Report on the Response to the Accident on May 14, 1997 on the Hanford Site

Richland, Washington, October 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This page contains links to documents with ".doc" and ".pdf" extensions which require an appropriate viewer. Some files on this page require free readers. Download a reader

Introduction
Body of Report.doc OR Body of Report.pdf
- Executive Summary -- page 1
- Description of Response Activities -- page 2
- Conclusions and Recommendations -- page 5
- Supporting Data -- page 16
Appendix A.doc OR Appendix A.pdf
- "Regulatory Investigation of the Potential Airborne Release of Radionuclides During the May 14, 1997 Explosion in the Plutonium Reclamation Facility at Hanford," Washington Department of Health, Division of Radiation Protection, Air Emissions & Defense Waste Section.
Appendix B
- "Accident Investigation Board Report on the May 14, 1997 Chemical Explosion at the Plutonium Reclamation Facility, Hanford Site, Richland, WA" DOE/RL 97-59, Revision 0, Final Report, July 26, 1997. Available upon request.
Appendix C
- "Report on the Emergency Response to the Event on May 14, 1997, at the Plutonium Reclamation Facility, Hanford Site, Richland, WA" DOE/RL-97-62 Draft. Available upon request.
Appendix D
- "Dangerous Waste Compliance Inspection Report--PFP/PRF Room 40 Explosion," Report #97-122, Nuclear Waste Program, Washington Department of Ecology. Available upon request.

Introduction

This report discusses the roles, responsibilities and actions taken by the Washington Department of Health (the Department) in response to the declaration of an alert on May 14, 1997, by the U. S. Department of Energy (USDOE) due to a chemical explosion at the Plutonium Reclamation Facility. It also includes the investigative report of the potential airborne release of radionuclides under the federal and state clean air acts.

The issues and recommendations identified in this report are part of a long-standing commitment from both the USDOE and the Department toward adequate response capabilities both on and off the Hanford Site. The ultimate goal is that public health and safety is protected. The report recognizes actions needed to be taken by both the Department and the USDOE to ensure adequate protection is always available. The Department also recognizes the importance of adequate medical resources for workers who may have been exposed, and the responsibilities the USDOE has to ensure their protection while on the job.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information on the Department's emergency preparedness for radiation emergencies and the response to this accident, please contact Leo Wainhouse, Supervisor,

Radiological Emergency Preparedness Section
Division of Radiation Protection
Washington Department of Health
P.O. Box 47827
Olympia, Washington 98504-7827
Telephone (360) 236-3271 FAX (360) 236-2255

DOH Home | Access Washington | Privacy Notice | Disclaimer/Copyright Information

Washington State Department of Health

Office of Radiation Protection                                      Physical Address:
P.O. Box 47827                                                            111 Israel Road SE, TC2
Olympia, Washington 98504-7827                                  Tumwater, Washington 98501
(360) 236-3300

Send inquires about DOH and its programs to the Health Consumer Assistance Office
Comments or questions regarding this Web site? Send mail to the SubSite Developer.