What We Are Doing
Environmental Management
Environmental Management System
Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) has a fully implemented Environmental Management System (EMS). The EMS is a tool that is used by WRPS for developing, maintaining, reviewing and improving its approach to addressing environmental issues. The EMS uses a structured approach which incorporates environmental considerations into day-to-day operations throughout WRPS and is designed to promote continual environmental improvement.
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Technology helps map waste plume
For the first time, a three-dimensional view of a plume of radioactive and chemical waste in the soil is possible using a technology known as Surface Geophysical Exploration. Surface Geophysical Exploration (SGE) probes were installed on the surface around a diversion box, while four SGE sensors were placed deep in the soil.
SGE uses electricity to measure differences in soil resistance caused by changes in moisture and chemical content. Steel probes are connected to a computerized system that directs electrical impulses between them and measures differences in soil resistance. These differences are then used to provide a “map” of the plume of contaminants.
SGE technology is widely used by geologists, archeologists and in the mining industry but Hanford has pushed the boundaries of this technology beyond conventional uses. The technology has been significantly enhanced by planting electrodes deep in the soil beside and beneath areas where waste plumes are suspected. These electrodes can help sort out then interference created by the near-surface infrastructure such as buried transfer pipes and other structures. The end result is a more precise image of the waste plumes.
