K Area
Final Steps Toward Interim Safe Storage
The last of Hanford’s reactors to be placed into Interim Safe Storage (ISS) are the K East and K West reactors, both located in the 100 K Area along the Columbia River.
K East Reactor – Completed ISS
In 2022, the 105 K East Reactor successfully entered ISS. Unlike other cocooned reactors that received new roofs, K East was enclosed within a comprehensive steel enclosure, offering enhanced protection for long-term storage.
K West Reactor – Scheduled for 2030
A similar steel enclosure is planned for the K West Reactor, which is expected to enter ISS by 2030. Once complete, K West will join the seven other cocooned reactors already in the Long-Term Stewardship (LTS) program.
As part of LTS, routine inspections every 5–10 years will ensure there is no deterioration to the reactors or the surrounding environment.
Cleanup Efforts in the 100 K Area
Today, the Department of Energy is focused on completing the remediation of waste sites in the 100 K Area. This includes:
Deactivation, draining, and demolition of the 1.2-million-gallon K West Basin
Removing and processing related structures and equipment
Sorting and staging debris in preparation for final demolition
Past Milestones
In 2019, DOE successfully removed radioactive sludge from the K West Basin — a significant achievement in reducing environmental risk.
Current efforts continue to prepare the site for full deactivation and demolition, paving the way for long-term stability and environmental protection.