Latest estimate to clean Hanford is $107 billion

RICHLAND — The latest estimate is out to complete the cleanup of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.

The U.S. Department of Energy says the remaining work will cost $107.7 billion and be largely completed by 2060.

Monday’s estimate was released by the Department of Energy with its regulators, the Environmental Protection Agency and the state of Washington.

Hanford for decades made plutonium for nuclear weapons and the site is now engaged in the cleanup of the radioactive waste that was left behind.

The Tri-City Herald reports that last year’s estimate to finish the cleanup was $110.2 billion.

The Energy Department in recent years has spent about $2 billion a year on cleanup work. The work is a major driver of the economy of the Tri-Cities of Richland, Kennewick and Pasco.