Public comment periods

Tank-Side Cesium Removal Mechanical Connections Class 2 permit modification

Oct. 7 12:00 a.m. - Dec. 12, 2024, 11:59 p.m.

Energy held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 2 permit modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. The permit modification addresses the Tank-Side Cesium Removal (TSCR) System. TSCR is the initial demonstration of the Low-Activity Waste Pretreatment System’s capability to remove radioactive cesium and solids from low-activity, liquid tank waste prior to immobilization in glass for safe disposal.

The proposed permit modification would provide additional operational flexibility for the TSCR system.

A hybrid public meeting was held Oct. 30, 2024, at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive, Richland, WA 99352.

Energy's Public Outreach on the Hanford Site 5-Year Plan

Sept. 30 - Oct. 31, 2024

The U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) engaged the public about the Hanford Site 5-Year Plan, which outlines the cleanup work planned to be completed or initiated during fiscal years 2025 to 2029. Energy hopes to better understand the public’s priority of projects as it develops future budget submissions. More information, including the Hanford Site 5-Year Plan, is available on the Hanford website. A hybrid public meeting was held Oct. 9, 2024.  

NUCON Thermal Oxidation System Phase 3 draft Research, Development and Demonstration Permit 

Aug. 26, 12:00 am to Oct. 10, 2024, 11:59 pm   Response to Comments

We held a 45-day public comment period addressing the proposed NUCON® Thermal Oxidation System (TOS) Phase 3 draft Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) permit. The permittee is the U.S. Department of Energy. The NUCON® TOS will be located in the 200 East Area on the Hanford Site in southeastern Washington.

The purpose of the permit is to authorize the proposed onsite testing of the NUCON® TOS to accelerate the permitting of experimental and innovative treatment alternatives. The NUCON® Phase 3 RD&D project will evaluate the effectiveness and capabilities of an innovative control technology for reducing hazardous tank vapors in air emissions from Hanford waste tanks.

Low-Activity Waste Pretreatment System (LAWPS) Hose-in-hose transfer lines class 2 permit modification

July 22 12:00 a.m.- Sept. 20, 2024 11:59 p.m.     Response to Comments

Energy held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 2 permit modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. The Tank-Side Cesium Removal (TSCR) System is the initial demonstration of the Low-Activity Waste Pretreatment System’s (LAWPS) capability to remove radioactive cesium and solids from low-activity, liquid tank waste prior to vitrification, or immobilization in glass, for safe disposal.

The TSCR system started treating waste in 2022. Hose-in-hose transfer lines are used to move tank waste within the TSCR system. The proposed permit modification is required to allow a limited service-life extension of the transfer lines. This will allow continued pretreatment of low-activity tank waste through the TSCR system until 2029 while the follow-on capability of LAWPS is brought online. 

LAWPS is the first treatment step in the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste Program to prepare liquid, radioactive and chemical tank waste for vitrification in the Low-Activity Waste Facility at Hanford’s Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant for safe disposal. 

A hybrid public meeting was held Aug. 7, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. PT in the Gallery Room of the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive, Richland, WA 99352.

15-Day Internet posting for DE23NWP-001

Aug. 19 12:00 a.m. to Sept. 3, 2024, 11:59 p.m.

Ecology reopened Approval Order DE23NWP-001, for cause, to incorporate a 5% opacity limit in a new Approval Condition 2.d.i and to correct a typographical error in the email address listed in Approval Condition 6.a.i. The revised DE23NWP-001, Revision 1, which incorporates these changes will supersede the current DE23NWP-001.

DE23NWP-001 authorizes exhauster use in the 241-A Tank Farm during waste retrievals. This activity was previously authorized under Approval Order DE05NWP-002, Revision 2, which was revised to remove the 241-A Tank Farm at the same time it was granted coverage under DE23NWP-001. It appears that the 5% opacity limit of DE05NWP-002, which Ecology has consistently established for tank farm exhausters, was not properly transferred into the new approval order.

This permitting action was not associated with a modification requiring a New Source Review analysis under WAC 173-400-110. There was no associated change in emissions or Notice of Construction Application. Ecology, therefore, limited the scope of revisions to mistakes made by Ecology and not charging a fee for this action, in accordance with WAC 173-455-120(3)(a).

Proposed changes to the Tri-Party Agreement and consent decree on Hanford Site tank waste

May 30 12:00 a.m. - Aug. 2 2024   ***Extended to Sept. 1 11:59 p.m.***   
Responsiveness Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE), Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed a settlement agreement and proposed new and revised cleanup deadlines in the Tri-Party Agreement (TPA) and Washington v. Energy consent decree.

This followed mediated negotiations that began in 2020, also known as Holistic Negotiations.

The agencies held a 60-day public comment period on the proposed changes to the Tri-Party Agreement and consent decree.

