Speaker: Hanford… Myth or Reality?

Presentation by Ginger Wireman, Washington State Dept. of Ecology

The Hanford nuclear reservation in southeastern Washington – called the most contaminated site in North America – presents a paradox of massive contamination next to a river preserved in its natural state. The site borders the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River – made a National Monument because of the Reach’s pristine beauty. Understanding Hanford requires more knowledge than recent headlines about leaking radioactive waste tanks and missed cleanup deadlines. Our speaker will cover some Hanford history, provide an update on the progress and challenges of the cleanup efforts, and explain the importance of citizen involvement in cleanup decisions. 

Ginger Wireman has conducted outreach and education activities for the Washington State Dept. of Ecology’s Nuclear Waste Program since 2001.  She primarily supports communications for tank waste retrieval and groundwater issues related to Hanford cleanup.   She has an MS in Environmental Studies and a BA in Advertising from California State University Fullerton. In her spare time she enjoys gardening and watching her backyard chickens.