Hanford Topples Manhattan Project Era Exhaust Stack

RICHLAND, Wash. — The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Hanford Site and contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company (CPCCo) are advancing the Hanford mission with safe and successful demolition of the 175-foot-tall K West Reactor exhaust stack. This achievement represents another step towards cocooning the last of nine Hanford reactors to be placed in safe, long-term storage. The high-visibility demolition reflects prioritization of sequenced work that delivers tangible risk reduction and demonstrates responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

“This project demonstrates how we are using careful planning and expert technology to expedite legacy cleanup actions,” said Hanford Site Manager Ray Geimer. “Safely removing this structure is an important step in clearing the area around the K reactor for the next phase of demolition where heavy equipment will access and demolish the old K West fuel storage basin that is connected to the K West reactor building. In doing so, we are clearing the path for the final stages of decommissioning the K West Reactor, which supports an overarching strategy to expedite decommissioning, reduce long-term surveillance and maintenance requirements, and eliminate threats to the environment.”

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management and contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company are advancing the Hanford Site mission with the safe and successful demolition of the 175-foot-tall K West Reactor exhaust stack, clearing the way for the final stages of decommissioning the reactor building.

“Our team is focused on execution and mission completion,” said CPCCo President Bob Wilkinson. “Successfully bringing down this structure allows us to accelerate the timeline for cocooning K West, demonstrating our commitment to being responsible stewards of the land and continuing our drive to reduce sitewide risk.”

With the stack removed, crews can finalize the enclosure of the reactor core, effectively “shrinking” the area requiring active oversight along the Columbia River. By removing these aging structures, Hanford continues to transition from its Manhattan Project and Cold War legacy toward a safe and prosperous future.