Highlights of proposed changes

• Maintaining existing time frames for starting treatment of both low-activity and high-level waste by immobilizing it in glass via vitrification.
• Using a direct-feed approach for immobilizing high-level waste in glass, similar to the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste Program.
• Building a waste transfer vault and second effluent management facility to support treating high-level waste.
• Retrieving waste from 22 tanks in Hanford’s 200 West Area by 2040, including grouting the low-activity portion of the waste for offsite disposal.
• Designing and constructing 1-million gallons of multi-purpose storage capacity to support tank waste retrievals.
• Evaluating and developing new technologies for retrieving waste from tanks.

__________

Cambios propuestos al Acuerdo Tripartito y decreto de consentimiento sobre desechos de tanques del Hanford Site 

30 de mayo 12:00 a.m. – 2 de agosto de 2024  ***Extendido por 30 días hasta el 1 de septiembre 11:59 p.m.***

El Departamento de Energía de EE. UU. (USDOE), el Departamento de Ecología del Estado de Washington (Ecología) y la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EE. UU. (EPA) firmaron un acuerdo de conciliación y propusieron nuevas y revisadas fechas límite de limpieza en el Acuerdo Tripartito (TPA) y Washington. v. Decreto de consentimiento energético.

A partir de 2020 se continuó con negociaciones mediadas, también conocidas como Negociaciones Holísticas.

Las agencias celebraron un período de comentarios públicos de 60 días sobre los cambios propuestos al Acuerdo Tripartito y al decreto de consentimiento.

Aspectos destacados de los cambios propuestos

• Mantener los plazos existentes para iniciar el tratamiento de residuos tanto de baja actividad como de alta actividad mediante su inmovilización en vidrio mediante vitrificación.
• Utilizar un enfoque de alimentación directa para inmovilizar residuos de alto nivel en vidrio, similar al Programa de alimentación directa de residuos de baja actividad.
• Construcción de una bóveda de transferencia de residuos y una segunda instalación para el manejo de efluentes para apoyar el tratamiento de residuos de alta actividad.
• Recuperar desechos de 22 tanques en el área 200 Oeste de Hanford para 2040, incluida la aplicación de lechada a la porción de baja actividad de los desechos para su eliminación fuera del sitio.
• Diseño y construcción de 1 millón de galones de capacidad de almacenamiento multipropósito para respaldar la recuperación de desechos de tanques.
• Evaluación y desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías para la recuperación de residuos de los tanques.

The agencies held public meetings Richland, Olympia, and Hood River. 
Las agencias tuvieron reuniones públicas en Richland, Olympia y Hood River.

Recordings / Grabaciones

Richland, WA - Recording / Presentation

Olympia, WA - Recording / Presentation

Hood River, OR - Recording / Presentation

Questions? / ¿Preguntas?

Ecology’s Ryan Miller

USDOE’s Jennifer Colborn

EPA’s Beth Clemons 

Integrated Disposal Facility – Agency Initiated permit modification

June 3 12:00 a.m. - July 19, 2024 11:59 p.m.    Response to Comments

We proposed a change to the Hanford Facility Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Permit, Revision 8C.

This change affected the Dangerous Waste Portion for the Treatment, Storage, and Disposal of Dangerous Waste for the Integrated Disposal Facility (IDF). The permittees are the U.S. Department of Energy and the Central Plateau Cleanup Company LLC.

Proposed Changes

This permit modification would update and modify the following IDF permit files of the final Class 3 Permit Modification 8C.2023.1F, in accordance with the Settlement Agreement:

• Unit-Specific Permit Conditions
• Addendum F (Preparedness and Prevention)
• Addendum I (Inspection Plan)
• Addendum J (Contingency Plan)

2,000-Gallon Test Bed Initiative Demonstration
Draft Research, Development, and Demonstration Permit

March 11 - April 25, 2024     Response to Comments

We proposed a draft research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) permit for the 2,000-gallon Test Bed Initiative (TBI) Demonstration located in the 200 West Area of the Hanford Site. The permittees are the U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) and Washington River Protection Solutions, LLC.

This draft RD&D permit would authorize the proposed 2,000-gallon TBI Demonstration in order to test the feasibility and efficacy of deploying an in-tank pretreatment system (ITPS) to separate and pre-treat about 2,000 gallons of low-activity tank waste. The pretreated waste would then be shipped offsite for grouting and disposal at permitted facilities outside the state of Washington. 

For more information on the TBI Demonstration see the focus sheet or our one page summary.

We held an informational meeting at the Richland Public Library for this public comment period on March 20, 2024. We had presentations from Ecology and Energy, followed by a question-and-answer session. 

Treatment Variance for the Test Bed Initiative

Nov. 28 - Dec. 28, 2023

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a treatment variance under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The proposal would authorize separation, pre-treatment, and off-site solidification and disposal of 2,000 gallons of reclassified low-activity waste supernate from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Test Bed Initiative project at the Hanford Site located in the state of Washington. Disposal will occur at designated Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensed landfills. 

EPA offered consultation on this proposal to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the Confederated Tribes & Bands of the Yakama Nation.

