Mayor Brown Opposes Liquid Waste Transport Through Spokane, Recommends Safer Alternatives

In a letter sent Thursday, Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown reiterated her opposition to the U. S. Department of Energy's (DOE) plan to transport low-activity radioactive waste through the city. The DOE intends to frequently move hazardous waste from the Hanford Nuclear Site in liquid form to facilities in Texas and Utah, which has raised significant public safety and environmental concerns. Mayor Brown argues that if shipments must go through Spokane, the waste should be grouted on-site to minimize risks to residents and infrastructure.

She stated, “Transporting untreated liquid waste through the heart of Spokane poses serious risks to our residents, roads, and river. ” The mayor also called for advanced notice and coordination with local emergency services for any planned shipments. Furthermore, she requested federal funding for training and equipment specifically for radiological response and urged the DOE to conduct a worst-case scenario analysis for urban transport incidents. Brown emphasized the need for mitigation resources to be in place before final route approval. Her stance reflects a broader concern for community safety amid hazardous waste transportation.