Contamination Sources

Reverse Wells

Also known as injection wells, reverse wells served as disposal areas for liquid contaminants by pumping them directly back into the soil.

Pits, Burial Trenches, & Landfills

Solid and liquid wastes in barrels were buried in trenches, pits, or unlined landfills. As the containers break down, contaminants enter the soil.

Underground Storage Tanks

There are 177 tanks at Hanford storing more than 53 million gallons of high and low-level waste. Sixty-seven single shell tanks are known, or suspected to have leaked. It is estimated that past releases have amounted to about 1 million gallons.

Cribs, Ponds, Trenches, & French Drains

Cooling and waste water was directed to storage ponds, trenches, cribs or French drains (perforated pipes allowed liquid to release into rock-lined, soil-covered trenches).

Reactors and Plant Waste Discharge

Some facilities at Hanford disposed of waste directly to the soil outside the facility.