Hanford Cleanup Priorities

Uniting Community Needs with Cleanup Action

The Hanford Site cleanup is one of the most complex environmental projects in the world — and the decisions made today will impact our region for generations.

Hanford Communities works with federal and state agencies, tribal nations, and local leaders to ensure that cleanup efforts reflect community priorities, public health goals, and environmental protection standards.

These are the projects and tasks most critical to reducing environmental risk and protecting the Columbia River, groundwater, and surrounding communities.

Examples include:

  • Safe retrieval and treatment of tank waste

  • Groundwater contamination cleanup

  • Decommissioning and demolition of high-risk facilities

  • Long-term stewardship of cocooned reactors

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These priorities reflect local perspectives on how the cleanup should proceed, emphasizing transparency, timely progress, and safe working conditions.

Examples include:

  • Protecting public health and safety

  • Ensuring clear, accessible communication from DOE and contractors

  • Preserving and creating local jobs in the cleanup workforce

  • Maintaining environmental monitoring beyond active cleanup phases

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Hanford cleanup is guided by laws, agreements, and regulatory frameworks. Hanford Communities works to influence policies so they align with both cleanup goals and community needs.

Focus areas include:

  • Reviewing and commenting on DOE cleanup budgets and schedules

  • Advocating for regulatory changes that improve efficiency and safety

  • Supporting funding for critical cleanup milestones

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