oct. 15. Hanford is one of the largest Superfund sites in the United States. It was e…
·Seattle, United States
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Total News Sources32
Leaning Left8Leaning Right1Center17Last UpdatedBias Distribution65% Center
Bias Distribution
- 65% of the sources are Center
65% Center
L 31%
C 65%
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