THE HANFORD ATOMIC PROJECT AND COLUMBIA RIVER POLLUTION

Technical Report · Fri Dec 20 04:00:00 EST 1957

OSTI ID:4279983

Clukey, H V

Since the initial operation of the Hanford reactors in 1944, the radioactive material released to the Columbia River in reactor cooling water effluent has shown a general increase. Radioactive materials released to the Columbia River in 1957 averaged in the range of a few per cent of the maximum permissible concentrations, and probably contributed less than 10% of the maximam permissible exposurc to individuals living in the environs of the plant. Heat released to the Columbia River by the Hanford reactors is considered to be minor with respect to deleterious effects on fish. Of the chemicals released to the environs by the Hanford plants, only hexavalent chromium is of significant concentration in the Columbia River, and this was below the recommended limit of 0.02 ppm for Columbia River fish. Results of biological field studies indicate no detrimental effects on biota of the Columbia River because of Hanford effluents. Biological pollution from the Hanford project was found to be adequately controlled by proper disposal or treatment bcfore sewage liquors reach the Columbia River. (C.H.)

• Research Organization: General Electric Co. Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Richland, Wash.
• DOE Contract Number: W-31-109-ENG-52
• NSA Number: NSA-13-011038
• OSTI ID: 4279983
• Report Number(s): HW-54243(Rev.)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BIOLOGY
CHEMICALS
CHROMIUM
CONTAMINATION
ENVIRONMENT
FISH
HAPO
HEALTH AND SAFETY
HEAT TRANSFER
HYDROLOGY
RADIATION DOSES
RADIOACTIVITY
REACTORS
WASHINGTON
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE SOLUTIONS
WATER COOLANT