U.S. Department of Energy - Richland Operations Program
An Emergency Preparedness program has been designed to identify and address the possible risks that could have consequences affecting the Hanford Site and the surrounding communities. This program enables federal, state, and local agencies to implement protective actions designed to protect the people, property, environment and economy of Washington State. The Emergency Management Division administers this contract and, in addition to being the lead agency for the planning, exercising, and training for the emergency preparedness portion of the contract, is a pass through for monies that go to the Washington State Departments of Health and Agriculture and the Emergency Management agencies in Benton, Franklin, and Grant Counties.
Background
In 1989, the state of Washington and the U.S. Department of Energy, Richland Operations Office (USDOE-RL) agreed to initiate development of state and local emergency preparedness for potential incidents at the Hanford Site. The Hanford Site occupies a 560 square mile area in south central Washington located immediately northwest of the Tri-Cities: Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick.
Originally chosen for the Manhattan Project in 1943, the Hanford Site was used to produce plutonium for the first nuclear weapons. Since then, the site has served as an energy technology research facility, a high level radioactive waste storage and dumping site, a nuclear weapons production facility, and more recently as the site of various private atomic energy facilities such as U.S. Ecology, Siemens, and Energy Northwest (formerly Washington Public Power Supply System, or WPPSS).
Emergency Preparedness
The Hanford Site Emergency Preparedness Program includes emergency response and preparedness planning, training, and exercises. Potential emergency incidents at the Hanford Site could involve radioactive, non-radioactive, or mixed waste materials. A dedicated phone line among USDOE-RL, the state of Washington, and affected local counties assures prompt notification of an emergency. The counties of Benton, Franklin, and Grant participate in this program.
Funding
The Hanford Site Emergency Preparedness Program is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Funding provides for necessary maintenance and improvements to plans and procedures and also for training and exercise activities.
State Response
The state of Washington, affected local jurisdictions, and USDOE-RL have developed plans and continue to coordinate agency activities and exercise their ability to respond to an emergency at the Hanford Site. This preparedness has proven invaluable in response to recent events at the site.
Contact
For more information, please contact Steven Williams, Tri-Cities Special Hazards Program Manager, at 509-545-2030, Fax: 509-545-2032, or Cell: 509-531-3911.
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