KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) — The Energy Department is planning to run a natural gas line under the Columbia River to the Hanford nuclear reservation to fuel cleanup plants.
The Tri-City Herald reports the 29-mile long, 6-inch diameter pipeline would cost about $22 million, including $1 million for boring under the river near Richland.
The Energy Department says natural gas would be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than using diesel to power evaporators and the vitrification plant. They would need six tanker trucks of diesel a day to operate.
The department says switching to natural gas could save more than $527 million over 28 years.
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Information from: Tri-City Herald, http://www.tri-cityherald.com
