Surface water and sediment on and near the Hanford Site are monitored to determine the potential impact of Hanford-originated radiological and chemical contaminants to the public and to the aquatic environment. Columbia River water, shoreline springs, on-site ponds and irrigation water are monitored routinely to verify that concentrations of pollutants are within Washington State, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Department of Energy guidelines.

Columbia River water samples are collected upstream and downstream of the Hanford Site. Continuous water samples for radiological analyses are collected by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory at Priest Rapids Dam and the Richland Pumphouse. Riverbank spring water samples are collected along the Hanford shoreline during the low river stage period in late summer/autumn.

Sediment samples are collected following the peak river flow period in the summer. The samples are analyzed for both radiological and chemical contaminants.

The information on water and sediment surveillance is available in the 2006 Hanford Site Environmental Report.

For more information, contact:

Greg Patton
Battelle, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
902 Battelle Boulevard, MSIN K6-75
P.O. Box 999
Richland, Washington 99352

E-mail: gw.patton@pnl.gov