Oregon's Shocking Battle: What Happens If Liquid Radioactive Waste Rolls Through Your State?

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, along with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, is voicing strong opposition to a federal proposal that could involve transporting over 30 million gallons of liquid radioactive waste from the Hanford Site in Washington state through northeastern Oregon, including Baker County. Their concerns center on the potential risks such a transport could pose to local communities and the environment.

In a letter dated May, Governor Kotek expressed her discontent, stating, “The very consideration of transporting 32 million gallons of Hanford tank waste by rail or truck without adequate notice, discussion, or consideration of potential and inherent risks to the citizens of the State of Oregon is unacceptable.” This sentiment reflects a growing unease among Oregon officials regarding the safety implications of the proposed transport routes.

In a follow-up letter dated November 24 to Timothy Walsh, assistant secretary in the Office of Environmental Management for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Senators Merkley and Wyden highlighted the “significant risks” that Hanford’s radioactive materials pose to rural and tribal communities, as well as the state’s natural resources. The Hanford Site, located near the Columbia River and approximately northwest of the Tri-Cities, played a critical role in U.S. nuclear weapons production for over four decades. The site currently stores about 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste in 177 underground steel tanks.

The timeline for potential shipments is uncertain, but Max Woods, assistant director for nuclear safety and energy security at the Oregon Department of Energy, indicated that shipments could begin as early as 2028, although they are more likely to commence in the early 2030s. “These shipments are a top priority for Oregon officials,” he said. A key issue in the proposal is the form the waste would take during transport.

Oregon officials oppose moving the waste in its current liquid state. While the liquid waste would undergo “pre-treatment” to remove some of the most hazardous components, such as strontium and cesium, Governor Kotek is advocating for the waste to be converted into a solid form before any transport occurs. This solid waste would be encased in concrete blocks, significantly reducing the potential dangers associated with a spill or accident.

Woods articulated that solid waste is “inherently safer” in case of an accident, as opposed to liquid waste that could potentially contaminate soil and water if spilled during transportation. He noted that while the liquid waste would not be highly radioactive, the localized danger it presents during transport is a significant concern. The waste would be stored in specially designed containers and transported using trucks and trailers specifically modified for this purpose.

In another letter addressed to Hanford officials, Janine Benner, director of the Oregon Department of Energy, and Jeff Wyatt, chairman of the Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board, emphasized the need for more comprehensive studies of the proposed shipments. They contended that “transportation assessment and risk have not been adequately addressed in any previous Hanford document.”

In response to inquiries from the Baker City Herald, a spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Energy stated that the agency “remains steadfast in its commitment to safely executing all cleanup activities.” The spokesperson added that decisions regarding the solidification location and transport routes would prioritize safety and adhere to federal regulations from the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Past Shipments and Community Concerns

Historically, the federal government has transported lower levels of radioactive waste, classified as transuranic waste, from Hanford to New Mexico via truck on Interstate 84. This type of waste has included items like clothing worn by Hanford workers and equipment exposed to radioactivity. Those shipments, which ceased more than a decade ago, may resume around 2028. According to a February report from the Oregon Department of Energy, a total of 572 loads of transuranic waste were transported from Hanford to New Mexico between July 2000 and August 2011, along with another 77 shipments to the Idaho National Laboratory.

As of now, federal officials estimate that approximately 6,250 loads of transuranic waste remain at Hanford. The Oregon Department of Energy has expressed confidence that future shipments can be conducted safely, citing their experience in overseeing similar programs and close coordination with the U.S. DOE.

With the risks associated with transporting radioactive waste, concerns continue to mount among Oregon officials and community members alike. As the timeline for proposed shipments approaches, local leaders are calling for thorough emergency preparedness planning and engagement with communities and tribal governments along the identified transportation routes to ensure public safety and environmental protection.