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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2001

An experimental nuclear reactors that was destined for closure until the Bush administration pulled it back from death may soon be open for medical uses, according to a Seattle Post-Intelligencer review of a government document.

The Fast Flux Test Facility on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation hasn't been in use since 1992 but costs $30 million a year to maintain. Rather than close it, a July 2001 report obtained by the paper suggests that it be used for the production of medical isotopes that can treat cancer and other diseases.

The report also says the facility could be used for nuclear efficiency tests.

The Hanford Reservation, established in 1943, is located on land used by a number of tribes up until earlier this century. Tribes are working with the Department of Energy on a cleanup of the site.

Get the Story:
Report suggests new mission for Hanford test reactor (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 10/3)

Relevant Links:
Revised tribal policy, Department of Energy - http://www.hanford.gov/doe/inp/proginfo.htm
Indian Nations Program, Hanford Site - http://www.hanford.gov/doe/inp/index.htm
Cultural and Historic Resource Pogram, Hanford Site - http://www.hanford.gov/doe/culres/native.html
Tribal Nations Involvement, Office of Environmental Management - http://www.em.doe.gov/em22/tribindx.html

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