Hanford safety officer hired on by Yakama Nation

There’s a new sheriff — or — rather, a Hanford safety officer in town. The Yakama Nation has started a position to help protect the way-out 586 square mile site. 

Troy Watlamet, the new safety officer, will help guard the vast cleanup site in southeast Washington. The new position will work in concert with Hanford Patrol. That force has been on labor strike and backfilled with temp workers, but recently struck a deal. 

Troy Watlamet will help guard the vast Hanford cleanup site in southeast Washington for the Yakama Nation. This is a new position, and one the Nation hopes to expand in the future.
(Courtesy: Troy Watlamet)

Watlamet will work to protect cultural resources across the site, the islands in the middle of the Columbia River and other sensitive areas. He’ll have an SUV, and eventually a boat. Laurene Contreras, with the Yakama Nation, will help manage the new position. Starting this week, the new Yakama Nation Hanford safety position will work with the site, county and federal law enforcement to give the tribes more of a presence out at Hanford full time. 

“People in general used to be afraid to even go onto Hanford anywhere,” Contreras said. “And now, out at Vernita, they have seasonal fishing, and people do their recreational boating and they have jet skis. And they’re not afraid to land on the shore anymore and they go basically and do what they want.”

Contreras said there have been problems with crashed planes, looting, digging and illegal camping on the Hanford site. She added that there have also been issues with ATV riders and people digging along the shore.

“By the time it’s reported to the tribes, it’s already occurred,” she said. “We’re starting off with one position, but this position is going to be key in working alongside and in cooperation with other law enforcement and other state agencies to make sure that the Hanford area remains safe and closed.”

Contreras says the position is possible through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy. 

DOE wouldn’t give specific details about crashed planes or illegal campers, but a spokesperson did say in an emailed statement:

“The Department of Energy takes site security and the protection of cultural, biological, and natural resources at Hanford seriously. The department has informed the Yakama Nation of any incidents involving unauthorized camping and trespassers on the Hanford Site. Such incidents are managed in full compliance with DOE orders and policy, and applicable federal laws. We work closely with the Yakama Nation and other stakeholders to address these matters responsibly and to ensure the continued safety and integrity of the site.”

Contreras said the Yakama Nation is hopeful to add more Hanford safety positions in the near future. 

“The entire area is our ceded area, so it’s important to protect the entire Hanford site,” she said.