Energy's Public Outreach on the Hanford Site 5-Year Plan

Oct. 10 - Nov. 10, 2023

The U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) engaged the public about the Hanford Site 5-Year Plan, which outlines the cleanup work planned to be completed or initiated during fiscal years 2024 to 2028. Hanford is focused on achieving safe cleanup every day by delivering on environmental remediation and treating tank waste. More information, including the Hanford Site 5-Year Plan, is available on the Hanford website. A hybrid public meeting was held Oct. 24, 2023. 

241-A Tank Farm Exhausters Approval Order - DE23NWP-001

Oct. 2 - Nov. 1, 2023    Response to comments

The U.S. Department of Energy proposed to modify the method of operation for portable exhauster systems used during retrieval of waste from single shell tanks (SSTs) in the 241-A Tank Farm. We held a 30-day public comment period on draft Approval Order DE23NWP-001, which would authorize use of two exhausters in 241-A at a flow rate of up to 3,000 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) per exhauster.

SST Ventilation NOC Approval Order – DE05NWP-002, Revision 3

Oct. 2 - Nov. 1, 2023    Response to comments

We held a 30-day public comment period under WAC 173-400-171 (3)(n) for a Notice of Construction (NOC) Application which has been determined to be of significant public interest. The U.S. Department of Energy requested that the 241-A Tank Farm be removed from Approval Order DE05NWP-002, Revision 2. This order authorized use of portable exhausters during retrieval of waste from multiple single shell tank farms at the Hanford Site. No change in method of operation has been proposed for the 241-AX, 241-B, 241-BX, 241-BY, 241-C, 241-S, 241-SX, 241-T, 241-TX, 241-TY, and 241-U Tank Farms.

We proposed issuing DE05NWP-002, Revision 3, which will continue to cover the tank farms which did not trigger New Source Review under WAC 173-400-110. A separate comment period was opened for a new DE23NWP-001, which will cover 241-A alone.

15-day internet notice for Approval Order DE05NWP-004, Revision 1

Sept. 1 - Sept. 15, 2023

We proposed to reopen Approval Order DE05NWP-004, Revision 1, issued by Ecology on June 13, 2023, to correct small errors. The revision will fix incorrect limits for two toxic air pollutants in the Approval Order and update modeled values in the Technical Support Document.

The NOC describes additional operations at IDF that may have a potential to emit airborne emissions from diesel and gasoline fuel-consuming engines, leachate tanks, and container treatment (grouting). It also provides a qualitative evaluation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic, or hazardous air pollutants that can be expected from operations at the IDF. 

State Waste Discharge Permit Renewal ST0004511 Miscellaneous Streams

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22, 2023    Response to comments

We held a 30-day public comment period on the permit renewal for the State Waste Discharge Permit No. ST0004511 for Hanford Site Miscellaneous Wastewater Discharge Streams. The permittee is the U.S. Department of Energy (Energy). The Hanford Site is located in Southeastern Washington.  

This permit consolidated four previous state waste discharge permits into one “categorical permit” which covers all “miscellaneous streams” across the Hanford Site in areas related to Energy's cleanup mission. It does not cover leased areas or those managed by other agencies. 

Thermal Oxidation System draft Notice of Construction DE23NWP-002

June 28 - July 28, 2023 *Updated*    Response to comments

Due to technical issues with the website the comment period was restarted and ran from June 28 - July 28, 2023. Any comments that were submitted during the June 22 - June 27, 2023, time period were still valid and did not need to be resubmitted.

We held a 30-day comment period under WAC 173-400-171(3)(n) for a draft Notice of Construction (NOC) Approval Order, DE23NWP-002, authorizing air emissions from performance testing of a Thermal Oxidation System (TOS) connected to existing double-shell tank 241-BY-108. This tank is located on the Hanford Site in southeastern Washington.  

The U.S. Department of Energy proposed to test the TOS to determine if it would be effective for destroying chemicals of potential concern in vapors emitted from tank farms. Testing was scheduled for four months, but our agency proposed conditions in this draft NOC to allow up to one year of testing with Ecology approval. If the TOS is effective, we would require an additional review under Chapters 173-400 and 173-460 WAC prior to permanent authorization.

For more information, please see the Hanford Vapors website. Worker protection, inside the ambient air boundary of the Hanford Site, is not addressed by Chapters 173-400 and 173-460 WAC. This comment period only addressed the potential exposure of members of the public to emissions from the TOS during the performance test.

Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis on proposed removal action alternatives at the Fast Flux Test Facility Complex 

May 22, 2023 – June 21, 2023

The U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) held a 30-day public comment period on an Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) that considered three alternatives for non-time-critical removal actions for nine structures in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) complex in Hanford’s 400 Area.

15-day internet notice for DE19NWP-001 Modification

March 28 - April 11, 2023

The U.S. Department of Energy requested a simple change to Approval Order DE19NWP-001 to provide more flexibility in the emergency engine purchased for the new Central Plateau Water Treatment Facility (CPWTF).

DE19NWP-001 addresses site water infrastructure upgrades occurring in phases over the next several years. It specifically authorizes CPWTF and six new emergency engines, including the L-897 Emergency Engine at CPWTF itself. We required Energy to aggregate these phases to make sure that emissions for the entire project were reviewed for combined impact.

