tank farms

Judge Thomas Rice said his ruling does not mean the vapor issue at the Hanford Tank Farms that has reportedly sickened workers is not a serious issue. Nor does it mean efforts should not continue to improve safety.

In the wake of some 53 Hanford tank farm workers experiencing a variety of health ailments apparently stemming from vapor exposure at the tank farms this year, a Federal safety agency has offered to do another evaluation of what's causing the issue.

Wednesday, Attorney General Bob Ferguson said he plans to sue the Department of Energy and Washington River Protection Services over what has been called an ongoing issue with harmful tank vapors at Hanford, which have affected workers.