SPOKANE, Wash. – Removing toxic waste from the Hanford nuclear site has created concern among Spokane City Council members and the community about the travel route and potential risks involved.
Council Member Zack Zappone voiced his concerns during a legislative meeting, where he gathered signatures from other council members on a letter addressed to Governor Jay Inslee and other state officials.
“It sounds like there are other possible alternatives and we should be exploring all possible options to make sure that we mitigate all risks for our community,” Zappone said.
Council Member Jonathan Bingle expressed his support for the letter, citing concerns about the safety of the city if transport through Spokane gets approved.
“One spill, I mean, it would cause serious problems for generations,” Bingle said.
The “Test Bed Initiative,” if successful, could lead to millions of gallons being transported across the Columbia Basin, potentially causing long-term issues for the area.
The sentiment from the community was clear—residents do not want radioactive waste passing through downtown Spokane.
“The last thing we want in Spokane is nuclear waste,” stated another concerned citizen.
The city council meeting concluded with an almost unanimous vote to sign the letter. Council Member Michael Cathcart was the only one opposed.
