Closure Unit Groups at T Plant and Central Waste Complex
June 8, 2020 – July 24, 2020 and Sept. 21, 2020 – Nov. 4, 2020 – Response to comments
On Dec. 6, 2021, Ecology issued a final Class 3 permit modification to incorporate final status closure plans and unit-specific permit conditions for the following unit groups into the Hanford Sitewide Permit, Revision 8C (WA7890008967):
- Closure Unit Group 27, 277-T Building*
- Closure Unit Group 28, 277-T Outdoor Storage Area*
- Closure Unit Group 29, 271-T Cage*
- Closure Unit Group 30, 211-T Pad*
- Closure Unit Group 37, 221-T Sand Filter Pad*
- Closure Unit Group 39, 2401-W Waste Storage Building*
- Closure Unit Group 41, 221-T Railroad Cut*
*Stayed - pending appeal
This permit modification was required in part by a Consent Agreement and Final Order issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency against the U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) for violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act at the Hanford Facility’s Solid Waste Operations Complex (SWOC).
Pursuant to WAC 173-303-840(8)(b)(iii), a final permit issued under Ecology’s dangerous waste authority will become effective 30 days after service of the notice of decision, unless review of the permit is requested under RCW 43.21B. On Jan. 5, 2022, Energy and its contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company, LLC (CPCCo) filed an appeal of Modification 8C.2021.1F to Permit No. WA7890008967 with the Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB), thus staying the entire permit modification from going into effect.
As a result of this appeal, Energy and CPCCo are not authorized to proceed with closure activities for these seven unit groups. Ecology attempted to work with Energy and CPCCo to negotiate a stipulated stay that would have allowed certain portions of the permit modification that are not at issue in the appeal to go into effect. Energy and CPCCo initially agreed to a stipulated stay and authorized Ecology to file it with the PCHB. The PCHB then determined it did not have authority to enter the stipulated stay without briefing but noted that the parties could agree to do so independently. However, despite having previously agreed to the stipulated stay and expressing mutual interest in enabling important closure work to proceed without delay, Energy and CPCCo have now declined to sign the stipulated stay. Accordingly, the effective date for the entire permit modification has been stayed and closure activities may not proceed until the litigation is resolved.
View the original permit documents.
*****
We held a 45-day public comment period addressing proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. Then, we reopened the public comment period for an additional 45 days. We decided to reopen this public comment period because we discovered that one of the permit documents was unavailable to the public on our website.
The proposed modification was to close seven container storage areas (unit groups) listed below. The unit groups are going into the Site-wide Permit part 5, as closure unit groups.
- T Plant 277-T Building, Closure Unit Group 27
- T Plant 277-T Outdoor Storage Area, Closure Unit Group 28
- T Plant 271-T Cage, Closure Unit Group 29
- T Plant 211-T Pad, Closure Unit Group 30
- T Plant 221-T Sand Filter Pad, Closure Unit Group 37
- CWC 2401-W Waste Storage Building, Closure Unit Group 39
- T Plant 221-T Railroad Cut, Closure Unit Group 41
IDF Operating Permit Modification
July 25, 2022 - Sept. 9, 2022
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.
Questions? Contact Daina McFadden.
State Waste Discharge Permit ST0004500 renewal
Aug. 8 - Sept. 9, 2022
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).
Energy applied to renew SWDP ST0004500 for the SALDS.
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.
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.
For questions contact Daina McFadden.
ETF Notice of Construction
Ecology 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. The permittee is the U.S. Department of Energy (Energy). The ETF is located on the Hanford Site in Southeastern Washington.
Proposed changes
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.
Energy determined that the ETF ultraviolet oxidation system does not have sufficient capacity to break down acetonitrile expected in a stream from the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant’s Effluent Management Facility, once it is operational.
Energy will install a steam stripper and loadout system to separate acetonitrile into a more concentrated wastewater stream for shipment and treatment off-site. Additionally, Energy is adding a brine loadout system to ship water containing concentrated salts off-site for treatment and disposal. This will be an alternative to drying brine in the existing thin film dryers at ETF.
Questions? Please contact Daina McFadden at Hanford@ecy.wa.gov
Proposed Class 2 Permit Modification for the Waste Encapsulation and Storage Facility
July 6 - Sept. 4, 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. 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.
Proposed changes
Energy and contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company requested a Class 2 modification to the WESF chapter of the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit to increase the storage capacity of G Cell — a radioactive hot cell inside WESF — from nine to 14 capsules.
Transfer of the capsules to the dry casks will go through G Cell. The proposed modification supports the move to dry storage by providing WESF more flexibility to safely manage the capsules during the transfer process.
Other proposed changes include updating permit Addendum G, “Training,” to add a facility personnel position.
To learn more about the capsule transfer process, watch the animation video at https://bit.ly/3FVi346.
Facility background
The WESF is in the 200 East Area of the Hanford Site. The facility houses 1,936 radioactive cesium and strontium capsules stored in an underwater basin. While the capsules are currently in safe storage in the basin, work is underway to install a system in WESF to transfer the capsules from the basin into engineered dry casks, and then transport them to a nearby concrete pad for safe interim storage.