Since available engine models might change between issuance of DE19NWP-001 and the later upgrade phases, DE19NWP-001 has “equivalent to” language for four of the six emergency engines. This allows Energy to show us that an engine would emit at the same, or lower, rates than the example model used for potential emission calculations and modeling. That language was not used for the L-897 Emergency Engine because it is part of an early construction phase.

Closure Unit Groups at T-Plant & Central Waste Complex permit modifications public comment period

March 13 – April 28, 2023     Response to Comments

We held a 45-day public comment period addressing proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit for the T-Plant and Central Waste Complex (CWC). The permittees being U.S. Department of Energy and contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company LLC.

On Dec. 6, 2021, we issued Modification No. 8C.2021.1F to the Sitewide Permit. This modification incorporated both Closure Plans and Unit Specific Permit Conditions for several unit groups within the Solid Waste Operations Complex (SWOC).

On Jan. 5, 2022, USDOE and CPCCo appealed the modification to the Pollution Control Hearings Board. In lieu of a hearing, we and the permittees agreed to mediation to settle the dispute. A settlement agreement was reached in October 2022.

Hanford Cleanup Priorities hybrid public briefing and comment period 

March 6 – April 5, 2023

The U.S. Department of Energy held a site-cleanup priorities comment period and hybrid meeting. At the meeting, Energy provided an overview of Hanford’s current projects, followed by perspectives from our agency and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The 30-day public comment period was from March 6 to April 5, 2023. The meeting was held March 6 in the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive in Richland. 

15-day internet notice for DE05NWP-004 Modification

Jan. 18 - Feb. 1, 2023

On Aug. 26, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy submitted a notice of construction (NOC) application to our agency for the construction of the Integrated Disposal Facility (IDF). This application was submitted to modify Approval Order DE05NWP-004, approved by us on May 31, 2005.

The original NOC only evaluated particulate matter (PM) emissions from waste-covering operations, vehicle traffic, cell-soil compaction, and soil-stockpile erosion. The modified NOC describes additional operations at IDF that may have a potential to emit airborne emissions from diesel and gasoline fuel-consuming engines, leachate tanks, and container treatment (grouting). It also provides a qualitative evaluation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic, or hazardous air pollutants that can be expected from operations at IDF.

IDF Leachate Collection System Class 3 Permit Modification 

Dec. 5, 2022 - Jan. 20, 2023 – Response to comments

We held a 45-day public comment period addressing proposed modifications to the Dangerous Waste Portion for the Treatment, Storage, and Disposal of Dangerous Waste Integrated Disposal Facility (IDF) located in Part III, Operating Unit Group 11. The permittees are the U.S. Department of Energy and contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company. 

This proposed permit modification adds two leachate collection systems (LCS) dangerous waste management units (DWMUs) in the IDF Permit to store leachate collected from the IDF disposal cells. It will also allow the permittees to operate two LCS DWMU to store leachate collected from the IDF disposal cells.

Public feedback opportunity: US Department of Energy announces the Hanford Site high-level waste treatment Analysis of Alternatives

Jan. 19, 2023 – April 28, 2023

The U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) released its high-level waste treatment Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) report on Jan. 19 and sought public feedback through April 28, 2023. The AoA is an analytical comparison of the operational effectiveness, suitability, risk, and life-cycle cost — or total ownership cost, if applicable — of alternatives that satisfy capability needs. AoAs are not decisional documents but are inputs that may be used by Energy's Program Secretarial Offices to recommend a preferred alternative.

The report analyzed the life-cycle cost, schedule, and risks associated with each alternative and includes 17 initial alternatives. Further alternatives were added and analyzed to see if they would be more efficient and cost-effective. Several alternatives include a direct-feed high-level waste approach.

The report is not a decision document, rather it will inform Energy's critical decision-making process as well as ongoing negotiations between Energy, the State of Washington, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the path forward for the Hanford tank waste mission.

241-AP Notice of Construction Approval Order

Sept. 26 - Oct. 28, 2022    Response to comments

We held a 30-day public comment period for a Notice of Construction (NOC) Approval Order proposing to modify the exhauster systems which control air emissions from double-shell tanks at the 241-AP Tank Farm (241-AP). Energy proposed to modify the exhauster systems which control air emissions from double-shell tanks at 241-AP, which triggered the requirement to seek a NOC Approval Order under Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-400-110. 241-AP will be used to process tank waste with the Tank Side Cesium Removal (TSCR) system and then stage this waste for treatment at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP). The activities and equipment associated with this modification are needed for WTP to begin operating in the Direct-Feed Low Activity Waste configuration.

State Waste Discharge Permit ST0004500 renewal 

Aug. 8 - Sept. 9, 2022      Response to comments

We held a 30-day public comment period on the draft permit renewal of State Waste Discharge Permit ST0004500 (SWDP ST0004500) for the State-Approved Land Disposal Site (SALDS). The main changes to this permit are the addition of a condition which will require Energy to evaluate the treated wastewater sourced from the proposed influent from commissioning of the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Low-Activity Waste Facility and the addition of groundwater monitoring for noncontact cooling water discharges from the 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility cooling tower and air compressor.

