More national attention was focused on the Hanford vitrification plant Wednesday, when USA Today recapped the controversy surrounding the $12.2 billion plant.

It published a package with story and video looking at the technical challenges that may again increase the cost and extend the schedule of the plant.

Questions about whether the plant can keep radioactive waste adequately mixed to prevent a criticality or buildup of flammable gases were raised 18 months ago.

Investigations continue to look at whether the plant is being designed to operate safely and the project's safety culture.