Moving the capsules to dry storage not only eliminates a longer-term risk of a radioactive release in the unlikely event of a loss of water from the basin, but also will enable the planned deactivation of the aging WESF building and save as much as $6 million in annual operating costs.
Questions? Please contact Jennifer Colborn, U.S, Department of Energy, or Daina McFadden, Ecology.
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
The Tri-Party Agreement (TPA) agencies — U.S. Department of Energy (Energy), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and our agency — 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.
Proposed changes
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. Generally, the milestones are for investigation or feasibility studies; work plans, and field work to remediate waste sites; and contaminated soil and underground liquid-waste disposal sites. Some milestones include activities to prepare for facility demolition.
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.
Under the approach, the TPA agencies will review the enforceable milestones in the near term (potentially two to five years). Energy will use a computer application to assess potential cleanup scenarios and help inform discussions when negotiating future milestones.
Questions? Please contact Jennifer Colborn, Energy, via email or (509) 376-5840.
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 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).
If approved, the modification would allow Energy to install additional dangerous-waste management units at the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF) and 200 Area ETF.
Questions? Please contact Dana Gribble, U.S, Department of Energy, or Daina McFadden, Ecology.
Class 2 Permit Modification for the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility Groundwater Monitoring Plan
March 29 through 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 updates Addendum D, “Groundwater Monitoring Plan.”
The modification would allow Energy to implement an updated Groundwater Monitoring Plan for the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF).
Questions? Please contact Jennifer Colborn, Hanford Mission Integration Solutions, or Daina McFadden, Ecology.
Class 2 Permit Modification for the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility CO2 Removal Skid
March 31 through 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 is required to install and operate 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.
Questions? Please contact Jennifer Colborn, Hanford Mission Integration Solutions, or Daina McFadden, Ecology.
Proposed permit modifications to the High-Level Waste Vitrification Facility
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).
Questions? Daina McFadden, Ecology.
Class 2 Permit Modification for the 242-A Evaporator
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.
Questions? Please contact Jennifer Colborn, Hanford Mission Integration Solutions, or Daina McFadden, Ecology.
Class 2 Permit Modification for the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility
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.
Questions? Please contact Jennifer Colborn, Hanford Mission Integration Solutions, or Daina McFadden, Ecology.
Southern Area Fire Station Emergency Generator Notice of Construction
April 4, 2022 – May 6, 2022 Response to comments
We 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.
Questions? Please contact Daina McFadden, Ecology.
2022 Hanford Lifecycle Scope, Schedule and Cost Report
Feb. 15, 2022 – April 15, 2022 ***Extended until April 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.
The report shall also support continued discussions with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and our agency (Ecology) on how and when Energy will complete cleanup and how milestone changes and adjustments will affect lifecycle scope, schedule and cost.
The Lifecycle Report information reflects scope, schedule and cost status that is current as of Aug. 31, 2021, and the costs shown have been escalated for inflation.
Hanford Cleanup Priorities virtual public briefing and comment period
March 15, 2022 – 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.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Colborn, Hanford Mission Integration Solutions.
200 Area TEDF State Waste Discharge permit ST0004502 permit renewal
We 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.
Questions? Contact Daina McFadden, Ecology.
Proposed Class 2 Permit Modification for the 400 Area Waste Management Unit
Dec. 7, 2021 – 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.
Questions? Please contact Jennifer Colborn, Hanford Mission Integration Solutions, or Daina McFadden, Ecology.
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.
Questions? Please contact Jennifer Colborn, Hanford Mission Integration Solutions.
NOC approval order for WTP
Nov. 29, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2021 – Response to comments
We held a 30-day comment period for Approval Order DE02NWP-002, Revision 3. The permittee, the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE), requested revisions to the air Notice of Construction Approval Order for the Waste Treatment Plant (WTP) to address updated waste composition and estimated emissions. These changes were for the Low-Activity Waste (LAW) and Laboratory (LAB) portions of the WTP. This permit revision does not authorize any physical changes to LAW or LAB design. This Approval Order addressed four items:
- Waste composition and the resulting air emissions have been updated for the most recent Direct Feed LAW design.
- USDOE and Ecology have agreed on the composition of simulant used to test the LAW facility before tank waste is treated. Emissions from commissioning and testing with this simulant will now be covered by the Approval Order.
- Air emissions have been modeled to the new ambient air boundary. The new boundary is closer to the WTP site and modeling now includes areas which were previously excluded.
- Removal of acid gases, primarily hydrogen chloride and hydrogen fluoride, is now identified as primarily taking place in the wet control devices instead of the carbon bed adsorber for LAW. The carbon bed adsorber will still be constructed and operated for removal of volatile organic chemicals and organic toxic air pollutants.
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.
Permit modification to allow for disposal of mixed low-level waste at the Integrated Disposal Facility
Dec. 16 – Feb. 14, 2020
The U.S. Department of Energy held a 60-day public comment period on a Class 3 proposed modification to the Hanford Facility Dangerous Waste Permit. This proposed modification would support operations and allow for disposal of mixed low-level waste in both disposal cells of the Integrated Disposal Facility, add receipt of mixed low-level wastes from Hanford Site operations, and allow for the construction of a treatment pad and a storage pad.
