Thompson said when that flow was stopped, it likely changed the subterranean pressures and dynamics acting on the ground water. Still, about 200 square miles of Hanford's ground water are contaminated - with at least 100 square miles of that polluted in excess of drinking water standards. DOE has targeted several areas it believes have the worst ground water contamination. It is now pumping water out in those spots, removing the contaminants, and returning the water to the ground. Removing chromates from the 100K and 100D Areas and soon from the 100K Area, all of which are near the river.
Chromates are nonradioactive but can kill fish and harm humans if ingested.
Removing a plume of uranium and technetium from the 200 West Area near the U Tank Farm. Copyright Tri-City Herald. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.