February 12, 2018 - April 12, 2018 — Response to Comments in process
The U.S. Department of Energy Richland Operations Office (DOE-RL) is holding a 60-day public comment period from February 12 to April 12, 2018, to support a Class 3 Permit Modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. The modification addresses the stabilization of Tunnels 1 and 2 at the Plutonium Uranium Extraction (PUREX) Plant, until final closure decisions are made and implemented.
This proposed modification includes an opportunity to learn more and provide comments at a public meeting. The public meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. at the Richland Public Library, and will include a question-and-answer session. To register for the meeting’s webinar go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3881544714904416002
Webinar ID: 997-328-411
DOE-RL recognizes the importance of informing the public on the entire sequence of activities. In addition to information on plans to stabilize Tunnel 2, the meeting will also include information on the outcome of grouting Tunnel 1. The permittees’ compliance history during the life of the permit being modified is available from Ecology’s contact person.
Supporting documents
Electronic access to the proposed permit modification and supporting documentation is available online at http://www.hanford.gov/pageaction.cfm/calendar?IndEventId=8797
December 17, 2017 - April 6, 2018 — Response to Comments in process
We invite you to comment on the draft permit renewal of the Hanford Site Air Operating Permit (AOP) No. 00-05-006 Renewal 3. Due to the large volume of support documents, we are holding a 60-day comment period. The comment period starts Dec. 17, 2017. Previously the end date for submitting comments was Feb. 16, 2018. The new end date is April 6, 2018.
The state’s regulations for controlling air emissions limit the duration of an AOP to five years. The current Hanford Site AOP expires on March 31, 2018. A new AOP is needed as the Hanford Site still has air emissions. We received the renewal application from the U.S. Department of Energy on Sept. 12, 2017, and determined the application was complete on Nov. 7, 2017. During the permit renewal process the existing AOP (No. 00-05-006 Renewal 2, Rev. B) remains in effect.
Congress amended the federal Clean Air Act in 1990 by creating AOPs for industrial sources of air pollution. An AOP brings all applicable air requirements into one document. In 1991, the Legislature updated the Washington Clean Air Act (RCW 70.94) to make it consistent with these changes. In 1993, Ecology developed Washington’s AOP regulation (WAC 173-401) to comply with federal regulations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted the state the authority to implement the AOP regulations in November 1994. The Hanford Site AOP was first issued in June 2001.
Three agencies administer the Hanford Site AOP. We regulate the nonradioactive criteria and toxic air emissions. The Washington State Department of Health regulates all radioactive air emissions. The Benton Clean Air Agency administers outdoor burning.
Supporting documents:
Standard Terms and General Conditions
Statement of Basis for Standard Terms and General Conditions
Attachment 1: Ecology permitting conditions
Statement of Basis for Ecology permitting conditions
Attachment 2: Health permitting conditions
Statement of Basis for Health permitting conditions
Attachment 3: BCAA permitting conditions
Statement of Basis for BCAA permitting conditions
Transmittal Letter
Focus Sheet
Supporting Documents - Ecology (PDF Portfolio)
Supporting Documents - Department of Health License Files
November 27, 2017 — January 31, 2018 - Response to Comments in process
We held two 60-day public comment periods on proposed changes to the Hanford Site-Wide Dangerous Waste Permit. The U.S. Department of Energy Richland Operations Office (DOE-RL) is holding concurrent 60-day public comment periods for two related Class 3 Permit Modifications to the Hanford Site-Wide Dangerous Waste Permit. The first modification addresses 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 addresses the construction and operation of the proposed Capsule Storage Area that will provide interim dry storage of the capsules that are currently in wet storage at WESF. These two permit modifications were sent to us in November 2017. We held a separate public meeting for each change, both on Dec. 13, 2017, in the Richland Public Library (955 Northgate Drive).
In the 1970s, radioactive isotopes of the elements cesium and strontium were removed from waste and placed in 1,936 sturdy stainless steel capsules and stored in concrete pool cells in WESF, where they remain today. Workers carefully monitor the capsules; water in the pool cells provides shielding to workers and keeps the capsules cool.
While the capsules are currently in a safe configuration, WESF is an aging facility. Dry storage would significantly reduce the possibility of a release of radioactive material, should an unlikely event cause the loss of pool storage water, which may result in the overheating and breach of one or more capsules. The proposed modifications and supporting documentation are available for review online at WESF and CSA, on our website, and online at Hanford Administrative Record and Public Information Repositories located in Richland, Seattle, Spokane and Portland. Copies can be reviewed in person at the Hanford Administrative Record Public Information repository at 2440 Stevens Center Place in Richland.
December 4, 2017 — January 19, 2018 - Response to Comments in process
We held a 45-day public comment period starting December 4, 2017, through January 19, 2018. This comment period 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. The WTP is located on the Hanford Site in southeastern Washington. We finalized draft permit conditions to support the proper operation of the Analytical Lab. These draft conditions can be reviewed in Permit Conditions III.10.L, Analytical Laboratory Specific Operating Conditions. Updates to Permit Condition Tables III.10.E.D and III.10.E.P, are provided to reflect the current operations information. Chapter 4H Analytical Laboratory, Chapter 6A Inspection Plan, and Chapter 8 Personnel Training are also included in this draft permit modification for review. In addition to the draft conditions to support the Analytical Lab operations, Permit Conditions III.10.C.16 for Secondary Containment Devices and corresponding tables are also being included in this modification for inclusion to the existing WTP Permit. The current WTP Permit contains design information related to construction of the Analytical Lab. This design information will remain in the WTP permit until we've confirmed that construction of the Analytical Lab is certified completed.
Supporting documents:
Conditions
Statement of Basis
Transmittal Letter
Chapter 4H
Chapter 6A
Chapter 8
Response to Comments
Focus Sheet
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).