Proposed permit modification to revise Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit Attachment 8
Jan. 13 – March 13, 2020 – Response to comments
The U.S. Department of Energy held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. The proposed Class 2 permit modification will revise and retitle permit Attachment 8. The Attachment 8 proposed title is “Training and Inspection Plan for Groundwater Monitoring Wells.” Attachment 8 is being revised to increase the detail for well inspection requirements and add training requirements for personnel associated with well inspections, sampling, and maintenance.
Perma-Fix Northwest In-Container Mixture Unit permit modification
Jan. 24, 2020 - March 24, 2020 – Response to comments
Perma-Fix Northwest Richland, Inc. (PFNW-R), the permittee, held a public comment period for a Class 2 permit modification to the Dangerous Waste Permit and Toxics Substance Control Act Approval No. WAR 0000 10355 for clarification and updates to operational requirements of the In-Container Mixer Unit at their mixed waste facility.
Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility permit modification
Feb. 3, 2020 - March 19, 2020 – Response to comments
We held a 45-day public comment period, which addressed proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit for the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF) and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF).
Modifications to the permit addenda included:
- Revising the LERF and 200 Area ETF Operating Unit Group boundary to include the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) to LERF Basin 42 primary transfer line.
- Facility improvements to accommodate increased wastewater volume in support of the Direct Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) project.
- Leak detection, closure, and inspection requirements for the new equipment.
Facility improvements included:
- Adding a primary transfer line from the WTP to LERF Basin 42
- Installing a brine waste load-out system inside the 200 Area ETF
- Permitting and installation of filter drain sump tanks in the 200 Area ETF load-in station
An electronic leak detection system will be installed on the primary transfer line from WTP to the LERF Basin 42. A sight glass will also be installed at the LERF Basin 42 catch basin. The brine load-out system will be located within building 2025E. Brine waste from the brine load-out system will be transferred into containers called totes. The existing filter drain sump tank is located in Building 2025ED, load-in station, which is also where the new filter drain sump tank will be installed. Filter drain sump tank 59A-TK-2 is located in the east bay of 2025ED, and a similar 45-gallon sump tank, 59A-TK-3 will be installed in the west bay.
Hanford Emergency Management Plan and Building Emergency Plan permit modification
Feb. 10, 2020 – March 25, 2020 – Response to comments
We held a 45-day public comment period addressing proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. This permit modification included the following documents for public comment.
- Revised Part I and II Permit Conditions
- Changes to the Hanford Emergency Management Plan (DOE/RL-94-02, Rev 7 Draft)
- New Attachment 4A to the Hanford Site Wide Permit (Qualified Building Emergency Directors and Building Wardens)
- Updates to Attachment 9 – Applicability Matrix
- New Building Emergency Plans (BEP) and Facility Emergency Plan (FRP) for the following facilities:
- Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Treatment Facility
- 242-A Evaporator
- 325 Hazardous Waste Treatment Units
- 400 Area Waste Management Unit
- PUREX Storage Tunnels
DFLAW operating permit modification
Feb. 10, 2020 – March 26, 2020 – Response to comments
We held a 45-day public comment period which addressed proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit for the treatment, storage, and disposal of dangerous waste at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP).
This permit modification added a description of operations to the WTP Dangerous Waste Permit for LAW and EMF. The modification described operations, provides clarification between the baseline and DFLAW configurations, and added details to ensure the operating permit is compliant with all dangerous waste regulations.
Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Risk Assessment permit modification
Feb. 24, 2020 – April 9, 2020 – Response to comments
We held a 45-day public comment period which addressed proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit for the treatment, storage, and disposal of dangerous waste at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP), located in Part III, Operating Unit Group 10 (Permit).
The proposed changes incorporated the draft preliminary risk assessment and the risk assessment work plan for the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) configuration.
This permit modification updated and added new documents to the WTP portion of the permit to support the risk assessment for the DFLAW configuration. Updates to the documents in Appendix 6.2 of the WTP portion of the permit were necessary to ensure the DFLAW configuration had been adequately analyzed and reviewed through the risk assessment work plan.
This permit modification also provided the draft pre-demonstration test risk assessment for WTP for Ecology review, as required by Permit Condition III.10.C.11.b and Interim Compliance Schedule EMF-9 of the WTP portion of the permit.
Stabilization of disposal structures at risk of failure and time critical removal action
March 23, 2020 – May 22, 2020 ***Extended to June 29, 2020***
The U.S. Department of Energy held a public comment period for Central Plateau aging structures stabilization which included planned actions for stabilization of 216-Z-2 Crib, 241-Z-361 Settling Tank, and the 216-Z-9 Crib.
More information about the comment period, including supporting documents, were available on Energy's website.
Proposed interim action cleanup plan for the 200 BP-5 and 200 PO-1 groundwater operable units
May 4, 2020 – June 8, 2020 ***Extended to July 8, 2020***
The Tri-Party Agreement (TPA) agencies — the U.S. Department of Energy, EPA, and Ecology — held a 30-day public comment period on a proposed interim action cleanup plan for the 200 BP-5 and 200 PO-1 groundwater operable units in Hanford’s 200 East Area.