IDF Operating Permit Modification

July 25, 2022 - Sept. 9, 2022        Response to comments

We held a 45-day public comment period addressing proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit, for the Integrated Disposal Facility (IDF). We reopened our comment period to allow the public to comment on additional changes made based on public comments received during our previous comment period in 2021. This comment period addressed a Class 3 permit modification to the IDF portion of the Dangerous Waste Permit. This modification adds three dangerous waste management units (an additional disposal cell, a storage area, and a treatment area) to IDF and provides detailed information which supports operation of the facility.

ETF Notice of Construction

July 25, 2022 - Aug. 24, 2022    Response to comments

We held a 30-day public comment period for a Notice of Construction Application which proposed to modify the Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) associated with the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility. Energy proposed to modify the ETF which is used to treat certain wastewater streams from the Hanford Site to ensure they meet state discharge standards for pH, organic and specific chemical content, suspended solids, and other parameters. 

Proposed Class 2 Permit Modification for the Waste Encapsulation and Storage Facility

July 6 - Sept. 4, 2022      Response to comments

The U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 2 modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. This proposed modification would increase the storage capacity for a radioactive hot cell in the Waste Encapsulation and Storage Facility (WESF) and update the Facility Personnel Training Plan. To learn more about the capsule transfer process, watch the animation video at https://bit.ly/3FVi346.

Proposed Tri-Party Agreement changes related to Adaptive Milestone Approach for establishing scope and schedule for Central Plateau cleanup work

July 5, 2022 – Aug. 19, 2022              Responsiveness summary

The Tri-Party Agreement (TPA) agencies — U.S. Department of Energy (Energy), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Ecology — have agreed to pilot a new approach to establish Hanford cleanup milestones. The Adaptive Milestone Approach will identify workscopes and schedules for some cleanup activities in the middle of the Hanford Site, an area called the Central Plateau. As part of piloting the Adaptive Milestone Approach, the agencies proposed changes to some of the milestones in the M-015, M-016 and M-085 series (see TPA Appendix D) in the fiscal year 2022-2024 timeframe. The overall goal of the Adaptive Milestone Approach and related TPA changes is to provide a framework that prioritizes a practical, efficient, timely, and cost-effective path for accelerating cleanup on the Central Plateau. 

Class 2 Permit Modification to "Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility" chapter

April 6, 2022 - June 4, 2022            Response to comments 

The U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 2 permit modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit, “Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility” chapter. This proposed permit modification is necessary to add an Acetonitrile Distillate Loadout Facility, acetonitrile distillate tote storage, acetonitrile distillate storage tanks, and brine storage tanks to the 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF).

Proposed permit modifications to the High-Level Waste Vitrification Facility

April 4 - May 20, 2022         Response to comments

We held a 45-day public comment period addressing proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit for the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Operating Unit Group (OUG) 10.The permittees are the U.S. Department of Energy and Bechtel National, Inc. The High-Level Waste (HLW) Vitrification Facility is located within the WTP OUG in the 200 East Area of the Hanford Site. This proposed agency-initiated modification focused on redesign elements of the HLW Radioactive Liquid Waste Disposal (RLD) system vessels and ancillary equipment at the HLW Vitrification Facility. The vessels covered by this permit package included the Acidic Waste Vessel (RLD-VSL-00007), and the Plant Wash and Drains Vessel (RLD-VSL-00008). 

Southern Area Fire Station Emergency Generator Notice of Construction 

April 4 – May 6, 2022       Response to comments

Ecology held a 30-day public comment period addressing the installation of a new 750 kW emergency generator for the proposed Southern Area Fire Station. Energy is planning on constructing a new fire station adjacent to the 400 area on the Hanford Site. The fire station needs to have emergency power available in order to remain operational during power outages and emergencies. The emergency generator is to be powered by a diesel fuel powered engine. 

Class 2 Permit Modification for the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility CO2 Removal Skid

March 31 - May 29, 2022     Response to Comments

The U.S. Department of Energy held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 2 permit modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit, “Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF) and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF)” chapter. This proposed permit modification installed and operates a carbon dioxide removal skid in the 200 East Area Effluent Treatment Facility. The removal skid is a filtering system that will remove excess carbon dioxide generated during the treatment process. This additional capability is necessary to treat the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Effluent Management Facility waste. 

Class 2 Permit Modification for the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility Groundwater Monitoring Plan

March 29 - May 28, 2022       Response to comments 

The U.S. Department of Energy held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 2 permit modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit, “Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility” chapter. This proposed permit modification updated Addendum D, “Groundwater Monitoring Plan.” The modification allowed Energy to implement an updated Groundwater Monitoring Plan for the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF).

