Programs that track contaminants in the river need to be improved. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has had this job for decades and has found minuscule amounts of radioactive substances in the river sediment down to McNary Dam. But planners want more and better information. The five operations set up to pump out contaminated ground water and treat it in central Hanford and along the river need to be reviewed for effectiveness. So far, studies show these efforts are promising.
Permanent solutions have to be found, approved and put into action.
Contaminated soils are being dug up and removed, but a master plan is needed to provide better locations and timetables for removing soils that are coordinated with other Hanford projects. Researchers need to invent new ways to get rid of contaminants. One method being tested in the D Reactor area is injecting chemicals into the ground to slow plumes of contaminants and to break down the toxic substances into safer forms. Hanford's scientists have an incomplete picture of how contaminants seep through the vadose zone to the ground water, especially in the 200 Area. Hanford experts voice mixed levels of confidence in their knowledge on contaminants in the aquifer.