The proposed plan addresses areas of the groundwater contaminated with technetium-99 and uranium. The plan presents three alternatives for interim remedial action and identifies a preferred alternative. This interim action will be followed by a final cleanup action for the remaining contamination. Selected remedies and corrective actions for these operable units include institutional controls, including those related to prohibiting the use of groundwater.
Supporting documents are on Energy's website.
Proposed changes to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit
May 8, 2020 – July 7, 2020 – Response to comments
The U.S. Department of Energy held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 2 modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. This proposed permit modification would allow for three new wall penetrations in the 242-A Evaporator facility to connect three new double-shell tank transfer lines.
Draft Waste Incidental to Reprocessing Evaluation for Vitrified Low-Activity Waste
May 26, 2020 – Nov. 27 2020 ***Extended through Nov. 27, 2020***
The U.S. Department of Energy held a 120-day public comment period on its Draft Waste Incidental to Reprocessing (WIR) Evaluation for Vitrified Low-Activity Waste (VLAW). The Draft WIR Evaluation analyzes whether the VLAW meets waste management criteria, is incidental to the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, and may be managed (disposed of at the Hanford Site) as low-level radioactive waste in the future as has always been envisioned.
For information on, visit Energy's website.
Closure Unit Groups at T Plant and Central Waste Complex
June 8, 2020 – July 24, 2020 and Sept. 21, 2020 – Nov. 4, 2020 – Response to comments
*****NOTICE*****
On Dec. 6, 2021, Ecology issued a final Class 3 permit modification to incorporate final status closure plans and unit-specific permit conditions for the following unit groups into the Hanford Sitewide Permit, Revision 8C (WA7890008967):
- Closure Unit Group 27, 277-T Building
- Closure Unit Group 28, 277-T Outdoor Storage Area
- Closure Unit Group 29, 271-T Cage
- Closure Unit Group 30, 211-T Pad
- Closure Unit Group 37, 221-T Sand Filter Pad
- Closure Unit Group 39, 2401-W Waste Storage Building
- Closure Unit Group 41, 221-T Railroad Cut
This permit modification was required in part by a Consent Agreement and Final Order issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency against the U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) for violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act at the Hanford Facility’s Solid Waste Operations Complex (SWOC).
Pursuant to WAC 173-303-840(8)(b)(iii), a final permit issued under Ecology’s dangerous waste authority will become effective 30 days after service of the notice of decision, unless review of the permit is requested under RCW 43.21B. On Jan. 5, 2022, Energy and its contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company, LLC (CPCCo) filed an appeal of Modification 8C.2021.1F to Permit No. WA7890008967 with the Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB), thus staying the entire permit modification from going into effect.
As a result of this appeal, Energy and CPCCo are not authorized to proceed with closure activities for these seven unit groups at this time. However, Ecology is working with Energy and CPCCo in an attempt to negotiate a stipulated stay that will allow certain portions of the permit modification that are not at issue in the appeal to go into effect. If successful, those portions of the permit modification will go into effect upon the PCHB’s entry of the stipulated stay.
Read the appeal here.
*****
We held a 45-day public comment period addressing proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. Then, we reopened the public comment period for an additional 45 days. We decided to reopen this public comment period because we discovered that one of the permit documents was unavailable to the public on our website.
The proposed modification was to close seven container storage areas (unit groups) listed below. The unit groups are going into the Site-wide Permit part 5, as closure unit groups.
- T Plant 277-T Building, Closure Unit Group 27
- T Plant 277-T Outdoor Storage Area, Closure Unit Group 28
- T Plant 271-T Cage, Closure Unit Group 29
- T Plant 211-T Pad, Closure Unit Group 30
- T Plant 221-T Sand Filter Pad, Closure Unit Group 37
- CWC 2401-W Waste Storage Building, Closure Unit Group 39
- T Plant 221-T Railroad Cut, Closure Unit Group 41
Hanford cleanup budget priorities
June 15, 2020 – July 15, 2020
The U.S. Department of Energy held 30 day public comment period and virtual public meeting on fiscal year 2022 Hanford Site cleanup budget priorities, along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agnecy (EPA) and our agency.
For information, visit Energy's website.
Low-Activity Waste Pretreatment System, OUG 1 permit modification
June 22, 2020 – Aug. 7, 2020 and Sept. 28, 2020 – Nov. 12, 2020 – Response to comments
We held a 45-day public comment period. The proposed changes affect the dangerous waste portion for the treatment, storage, and disposal of dangerous waste. A new operating unit group will be added to this portion of the permit.
Then, we issued a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Determination of Significance and Notice of Adoption to support the Low-Activity Waste Pretreatment System (LAWPS). We reopened the comment period for another 45 days, so members of the public could review the draft permit with the supporting SEPA documentation.
This proposed draft permit modification added the Low-Activity Waste Pretreatment System Operating Group Unit Group 1 (LAWPS OUG 1) to the Sitewide Permit. It provided design and construction details for Phase One of the LAWPS Operating Unit Group (OUG) and the associated SEPA documentation.
