Environmental Restoration Project

Cleaning up the Soil and Groundwater

The work-scope of the Environmental Restoration Project includes overseeing the investigation and cleanup of contaminated soil, groundwater, and ancillary (small) buildings in the 100, 200 (except tank farms), 400, and 600 Areas of the Hanford Site. Additionally, the Non-Radioactive Dangerous Waste Landfill (NRDWL) and Solid Waste Landfill also reside in the Environmental Restoration Project.

John Price is the Environmental Restoration Project manager.

Goals

River Corridor:

• 100 Area: Clean up 1000 waste sites by 2012.
• 300 Area: EPA is the lead regulatory agency for the 300 Area. We support EPA through permitting and closure of dangerous waste facilities. We also support EPA through advice and concurrence on regulatory decisions under CERCLA.
• 200 Area: Clean up 1099 waste sites by 2024

Groundwater: By 2024, have 10 regulatory decisions to restore groundwater to its highest beneficial use within a reasonable restoration time frame. Make sure that technologies to restore the groundwater are operational and functional.

Project Mission

Characterize the nature and extent of contamination in soil, groundwater, surface water/sediment, plants, and animals. Select and implement cleanup actions for soil and groundwater that are protective of human health and the environment, that maintain protection over time, and that minimize untreated waste.

Overview

The Environmental Restoration (ER) Project oversees the cleanup of contaminated soil, groundwater, and ancillary (small) buildings throughout the Hanford Site. The project scope includes the closure of some inactive treatment, storage, and disposal soil waste sites in accordance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. This effort involves working closely with the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) and its contractors and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that the cleanup of the soil and groundwater meets the environmental regulations and requirements of Washington State.

The ER Project not only provides regulatory oversight, but also provides professional recommendations for cleanup in the areas of hydrogeology, engineering, management, and budget concerns. Ecology works very closely with USDOE and EPA to find the best, most cost effective methods of cleaning up the environment.

Lastly, Ecology acts as a communication avenue and information resource for USDOE and the public. We strive to make sure that information is shared in a timely manner and to see that public concerns are regarded.