Class 2 Permit Modification for the 242-A Evaporator

March 16 – May 14, 2022      Response to comments 

The U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 2 permit modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit, “242-A Evaporator” chapter. This proposed permit modification addressed 242-A Evaporator Unit Specific Permit Conditions III.4.C.1, III.4.C.1.a and III.4.C.1.b. These conditions require submittal of a permit modification for the installation of leak-detection upgrades to the 3”-EVAP_COND-PC5000-M17 (PC-5000) and 3”-WTP-002-M17 (WTP Backup) waste transfer lines. These permit conditions were added by a prior permit modification dated June 28, 2021.

Class 2 Permit Modification for the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility 

March 16 – May 14, 2022       Response to Comments

The U.S. Department of Energy held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 2 permit modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit, “Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility” chapter. This proposed permit modification is required by Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF) and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) Unit Specific Permit Conditions III.3.J.2, III.3.J.2.a and III.3.J.2.b. These conditions require leak-detection upgrades be made to the 4”-WTP-001-M17 waste transfer line. These permit conditions were added by a prior permit modification dated June 28, 2021.

Hanford Cleanup Priorities virtual public briefing and comment period

March 15 – April 15, 2022

The U.S. Department of Energy held a 30-day public comment period involving Hanford Site cleanup priorities. Energy also held a virtual public briefing the same day the comment period started. At the briefing, Energy provided an overview of its current Hanford Site projects, followed by perspectives from our agency and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A question-and-answer session will followed the briefing.

200 Area TEDF State Waste Discharge permit ST0004502 permit renewal

Feb. 22 – March 24, 2022    Response to comments

Ecology held a 30-day public comment period on the draft permit and fact sheet supporting the renewal of State Waste Discharge Permit ST0004502 for the 200 Area Treated Effluent Disposal Facility (200 Area TEDF).The U.S. Department of Energy applied to renew the State Waste Discharge Permit for the 200 Area TEDF. During the first public comment period for this draft permit and fact sheet, the permittee submitted comments requesting significant changes to the draft permit and fact sheet. After discussion with the permittee on their comments, we agreed to include some of the requested changes. These changes included increased effluent limits from those proposed in the first draft permit.

2022 Hanford Lifecycle Scope, Schedule and Cost Report

Feb. 15 – April 15, 2022 ***Extended until Apr. 30, 2022***

The U.S. Department of Energy Richland Operations Office (RL) and Office of River Protection (ORP) released its 2022 Hanford Lifecycle Scope, Schedule and Cost Report (Lifecycle Report) and held a 60-day public comment period. The Lifecycle Report is a milestone requirement under the Hanford Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order, also known as the Tri-Party Agreement (TPA). The Lifecycle Report reflects the cleanup work that ORP and RL must complete under the TPA and other environmental obligations. The Lifecycle Report serves as a foundation for preparing federal budget requests and for informational briefings to affected tribal nations, the state of Oregon, and Hanford stakeholders.

Proposed Class 2 Permit Modification for the 400 Area Waste Management Unit

Dec. 7 – Feb. 11, 2022

The U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 2 modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit for the 400 Area Waste Management Unit (WMU). The 400 Area at the south end of the Hanford Site is home to the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), a former nuclear research and test reactor that was shut down in 1993 and has since been deactivated. The 400 Area WMU consists of two facilities that once supported the FFTF — the Interim Storage Area and the Fuel Storage Facility. These facilities are regulated by our agency as dangerous waste management units under the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. Energy and contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company requested the permit modification to remove reference to the FFTF fire alarm system, which no longer provides alarms for the 400 Area WMU. A permit modification was required from our agency to allow for this change. Removal from the permit allowed for the deactivation of the system, which will also reduces annual maintenance costs.

Draft Waste Incidental to Reprocessing Evaluation for the Test Bed Initiative

Nov. 5, 2021 – Feb. 2, 2022

The U.S. Department of Energy held a 90-day public comment period on its Draft Waste Incidental to Reprocessing (WIR) Evaluation for the Test Bed Initiative (TBI). The Draft WIR Evaluation assesses whether approximately 2,000 gallons of separated, pretreated, and solidified low-activity waste from Tank SY-101 at the Hanford Site is incidental to the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, is not high-level radioactive waste, and may be managed as low-level radioactive waste, under the criteria in Section II.B.(2)(a) of the U.S. Department of Energy Manual 435.1-1, Radioactive Waste Management Manual. More information, including the Draft WIR Evaluation and supporting technical documents, is available electronically on Energy's website.

241-AP Notice of Construction Approval Order

Sept. 26 - Oct. 28, 2022 – Response to comments

We held a 30-day public comment period for a Notice of Construction (NOC) Approval Order proposing to modify the exhauster systems which control air emissions from double-shell tanks at the 241-AP Tank Farm (241-AP). The permittee is the U.S. Department of Energy (Energy). The 241-AP tank farm is located on the Hanford Site in Southeastern Washington. 

Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility Class 2 permit modification
Oct. 26, 2021 – Dec. 27, 2021 – Response to comments

The U.S. Department of Energy held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 2 permit modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit, “Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility” chapter. This proposed permit modification was required to implement new procedures for decontamination of the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF) basins and the 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) tank systems.

