Work to demolish Hanford plutonium plant could resume next week

RICHLAND – Work to demolish a former nuclear weapons production plant in Washington state could resume next week, nearly nine months after a spread of radioactive contamination forced a shutdown.

Demolition of the Plutonium Finishing Plant on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation was halted in December after a spread of radioactive particles.

In all, 42 workers were found to have inhaled or ingested small amounts of radioactive particles and workers drove contaminated cars off the nuclear site.

The Tri-City Herald reported the planned restart is limited, focusing on less hazardous work.

The U.S. Department of Energy this week approved the resumption of demolition.

The plant for decades helped make plutonium, a key ingredient in nuclear weapons.