Ammonia leak at Hanford Site triggered shelter-in-place order

Radioactive Waste Cleanup Continues At Hanford Nuclear Reservation RICHLAND, WA - JUNE 30: A sign is seen as you enter the world's largest environmental cleanup project at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation June 30, 2005 near Richland, Washington. The 586-square-mile site, located along the Columbia River in southeastern Washington, was a plutonium production complex that played a key role in the nation's defense beginning in the 1940's with the Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb and continued for 40 years. The cleanup of the Hanford site is under the direction of the U.S. Department of Energy with annual cleanup costs of $2 billion and an estimated total cost of $50 billion to $60 billion. (Photo by Jeff T. Green/Getty Images) (Jeff T. Green/Getty Images)

By KIRO 7 News Staff

6:43 p.m. Update: The Hanford Emergency Operations Center says all clear. All employees are accounted for and safe. The issue has been resolved.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) activated the Hanford Emergency Operations Center on Friday at 5:25 p.m. after an ammonia leak was detected near the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant.

The leak was discovered at a holding tank, prompting an emergency classification of “Alert,” the lowest level of emergency.

According to DOE officials, the incident is not expected to affect areas beyond the facility’s boundary.

Personnel in the 200 East Area were directed to shelter in place as a precaution.

Employees have been instructed to remain inside site facilities, keeping doors, windows, and ventilation systems closed until further notice.

Hanford emergency crews are responding to the situation. Officials confirmed that all employees have been accounted for, and no injuries have been reported.

The DOE emphasized that while safety measures are in place, the risk to surrounding areas remains minimal.