U.S. Department of Energy public outreach on the Hanford 5-Year Plan
Oct. 19, 2021 – Nov. 22, 2021

The U.S. Department of Energy sought feedback from the public about the Hanford 5-Year Plan, which outlined the cleanup work planned to be completed or initiated during fiscal years 2022 to 2026.

More information, including the Hanford 5-Year Plan and response to comments, is available on the Hanford website.

Class 2 permit modification to the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant
Oct. 5, 2021 – Dec. 4, 2021 ***Extended through Dec. 17, 2021*** – Response to comments

The U.S. Department of Energy held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 2 permit modification to the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Dangerous Waste Permit, Chapter 6A Inspection Plan. This proposed permit modification would revise the inspection methods to align with current planned plant operations and inspection area accessibility.

Integrated Disposal Facility permit modification
Sept. 13, 2021 – Oct. 28, 2021

We held a 45-day public comment period that addressed proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit for the Integrated Disposal Facility (IDF). The draft permit modification for the existing IDF Operating Unit Group 11 incorporated new and modified information that included the addition of three dangerous waste management units: 

• Operation of an additional disposal cell 
• Storage area
• Treatment area 

The draft permit also provided detailed information to support the operation of IDF.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility draft permit renewal
Aug. 16, 2021 – Sept. 30, 2021 - Response to Comments

We held a 45-day public comment period that involved the draft Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility’s (PSNS & IMF’s) Mixed Waste Storage Facility (MWSF) Dangerous Waste permit renewal. This was a draft permit renewal for the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.

Site-wide water system upgrade
July 20, 2021 – Aug. 19, 2021 – Response to Comments

Our agency held a 30-day public comment period for Notice of Construction (NOC) Approval Order DE19NWP-001, which addressed proposed modifications and new emission units for the site-wide water distribution system.

The project adds air pollutant emissions from new emergency engines at multiple locations and chlorine disinfection byproducts from a new Central Plateau Water Treatment Facility (CPWTF). New emission units are six engines, two potable water storage tanks, and wastewater discharge from the CPWTF to existing sludge lagoons.

Hanford Cleanup Priorities
July 15, 2021 – Aug. 15, 2021

The U.S. Department of Energy, along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and our agency, held a 30 day public comment period involving Hanford cleanup priorities. 

This comment period began July 15, 2021, with a Hanford Cleanup Priorities Virtual Workshop. Energy provided an overview of Hanford's current projects and our agency and EPA provided agency perspectives. 

LAWPS Operating permit modification
June 28, 2021 – Aug. 12, 2021 – Response to Comments

We held a 45-day public comment period that addressed proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit for the Low-Activity Waste Pretreatment System (LAWPS) Operating Unit Group (OUG) 1.

This agency initiated permit modification provided operating details for Phase One of the LAWPS OUG and closes Interim Compliance Schedule Item LAWPS-1. The following documents were included in the permit modification to support the public comment period:

• Unit Specific Permit Conditions
•  Appendix 1
• Appendix 2.6
• Addendum B, Waste Analysis Plan
• Addendum C, Process Information
• Addendum E, Security
• Addendum G, Personnel Training
• Addendum H, Closure Plan
• Addendum I, Inspection Plan
• Addendum J, Contingency Plan
• Supplemental Information

State Waste Discharge Permit ST0004502 permit renewal
June 28, 2021 – July 28, 2021 ***EXTENDED through Aug. 26, 2021***

Our agency held a 30-day public comment period on the draft permit and fact sheet supporting the renewal of State Waste Discharge Permit ST0004502 for the 200 Area Treated Effluent Disposal Facility (200 Area TEDF). Energy applied to renew the State Waste Discharge Permit for the 200 Area TEDF.

We reviewed this application and drafted the permit in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 90.48 Revised Code of Washington and Chapter 173-216 Washington Administrative Code. After developing the draft permit, we made a tentative determination on the special permit conditions that will prevent and control pollution of the groundwater. However, we will not make a final determination until we evaluate all comments received during this public comment period.

Class 2 Permit Modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit
June 23, 2021 – Aug. 22, 2021 – Response to comments

The U.S. Department of Energy held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 2 permit modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit, Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF) and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) chapter. This proposed permit modification was required to install a supplemental organic-waste treatment system at ETF.

PUREX Plant permit modification 
June 7, 2021 – July 23, 2021 – Response to Comments

We held a 45-day public comment period addressing proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit for tanks TK-P4 and TK-40 located in the Plutonium-Uranium Extraction (PUREX) Plant Complex in the 200 East Area of the Hanford Site.

The permit modification proposed clean-closure of tanks TK-P4 and TK-40, including the concrete pads below them. The modification also proposed adding tanks TK-P4 and TK-40 to Part V of the permit. This included adding an Addendum H, Closure Plan. These changes allow for clean-closure activities.