Review the Determination of Significance and Notice of Adoption online at the Department of Ecology SEPA register.
This proposed draft permit modification added LAWPS OUG 1 to Part III of the Sitewide Permit. It included design and construction details to support the LAWPS OUG 1, Phase One.
Construction of Basin 41 at LERF and the 200 Area ETF
July 10, 2020 – Sept. 8, 2020
The U.S. Department of Energy held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 3 modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. This proposed permit modification was required to construct a new basin (Basin 41) at the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF) and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF).
Connection of the 242-A Evaporator PC-5000 Transfer line to Basin 41
July 10, 2020 – Sept. 8, 2020
The U.S. Department of Energy held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed Class 2 modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. This proposed permit modification was required to connect the 242-A Evaporator PC-5000 transfer line to Basin 41 of the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility.
Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis on Proposed Removal Action at the B Plant Complex
July 13, 2020 – Aug. 14, 2020 ***Extended through Oct. 14, 2020***
The U.S. Department of Energy held a 30-day public comment period on an Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) that considered alternatives for removal action at the B Plant Complex, including the 221B Canyon Building and the 291B Canyon Ventilation System. B Plant is located in the 200 East Area of the Hanford Site.
Waste Encapsulation and Storage Facility permit modification
Aug. 3, 2020 – Sept. 18. 2020 *Extended to Sept. 30, 2020* – 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, Waste Encapsulation and Storage Facility (WESF).
This modification added the WESF Operating Unit Group to the Sitewide Permit. The WESF Operating Unit Group is comprised of three new Dangerous Waste Management Units (DWMUs): Hot Cell G DWMU, Pool Cells DWMU, and Truckport DWMU.
Capsule Interim Storage Permit Modification comment period
Nov. 4, 2019 – Dec. 20, 2019 – Response to comments
We held a 45 day public comment period which addressed proposed modifications to the Hanford Facility Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Permit, Revision 8c (Sitewide Permit). This modification would add a new operating unit group, Capsule Interim Storage Operating Unit 19, to the Sitewide Permit. The Permittees are the U.S. Department of Energy, Richland Operations Office and CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company.
The permittees requested a permit modification to construct a new Capsule Interim Storage (CIS) operating unit group to replace the current pool storage at the Waste Encapsulation and Storage Facility (WESF). CIS would contain the Capsule Storage Area (CSA) dangerous waste management unit. Within the CSA, 25 cask storage systems would hold capsules in cylindrical casks approximately 10 feet in diameter by 11 feet tall. Each cask storage system would be constructed of concrete and steel to provide radiation shielding, waste protection and containment, and sufficient cooling through passive air ventilation.
Proposed changes to the Tri-Party Agreement
Oct. 14, 2019 - Nov. 29. 2019
The Tri-Party Agreement (TPA) agencies — the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) — held a 45-day public comment period on proposed changes to the TPA. The proposed changes would update the TPA to reduce redundancy through improved coordination between two regulatory processes for cleanup decision-making: the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
200 West Area Evaporative Sewage Lagoon renewal public comment period
Oct. 14, 2019 - Nov. 13, 2019 – Response to comments
We held a 30-day public comment period which addressed the renewal of State Waste Discharge Permit Number ST0045514, 200 West Area Evaporative Sewage Lagoon. The permittee was the United States Department of Energy.
Proposed cleanup plan for groundwater and waste sites in the 100-BC Area
Oct. 7, 2019 - Dec. 9, 2019
The U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a 30-day public comment period on a proposed long-term cleanup plan for groundwater and waste sites in Hanford’s 100-BC Area.
The proposed cleanup plan to address contamination in groundwater and remaining waste sites presents six alternatives for remedial action and identifies a preferred alternative. The alternatives consider several levels of soil removal and groundwater remedies that range from monitored natural attenuation to pump-and-treat methods. The preferred remedial alternative includes restrictions on access, on disturbing soils and on use of groundwater.
Proposed Class 2 permit modification for the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility
Sept. 16, 2019 - Nov. 15, 2019
The U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. This proposed Class 2 permit modification would allow Energy to connect a waste transfer line from Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Effluent Management Facility (EMF) to the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF) and to make improvements to the 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) so that it can support tank waste treatment.
The improvements include adding a secondary waste load-out system inside ETF and adding a filter sump tank to the existing load-in station. This requires modification to the permit conditions and applicable addenda. Modifications to the addenda include revised information on the LERF and the 200 Area ETF boundary, the waste analysis plan, facility improvements, container management, leak detection, closure and inspection requirements.
242-A Evaporator Class 2 permit modification public comment period
July 18, 2019 - Sept. 16, 2019 – Response to comments document
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) held a 60-day public comment period on a proposed modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. This proposed Class 2 permit modification would allow DOE to connect a backup waste transfer line from the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Effluent Management Facility (EMF) to an existing transfer line between the 242-A Evaporator and the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF). This would allow transfer of effluent waste from the EMF to the LERF.
