Ruby Theatre to host presentation on Hanford cleanup efforts

CHELAN — A presentation on the ongoing cleanup of the Hanford nuclear site will be held Thursday, April 16, at the Ruby Theatre in Chelan.

Titled “Hanford Clean-up: A Status Report,” the event will feature Nick Ceto, a retired Hanford project manager, who will discuss the scope and progress of the decadeslong cleanup effort.

“Nuclear reactors at Hanford produced plutonium for over 40 years,” event organizers said. “Making plutonium was extremely ‘inefficient’ producing massive amounts of radioactive liquid and solid waste requiring clean-up.”

In addition to waste removal, the project includes decommissioning, decontaminating and demolishing buildings and facilities associated with the site.

Ceto will present a video and provide an overview of the cleanup, which involves thousands of workers and is expected to continue for years.

The presentation is part of the Ruby U series, which aims to inform, educate and challenge understanding of the community and region.

The event runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. The Ruby Theatre is located at 135 E. Woodin Ave.