“Water’s Walk through Hanford,” an Interactive Story about Hanford Pollution Aims to Educate and Inspire Youth in the Gorge
“We are protectors and providers of life,” says Groundwater in Columbia Riverkeepers new fictional and interactive story explaining a raindrops journey through the Hanford nuclear site. “At times it can feel like we can’t give that gift as long as pollution is traveling with us, but we are still making a difference. One day when the pollution is cleaned up we will do it again. Raindrop, you and I are in a reciprocal relationship with the people. We can only give them life if they protect us and ensure our safety. Until that day comes, we will continue to do our job: dilute the pollution, travel underground where we can be captured and treated, and shield people and animals from radiation”
From Columbia RiverKeeper:
The Hanford Nuclear Site is the most contaminated place in the Western Hemisphere and the most long lived threat to the health of the Columbia River.
Learning about Hanford can often feel overwhelming and confusing, especially for middle and high school youth, but it doesn’t have to be!
Columbia Riverkeeper’s new interactive story map, “Water’s Walk Through Hanford,” breaks down some of the most dangerous pollutants and cleanup areas at Hanford, bringing the cleanup to life.
“Water’s Walk Through Hanford” is a fictional story about a drop of water, named Raindrop, who falls on Hanford during a storm. Raindrop runs into pollutants during their journey to the Columbia River, and asks about current and past cleanup efforts.
Readers will learn about Hanford’s Waste Encapsulation Storage Facility (WESF), Tank Farms, the 100-N Area, and the 100-K Area. In addition, clickable boxes, videos, and links to online resources are embedded throughout. The story highlights the current challenges Hanford faces, and how vitally important cleanup is for the health of the Columbia River, plants, animals, fish, and the people depending on them.
“Hanford is a multigenerational cleanup, and youth involvement is critical to decision-making,” said Lisa Muñoz, Outreach Coordinator for Columbia Riverkeeper. “Hanford reading materials are often incredibly complex and intimidating to understand, which deters youth participation. “Water’s Walk Through Hanford” introduces young readers and those new to Hanford to Hanford’s pollution in an easy-to-read way. Teachers can use this story to explain current Hanford challenges to students.”
“Water’s Walk Through Hanford” will also be translated into Spanish for students and families, expanding the story's reach and accessibility. The Spanish translation will be published in August.
Resources:
ILLUSTRATIONS BY TRY CHEATHAM
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