Revolutionary Reads: Hanford: Myth vs. Reality

The Hanford nuclear reservation in southeastern Washington – called the most contaminated site in North America – presents a paradox of massive contamination next to a river preserved in its natural state. The site borders the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River – made a National Monument because of the Reach’s pristine beauty. Understanding Hanford requires more knowledge than recent headlines about leaking radioactive waste tanks and missed cleanup deadlines. Ryan Miller of Washington Department of Ecology covers some Hanford history, provide an update on the progress and challenges of the cleanup efforts, and explain the importance of citizen involvement in cleanup decisions.

Ryan Miller is the Communications Manager for the Washington State Dept. of Ecology’s Nuclear Waste Program. He oversees program communications, outreach, and public involvement activities informing and engaging the public about one of the most complex nuclear cleanup sites in the world at the Hanford Site. Prior to working at Ecology, Miller was a news reporter covering a range of topics including energy, agriculture, education, crime, and government. He has a Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Kansas and is finishing a Master’s degree in Digital Content Strategy, comprised of certificates in Social Media Strategy and Data Interpretation and Analysis.

Join us online at the time of the event by clicking here: Zoom Link.

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You will need a computer, tablet or phone with a camera and microphone.

Revolutionary Reads is an annual community reads program with the goal of galvanizing the SW Washington community to read the same book, on a topic of revolutionary importance. Revolutionary is defined as “involving or causing a complete and dramatic change” and/or “radically new or innovative; outside or beyond established procedure, principles, etc.” 2023’s program will focus on the Hanford Site, located on the Columbia River in Benton County, WA. This program will explore the past, present, and future impacts the decommissioned nuclear production complex has on the people, places, and environment in Washington State. 

Free copies of the book Atomic Days: the Untold Story of the Most Toxic Place in America by Joshua Frank are available at all FVRLibraries locations.

Revolutionary Reads Events