Attorney General Bob Ferguson learned the U.S. Dept. of Energy has now increased the number of identified leaking single-shelled radioactive waste storage tanks on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation from the one they reported last week to six—and they admit there may be more.

“I’m deeply concerned that just one week after learning of one leak, we are now informed that there are an additional five tanks leaking high-level radioactive waste into Washington soil,” Ferguson said. “While the magnitude of the problem is deeply troubling, compounding these concerns are the way in which we continue to learn about them.

“This is the latest example of the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s failure to adequately resolve the significant threat posed by the nuclear waste at Hanford,” he said. “As the state’s attorney, I am committed to protecting the health and safety of our people and our environment. Our office continues to explore all legal options with the Governor and the Dept. of Ecology.”