Possible tank vapors reported in different Hanford area

Another potential chemical vapor incident was reported at Hanford Tuesday, but this one was about seven miles away from where suspicious odors were previously reported.

Two workers inspecting generators outside the TX Tank Farm in the Hanford 200 West Area reported an odor. Neither had any symptoms and declined a medical evaluation.

However, a nearby worker who smelled nothing reported symptoms and was taken for an evaluation at the on site medical provider. Symptoms were not made public, but typically they include coughing and shortness of breath.

From late April to late last week, 47 Hanford workers received medical evaluations because of possible chemical vapors in the 200 East Area. Some had symptoms, some smelled an odor and some requested evaluations because they were in the area.

No work was being done with the tank waste in the Hanford 200 West Area Tuesday. Any work with the waste makes chemical vapors more likely to be released. Most of the work with tank waste now is being done in the 200 East Area.

“I am convinced after meeting last week with Hanford workers this is an increasingly serious problem that DOE is not adequately addressing,” said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., in a statement. “DOE needs to be working immediately on a plan to protect workers who are in the tank farms today.”

This story was originally published May 10, 2016 at 5:52 PM with the headline "Possible tank vapors reported in different Hanford area."