EIS-0113_Section_9 - Hanford Site

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SURFAU OF WATER WORKS
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July u, 1986
Mr. Jerry White
United States Department of Energy
Mail Stop FED/706
Post Office Box 550
Richland, Washington 99352
HECENZO DOE-RL
JUL23 06 6133
WM DIVISION
Subject: Comments on Draft EIS for Disposal of Hanford Defense Wastes
Dear Mr. White:
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The Portland Bureau of Water Works is very concerned about the Draft Environmental
Statement for the Dis posal of Hanford Defense. Hiah-Level. Tmmsuran ^.and a-T nk
Wastes. _ Because - of our late notificatTion of the recent public hearing in Portland,
we were unable to schedule atime to present these concerns in public. Although
the text of our prepared co mm ents was submitted to you. we would like to take
this opportunity to reiterate our concerns and offer a proposal for addressing
these concerns.
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Briefly Summarizingour previously submitted comments, the Columbia River system
is the heart of the region's water resources. In light of the porous and complex
geology of the area, disposal of nuclear wastes at Hanford appears to have the
potential to permanentl y impact this valuable water resource. Radiological contamination
of the Columbia River would not only limit available options for future
water su pp l y sources for the Portland metropolitan area. but may also threaten the
long-term viability of existing groundwater water supplies which are influenced
by the river.
It is, therefore, imperative that the EIS thoroughly address potential environmental
and economic impacts to water resources downst re am of the Hanford site.
2.1.1
3.2.4.1
3.2,4.1
We strongly reco mm end that DOE conduct a study of potential off-site impacts of
alternatives that include Hanford as a permanent Disposal site. This study would
include, though not especially be limited to, analysis of a worst case scenario
of radiological contamination of the Columbia River and resulting environmental
and economic impacts to existing and future water supplies. Evaluation of
existing water works facilities and future water needs of the Portland metropolitan
area would be key elements in the study.
3.2-.4.1
Such a study will no doubt be a Major undertaking. For comparison, we arc
currently negotiating with the U.S. Geological Survey for the development of a