Colloid Genesis / Transport and Flow Pathway Alterations Resulting From Interactions of Reactive Waste Solutions and Hanford Vadose Zone Sediments

The Hanford Site was one of the DOE’s major nuclear weapons production sites from 1940 to 1989. Over time, 67 of the 149 single-shell tanks have leaked or are suspected of having leaked [1]. Contaminants such as Tc and U have been found in elevated concentrations in the vadose zone and groundwater beneath the single shell tank farms [2]. In order to make decisions on remedial actions, numerous scientists have been investigating these problems through the DOE’s Environment Management Science Program Hanford Vadose Zone Project. The U.S. Department of Energy has on-going projects at the Hanford site to monitor existing contaminant plumes in groundwaters, and to characterize the subsurface distribution of contaminants in tank farms. These efforts include the Tank Farm Vadose Zone Characterization Project and the 200 Area Remedial Action Project.