AW Stack – Notice of Construction public comment period
July 15, 2019 to Aug. 16, 2019 – Response to comments
We held a 30-day public comment period which addressed proposed modifications to the existing Approval Order DE05NWP-001 and resulted in a new Notice of Construction (NOC) DE18NWP-001 for the AW Tank Farm.
Clean Air Act requirements in the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis for the Plutonium Uranium Extraction Complex to be transitioned from the Hanford Air Operating Permit
July 8, 2019 to Aug. 10, 2019
We held a 30-day public comment period regarding the Clean Air Act requirements identified within the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) for Plutonium Uranium Extraction (PUREX) Complex located in the 200 East Area of the Hanford Site. Emission units associated with PUREX covered in this EE/CA will be transitioned from the Hanford Air Operating Permit (AOP) to Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) authority once removal action field activities begin. This CERCLA transition process is detailed in the Hanford AOP, Standard Terms and General Conditions Statement of Basis, Section 4.0.
WTP Low-Activity Waste and Effluent Management Facilities
July 1, 2019 - Aug. 30, 2019
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of River Protection and Bechtel National, Inc. held a 60‑day public comment period to support a requested Class 3 permit modification to the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Dangerous Waste Permit. This modification provides WTP Low-Activity Waste Facility and Effluent Management Facility operating information and proposed operating conditions to Ecology for addition into the existing permit.
Low Activity Waste Pretreatment System (LAWPS) permit modification
May 1, 2019 - June 30, 2019
The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of River Protection held a 60-day public comment period to support a Class 3 modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. This modification requested the approval from Ecology to add a new operating unit for the Low Activity Waste Pretreatment System (LAWPS). This operating unit will pretreat (remove cesium and filter out solid particles) double-shell tank waste for subsequent vitrification in the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Low-activity Waste (LAW) facility.
The planned cesium removal system would be deployed in phases. Phase One would employ a Tank-Side Cesium Removal (TSCR) unit. Phase Two would either use a permanent cesium removal capability, LAWPS facility or an additional TSCR unit to support full operation of the LAW facility. This proposed modification will cover construction activities and operations needed to support the Phase One portion of the project.
Notice of public comment period on proposed changes to Hanford’s Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Dangerous Waste Permit
April 1, 2019 – May 30, 2019 – Response to comments
The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of River Protection (ORP) held a 60-day public comment period to support a requested Class 2 permit modification to the Hanford WTP Dangerous Waste Permit. This modification requested approval from us to install a new permitted waste container storage area and a new transporter staging area in support of WTP operations.
276-BA Organic Storage Area
March 11, 2019 – April 26, 2019 – Response to comments
The 276-BA Organic Storage Area 45-day public comment period addressed the proposed modifications to Hanford's Dangerous Waste Permit for the 276-BA Organic Storage Area.
Perma-fix Northwest expanded scoping comment period and public meeting
March 4, 2019 to March 25, 2019
The Perma-fix Northwest (PFNW) expanded scoping of a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 21-day public comment period.
As part of the permit renewal process, PFNW submitted a renewal application for its DWR permit to us in 2009. Due to significant changes and updates to the facility and operations since the original permit authorization and EIS in 1998, Ecology, as the lead agency, has determined that there is potential for adverse impacts. Therefore, we've decided to conduct a complete environmental analysis under SEPA to supplement the 1998 EIS.
Public comment period on proposed changes to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit for modifications to sitewide security requirements
Dec.10, 2018 to Feb.11, 2019 – Response to comments
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Richland Operations Office held a 60-day public comment period for a Class 2 Permit Modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. This proposed modification would update Attachment 3, Security.
Proposed modifications to PUREX Storage Tunnels
Aug. 13, 2018 — Sept. 27, 2018 — Ecology's response to comments
We held a 45-day public comment period on the proposed permit modifications affecting the PUREX Storage Tunnels located on the Hanford site. The tunnels store waste, mostly large equipment components, from the PUREX Plant and other onsite sources. By completing the response action for Tunnel 1 and the proposed interim closure action for Tunnel 2, the tunnels will continue to safely store the waste.
Hanford Air Operating Permit renewal 3
July 22, 2018 – Sept. 14, 2018 Ecology's response to comments
The public can comment on the draft permit renewal of the Hanford Site Air Operating Permit (AOP) No. 00-05-006 Renewal 3. The public comment period, which was initially held for 60 days and closed in April 2018, was reopened July 22, 2018 through Sept. 14, 2018. The draft permit documents were the same, but electronic access for some supporting documents was made available.
WTP Notice of Construction DE16NWP-003 Rev 1 for EMF
June 18, 2018 — July 20, 2018 — Response to comments
We proposed a change to the Non-Radioactive Air Emissions Notice of Construction Approval Order DE16NWP-003 for the Effluent Management Facility (EMF).
The permittee proposed an alternative condition for demonstrating dimethyl mercury emissions sampling compliance. The proposal is to perform monthly dimethyl mercury grab sampling instead of elemental mercury continuous emissions monitoring. The proposed approach does not result in an emissions increase and does not impact ambient air quality standards.