Modification of the 200-Area Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) delisting 
June 7, 2021 – July 7, 2021 – Response to comments

Our agency and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 (EPA) held a 30-day public comment period addressing targeted technical changes to the existing delisting to support startup of the Direct-Feed Low Activity Waste (DFLAW) configuration of the Waste Treatment Plant (WTP).

The proposed changes related to addition of a new waste treatment process (steam stripping) to the 200-Area ETF to accommodate the expected level of certain constituents in liquid effluent from the WTP Effluent Management System. EPA’s notice can be found on the Federal Register.

Proposed Class 3 Permit Modification for the Integrated Disposal Facility Leachate Collection System
May 24, 2021 – July 23, 2021

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 3 modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. This proposed modification supported operation of Hanford’s Integrated Disposal Facility’s (IDF) leachate collection system to allow for disposal of mixed low-level waste in the engineered landfill. 

Changes to the Tri-Party Agreement for retrieving, treating, and disposing of Hanford Site waste
April 26, 2021 – June 14, 2021 ***Extended through June 23, 2021*** Reponse to comments

The U.S. Department of Energy (Energy), our agency, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — the Tri-Party Agreement (TPA) agencies — had completed negotiations on a series of milestones for managing radioactive solid waste located on Hanford’s Central Plateau and proposed changes to the TPA. The TPA agencies sought public input on the proposed changes.

Engineering Evaluation / Cost Analysis on Proposed Alternatives for 200 West Area Tier 2 Buildings/Structures Removal Action
March 15, 2021 – April 16, 2021 ***Extended until April 30, 2021***

The U.S. Department of Energy held 30-day public comment period on an Engineering Evaluation / Cost Analysis (EE/CA) that evaluated three alternatives for non-time-critical removal actions for seven aging Tier 2 buildings/structures in Hanford’s 200 West Area.

242-A Evaporator Basin 41 Tie-in - Class 3 permit modification
Feb. 22, 2021 – April 8, 2021 – Response to comments

We held a 45-day public comment period addressing proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste permit for the 242-A Evaporator.

This permit modification allowed an additional connection for the combined backup Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Effluent Management Facility (EMF) transfer line and the 242-A Evaporator PC-5000 transfer line to the proposed Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF) Basin 41. The permit modification also required additional upgrades to the leak detection system for both the PC-5000 transfer line and the backup WTP EMF transfer line.

LERF and 200 Area ETF permit modification
Feb. 22, 2021 – April 8, 2021 – Response to comments

We held a 45-day public comment period that addressed proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit for the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF) and the 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF).

This permit modification allowed the addition of a liquid retention basin to LERF. The improvements included construction of a fourth LERF basin, Basin 41 and added a connection from the primary transfer line from WTP EMF to LERF Basin 41. Modifications to the permit addenda included:

• Increased storage and treatment capacity for LERF from the added Basin.
• Updated topographic map, showing Basin 41.
• Added references to Basin 41 for waste acceptance and process information related to the LERF Basins.
• Inspection, Preparedness and Prevention and Emergency response requirements for the additional basin.

242-A Evaporator Class 3 permit modification
Feb. 8, 2021 – March 25, 2021 – Response to comments

We held a 45-day public comment period addressing proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit for the 242-A Evaporator. 

This modification proposed allowing facility upgrades associated with the new waste transfer lines from the Double-Shell Tank (DST) System to the 242-A Evaporator. The original transfer lines failed pressure tests in 2018 and must be replaced. Specifically, this modification allowed penetrating a wall to install the transfer lines and to perform modifications in the pump-room. These new transfer lines allow 242-A Evaporator to continue to treat DST waste, reducing DST waste volume, and allowing for continued Single-Shell Tank waste retrievals.The transfer lines themselves are administratively controlled by the DST system and are being built under applicable interim status regulations. Construction of the lines is not a part of this permit modification.

Waste Treatment Plant permit modification
Feb. 1, 2021 – March 17, 2021 - Response to comments

We held a 45-day public comment period that addressed proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit for the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP), located in Part III, Operating Unit Group 10.

This permit modification updated Chapter 11, Closure Plan. This Closure Plan identified the actions necessary to close WTP permitted Dangerous Waste Management Units (DWMU). This included the removal of dangerous and mixed waste and the decontamination of the permitted DWMU, ancillary equipment, and the associated secondary containment systems, if necessary. Submittal of this closure plan completed the requirements of III.10.C.8.b and Compliance Schedule items LAW-8 and EMF-8, located in Appendices 1.3 and 1.4 of the WTP Dangerous Waste Permit.

LERF/ETF Load-In Station Expansion/Backup Load-In Facility Class 2 modification
Dec. 15, 2020 – Feb. 13, 2021 – Response to comments

The U.S. Department of Energy held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 2 permit modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. The permit modification involved the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF) and the 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) at the Hanford Site.

This proposed permit modification was required to expand the existing 2025ED Load-In Station, construct the 2025EG Backup Load-In Station container storage and treatment area, and remove two unused tanks at the 2025ED Load-In Station, all of which are within the permit boundary.