Heart of America Northwest is the region's largest Hanford citizens' watchdog group, dedicated to cleaning up radioactive pollution at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Eastern Washington. We lead the fight for the safe and timely cleanup of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, and to save the Columbia River for future generations. The news media calls us "The Premier Hanford Watchdog Group."

Description:
Heart of America Northwest is a regional non-profit public interest organization. We balance between an adversarial and a partnering role with government agencies and other concerned stakeholders as we struggle to work together to cleanup the dangerous radioactive contamination at Hanford. We use a broad-based approach that includes grassroots organizing, legal advocacy, public education, and unmatched policy expertise.

History:
In 1986, Executive Director Gerald Pollet and founding board members wrote and directed Referendum 40, requiring a vote of the public before Hanford could become the nation's High-Level Nuclear Waste dump site. The referendum passed with 84% of the vote. The following year, the Hanford Clean-up Task Force was created, gathering more than 50 business, labor agricultural, environmental and public leaders to examine the environmental, health and economic risks if Hanford's radioactive and other toxic wastes were not cleaned up.

We hold government agencies accountable to the public. In 2004 we led the campaign for I-297: Protect Washington Coalition to prevent the United States Department of Energy from using Hanford as a National Radioactive & Toxic Waste Dump.

In 2006, our research showed new unreported leaks beneath Hanford's high-level nuclear waste tanks. 60 Minutes relied upon this report for the April 30, 2006 broadcast, "Lethal and Leaking." Congress, government agencies, and new media depend on HOANW's research for the most up-to-date information about Hanford.

Contact person: Gina Barteletti, Publications and Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: 206-382-1148

Address:

1314 NE 56th St. Suite 100 Seattle, WA 98105 This location is handicap accessible (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.hoanw.org

Directions:

We are located in the University District, one block down from University Drive on 56th St.

Miscellaneous Information

Liability
	No
Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	No
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	Yes