// Risk Intelligence
| Risk Score | 7 / 10 High |
| Facility Type | ☢ Nuclear Power Plant |
| Operator / Branch | Energy Northwest |
| Host County | Benton County WA |
| Nearest City | Washington DC |
| Primary Risk Radius | 10 miles |
| Secondary Risk Radius | 50 miles |
// Strategic Significance
Columbia Generating Station is the only operating commercial nuclear plant in the Pacific Northwest and the only one in Washington State. Located near Richland in the Tri-Cities area it sits adjacent to the Hanford Site — the most contaminated nuclear site in the Western Hemisphere where decades of plutonium production for nuclear weapons left a massive radioactive waste cleanup challenge. The Columbia River nearby flows toward Portland Oregon.
// Civilian Impact Assessment
The Columbia River below the plant flows toward Portland Oregon and ultimately to the Pacific Ocean. The 50-mile ingestion zone encompasses the Tri-Cities area and extends toward Yakima. The proximity of Columbia Generating Station to the Hanford nuclear waste site creates a concentrated nuclear infrastructure zone in eastern Washington unlike anywhere else in the US.
// Evacuation & Shelter Guidance
10-mile EPZ: Evacuate via US-12 or WA-240. Monitor Washington Emergency Management Division broadcasts. 50-mile zone: Tri-Cities and Yakima area residents monitor WAMD guidance. Columbia River fish consumption restrictions would affect communities downstream to Oregon. Hanford Site emergency plans operate separately from Columbia Generating Station plans.
// Recommended Preparedness Gear
Essential preparedness items for residents within the 10-mile risk zone of Columbia Generating Station WA.
72-Hour Emergency Food Kit View on Amazon → Water Filtration System View on Amazon → Portable Generator View on Amazon →* ThreatMap USA participates in the Amazon Associates Program.