WTP Permit modification for Effluent Management Facility Equipment (BOF-010)
June 4, 2018 – July 18, 2018 — Ecology's Response to Comments
We held a 45-day public comment period on changes to the Hanford Facility Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Permit, Revision 8C. The changes affected the Dangerous Waste Portion of the Treatment, Storage, and Disposal of Dangerous Waste for the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP Permit), located in Part III, Operating Unit 10.
The draft agency-initiated permit modification (8C.2018.7D) would allow the permittees to install vessels, preheaters, exhausters, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and critical piping associated with the Effluent Management Facility.
Environmental Performance Demonstration Test – WTP Modification
April 23, 2018 – June 22, 2018 — Ecology's Response to Comments
We held a 45-day public comment period that addressed proposed modifications to Dangerous Waste Portion for the Treatment, Storage, and Disposal of Dangerous Waste for the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP), located in Part III, Operating Unit 10. The permittee(s) are U.S. Department of Energy Office of River Protection and Bechtel National, Inc.
The proposed modification incorporated the draft Environmental Performance Demonstration Test (EPDT) plan for the Low-Activity Waste (LAW) Facility into the WTP Permit, and revised the Part A and permit conditions to support the EPDT. This proposal was one of many changes to the original WTP Permit. Periodic updates would allow the permittees to continue construction while designing other parts of the WTP.
Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Effluent Management Ancillary Equipment
March 5, 2018 – April 18, 2018 — Ecology's Response to Comments
We held a 45-day public comment period that addressed a proposed change affecting the Dangerous Waste Portion for the Treatment, Storage, and Disposal of Dangerous Waste for the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP), located in Part III, Operating Unit Group 10.
Proposed Modifications to PUREX Storage Tunnels
Feb. 12, 2018 – April 12, 2018 — Ecology's Response to Comments
The U.S. Department of Energy Richland Operations Office (DOE-RL) held a 60-day public comment period to support a Class 3 Permit Modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. The modification addressed the stabilization of Tunnels 1 and 2 at the Plutonium Uranium Extraction (PUREX) Plant until final closure decisions are made and implemented.
Proposed changes to the Hanford Sitewide Dangerous Waste Permit (2 comment periods)
Nov. 27, 2017 – Jan. 31, 2018 — Ecology's Response to Comments is in process
The U.S. Department of Energy Richland Operations Office (DOE-RL) held two concurrent 60-day public comment periods for two related Class 3 Permit Modifications to the Hanford Site-Wide Dangerous Waste Permit. The first modification addressed the preparation of the Waste Encapsulation and Storage Facility (WESF) for the transfer of the cesium and strontium capsules to the proposed Capsule Storage Area. The second modification addressed the construction and operation of the proposed Capsule Storage Area that would provide interim dry storage of the capsules that are currently in wet storage at WESF. These two permit modifications were sent to us in Nov. 2017. We held a separate public meeting for each, both on Dec. 13, 2017, in the Richland Public Library.
Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Analytical Laboratory
Dec. 4, 2017– Jan. 19, 2018 — Ecology's Response to Comments
We held a 45-day public comment period that addressed proposed modifications to the operations of the Analytical Laboratory (Lab) and provided the operating details for the Analytical Lab under the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste configuration for the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Permit. The permittee(s) are the U.S. Department of Energy Office of River Protection and Bechtel National, Inc.
Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Dangerous Waste Permit
November 6, 2017 — January 5, 2018 - Ecology's Response to Comments
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of River Protection (ORP) and Bechtel National, Inc. are holding a 60-day public comment period on a proposed modification to the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Dangerous Waste Permit. This Class 2 modification is requesting approval from Ecology to install new Dangerous Waste Permit-regulated, non-critical ancillary equipment such as pipelines, valves, and inline components at the WTP Effluent Management Facility. This ancillary equipment is identical to equipment that has already been installed in WTP facilities to-date. A public meeting is scheduled for December 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Richland Public Library (955 Northgate Drive). The proposed modification and supporting documentation are available for review online at http://www.hanford.gov/pageaction.cfm/calendar?IndEventId=8533.
Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Permit Interim Compliance Schedule
September 28 — November 13, 2017 - Ecology's Response to Comments
We are providing notification of a 45-day public comment period starting September 28, 2017, regarding proposed modifications to the Interim Compliance Schedule for the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Permit. The permittees are the U.S. Department of Energy Office of River Protection and Bechtel National, Inc. The WTP is located on the Hanford Site in Southeastern Washington. The plant will immobilize in glass 56 million gallons of dangerous radioactive and chemical waste stored in 177 underground storage tanks at Hanford. This modification is the second portion of a Class 3 permit modification (8C.2017.3D) and focuses on proposed modifications to the Interim Compliance Schedule for the WTP Permit. The proposed Interim Compliance Schedule has been revised to align the dates with the final Consent Decree filed in U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington (Case 2:08-CV-5085 - RMP, Document 222) on March 11, 2016. The permittees held a public comment period for the first portion of the Class 3 modification from March 6 through May 5, 2017, with a public meeting held March 30. We are proposing additional modifications to the Interim Compliance Schedule and to permit conditions following the first comment period.
