Confirmatory Sampling | ARRA

In the 1980s and 1990s, an extensive effort was conducted to catalog all of Hanford’s known wastes sites and burial grounds. Those sites were included in cleanup agreements between the U.S. Department of Energy and its regulators, as well as in the scope of work for Hanford’s cleanup contractors.

However, as cleanup progressed across the 586-square-mile Hanford Site, other suspicious areas were discovered that, at a minimum, required further investigation to determine if the site met cleanup standards. The process of making that determination is called confirmatory sampling.

Sixty-six sites scattered about the northern portion of the Hanford Site near the Columbia River were recently added to the list of those requiring confirmatory sampling. Some sites were used as burn pits and tar dumps, while others were used to store batteries or are suspected of housing dichromate facilities. Still there are others that are not clear what they might contain, which is why sampling is required.

Later this spring, WCH will issue a request for proposals for a company to provide excavation and sampling support for the 66 sites. Those sites that pass the confirmatory sampling process will be closed out and no further action will be required under the existing interim record of decision. Those that fail will be recommended for cleanup to meet regulatory standards.

Sampling of the sites is expected to begin in summer 2010.