Statement From Secretary Perry On The Hanford Site Incident

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Secretary of Energy Rick Perry released the following statement regarding the incident at the Department’s Hanford Site:

"I am pleased to announce that our dedicated and talented team of experts at the Department of Energy's Hanford site have completed filling in the hole discovered at the PUREX tunnel," said Secretary Perry. "This was accomplished swiftly and safely to help prevent any further complications. Our next step is to identify and implement longer-term measures to further reduce risks.  This week's incident is a reminder that the men and women who work for the Department of Energy do incredible work, but that work does not come without risk. Thankfully, the system worked as it should and all are safe. As Secretary, the safety of our workforce, the communities and tribal nations that surround our sites, and the environment is my highest priority."