Air Permit Revision: 222-S Engine Notice of Construction Modification
August 21, 2017 — September 4, 2017 - Response to Comments in process
U.S. Department of Energy Office of River Protection proposes a modification to the existing air permit DE15NWP-001, Modification A. The proposed modifications are to provide additional definitions to permit condition terms which are administrative in nature. Requests for a public comment period must be submitted to the permitting authority in writing via letter, fax, or electronic mail during the fifteen-day internet posting period.
Proposed Class 2 Permit Modifications to the Unit Descriptions and Closure Activities for the 1301-N and 1325-N Liquid Waste Disposal Facilities
June 5, 2017 — September 8, 2017 - Ecology's Response to Comments
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking public comment to support Class 2 Permit Modifications to closure activities for the 1301-N and 1325-N Liquid Waste Disposal Facilities. Public comments are accepted from June 5 through August 4 September 8, 2017. The 1301-N and 1325-N facilities were used for liquid waste disposal from N-Reactor, a reactor that was used during the Cold War for plutonium production, and operated from 1963 through 1987. The facilities also received dangerous waste generated from laboratories and may have received waste from spills within the N-Reactor Building.
Proposed changes to the Hanford WTP Dangerous Waste Permit
July 3, 2017 — September 1, 2017 - Ecology's Response to Comments
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of River Protection (ORP) and Bechtel National, Inc. are holding a 60-day public comment period on a proposed modification to the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Dangerous Waste Permit. This proposed permit change provides the operating permit information and draft conditions to support WTP Analytical Laboratory Operations. The public comment period runs from July 3 through September 1, 2017, with a public meeting scheduled for August 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the Richland Public Library (955 Northgate Drive).
Proposed modifications to the Hanford 242-A Evaporator chapter of the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit
June 26, 2017 — September 1, 2017 - Ecology's Response to Comments
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of River Protection (ORP) and Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) are holding a 60-day public comment period on proposed modifications to the Hanford 242 A Evaporator chapter of the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. This modification involves changes to the Part A Form, Preparedness and Prevention Requirements, and Contingency Plan. This change is needed to support waste management activities and remove a diesel generator that is no longer needed. The public comment period runs from June 26 through September 1, 2017, with a public meeting scheduled for July 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Richland Public Library (955 Northgate Drive).
Proposed changes to the Hanford Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility Permit
June 26, 2017 — September 1, 2017 - Ecology's Response to Comments
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of River Protection (DOE-ORP) and Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) are holding a 60-day public comment period on proposed modifications to the Hanford Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF) and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) Permit. This change is needed to support waste management activities at these facilities as well as reformat and add a new well to the Groundwater Monitoring Plan. The public comment period runs from June 26 through September 1, 2017, with a public meeting scheduled for July 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Richland Public Library (955 Northgate Drive). The proposed modification and supporting documentation are available for review online at http://pdw.hanford.gov/arpir/index.cfm/viewDoc?accession=0069670H.
Proposed changes to the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Permit, Revision 8C
May 22, 2017 — July 7, 2017 - Ecology's Response to Comments
We invite you to comment on changes to the Hanford Facility Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Permit, Revision 8C. This change affects the Dangerous Waste Portion of the Treatment, Storage, and Disposal of Dangerous Waste for the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP Permit). The proposed changes are located in Part III, Operating Unit 10. The proposed permit modification incorporates design information for the secondary containment within Effluent Management Facility (EMF) at the WTP Site. A detailed description of the proposed modification can be found in the Statement of Basis.
Modification of the Hanford Facility Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Permit for the Treatment, Storage, and Disposal of Dangerous Waste, Part Ill, Operating Unit Group 10 (WA 7890008967) Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Class 2 Modification for Effluent Management Facility
April 10, 2017 — June 9, 2017 - Ecology's Response to Comments
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of River Protection (ORP) is holding a 60-day public comment period to support a requested Class 2 permit modification to the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Dangerous Waste Permit. This modification is requesting approval from Ecology to install new underground waste transfer pipelines needed to support the Direct-Feed Low Activity Waste (DFLAW) configuration for WTP operations.
Proposed changes to the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Permit
March 6, 2017 — May 5, 2017 - Ecology's Response to Comments
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of River Protection (ORP) and Bechtel National, Inc. (BNI) are holding a 60-day public comment period to support a proposed modification to the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Dangerous Waste Permit (Permit). This requested modification is needed to update the WTP Permit Interim Compliance Schedule to reflect the compliance dates outlined in the Amended Hanford Consent Decree between DOE and the state of Washington issued March 11, 2016. A public meeting presentation is scheduled for March 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Richland Public Library (955 Northgate Drive).
Revisions to Groundwater Monitoring Plans for 300 Area Process Trenches and 183-H Solar Evaporation Basins
January 23, 2017 — March 24, 2017 - Ecology's Response to Comments
The U.S. Department of Energy Richland Operations Office (DOE-RL) is holding a 60-day comment period on proposed changes to the Hanford Facility Site-wide Dangerous Waste Permit. The proposed modification changes groundwater monitoring requirements for the 300 Area Process Trenches and the 183-H Solar Evaporation Basins Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) units. The public comment period runs from January 23 through March 24, 2017. A public meeting will be held on February 28, 2017 at 5:30 pm at the Richland Public Library (955 Northgate Drive).