Hanford remains the nation’s most expensive and technically complex cleanup project, and delays, legal obligations and debates over how to treat tank waste – including whether to vitrify or grout certain wastes – mean the site could still take decades and tens of billions more to fully clean up. 

Hanford is being repositioned for a new wave of nuclear development – but that push is running into longstanding concerns about cleanup, oversight and trust.

Treated waste from the Hanford site’s leaking underground tanks continues to move incrementally through what local officials consider the world’s most cutting-edge treatment facility as workers assess its systems and infrastructure.

Hanford Challenge examines progress on tank waste vitrification, WESF capsule transfers, and cleanup decisions while highlighting risks and choices for the Hanford site in 2026.

The Hanford Advisory Board has navigated leadership changes, provided cleanup recommendations and supported continued progress at the Hanford site.

 TRIDEC’s mission is clear: advocate for safe, effective cleanup while positioning the Tri-Cities for its next chapter of growth.

Navarro-ATL’s early 400 employees provide essential, cost-effective analytical services that support Hanford’s cleanup. This year, we strengthened safety and expanded capacity, with a clear focus on reducing risk and improving decisions. 

IHA is proud to advance a mission that blends occupational medicine, innovation and workforce support for one of the nation’s most complex environmental cleanup operations. 

Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) keeps the 580-square-mile Hanford site running by modernizing infrastructure, advancing technology and supporting safe, efficient cleanup operations.

The Hanford H2C team advances its mission by safely retrieving and treating tank waste, achieving historic milestones and driving continuous improvement through six core values.