Closure Unit Groups at T Plant and Central Waste Complex
June 8, 2020 – July 24, 2020 and Sept. 21, 2020 – Nov. 4, 2020
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 permittees were the U.S. Department of Energy and co-operated by CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company.
Proposed changes
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
Public hearing
We held a virtual public hearing 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020.
Questions? For more information, contact Daina McFadden, Ecology, by email or call 509-372-7950.
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.
Questions? Please contact Dana Gribble, Energy, by email or call (509) 961-5609.
Low-Activity Waste Pretreatment System, OUG 1 permit modification
June 22, 2020 – Aug. 7, 2020 and Sept. 28, 2020 – Nov. 12, 2020
We proposed a modification to Part III of the Hanford Sitewide Permit and 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. The permittees were the U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) and Washington River Protection Solutions.
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.
Overview/Background
The reopening of the LAWPS public comment period included all of the same information as previously provided during the public comment period that ran from June 22, 2020, to Aug. 7, 2020, plus the Determination of Significance and Notice of Adoption.
This proposed draft permit modification would add the Low-Activity Waste Pretreatment System Operating Group Unit Group 1 (LAWPS OUG 1) to the Sitewide Permit. The proposed modification 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.
The LAWPS OUG 1 will be operated in phases, with LAWPS Phase One as a Tank Side Cesium Removal (TSCR) unit that will operate for about five years. The first phase of the LAWPS OUG 1 will include the dangerous waste management units: Tank Side Cesium Removal (TSCR), Ion Exchange Column (IXC) Storage Pad, and the IXC Staging Area.
Proposed changes
This proposed draft permit modification will add LAWPS OUG 1 to Part III of the Sitewide Permit. The modification includes design and construction details to support the LAWPS OUG 1, Phase One. The modification includes:
- Unit Specific draft permit conditions
- Draft Interim Compliance Schedule
- Addendum A, Part A Form
- Addendum B, Waste Analysis Plan
- Addendum C, Process Information
- Addendum E, Security Requirements
- Addendum F, Preparedness and Prevention
- Addendum G, Personnel Training
- Addendum H, Closure Plan
- Addendum I, Inspection Plan
- Addendum J, Contingency Plan
- Appendices that include the necessary supporting design media (specifications, calculations, reports, and engineering drawings)
- SEPA Determination of Significance and Notice of Adoption
Questions? contact Daina McFadden by email or call 509-372-7950.
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.
Questions? Contact Dana Gribble, Mission Support Alliance, or Daina McFadden, Ecology.
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).
Questions? Contact Dana Gribble, Mission Support Alliance, or Daina McFadden, Ecology.
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). The Permittees were the US Department of Energy, Office of River Protection and CH2MHILL Plateau Remediation Company. WESF is located on the Hanford Site in Southeastern Washington.
Proposed changes
This modification will add 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.
The WESF Hot Cells A through F are already incorporated in the Sitewide Permit as a Closing Unit Group. This Closing Unit Group is comprised of one DWMU and it will not be modified by this permitting action.
Questions? Contact Daina McFadden, Ecology, by email or call 509-372-7950
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.
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.
Review
Supporting documents are on Energy's website.
Questions?
Proposed changes to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit
May 8, 2020 – July 7, 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 would allow for three new wall penetrations in the 242-A Evaporator facility to connect three new double-shell tank transfer lines.
Questions? Please contact Jennifer Colborn, Energy, or Daina McFadden, Ecology.
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.
Background
After the partial collapse of a waste storage tunnel near the Plutonium Uranium Extraction Plant (PUREX) in May 2017, Energy analyzed other older structures in Hanford’s former plutonium production area (the Central Plateau) to determine if any other structures are at risk of collapsing.
In 2018, 27 structures that may need risk mitigation work were identified. In 2019, 11 of the structures were analyzed further. A report on those structures identified three underground liquid waste disposal structures that represented the highest risk, requiring stabilization to prevent a collapse and the potential to spread contamination.
Review and comment
More information about the comment period, including supporting documents, were available on Energy's website.
Questions?
Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Risk Assessment permit modification
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 permittees are U.S. Department of Energy Office of River Protection and Bechtel National, Inc.
Proposed changes
The proposed changes incorporate the draft preliminary risk assessment and the risk assessment work plan for the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) configuration.
The risk assessment work plan supplements two through five would also be updated for incorporation into the permit.
This permit modification will update and add 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 are necessary to ensure the DFLAW configuration has been adequately analyzed and reviewed through the risk assessment work plan.
This permit modification also provides 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.
The draft risk assessment work plan for DFLAW and the pre-demonstration test risk Assessment for WTP use the best available information, approved models, EPA combustion risk assessment guidance, and conservative exposure scenarios and assumptions.
Questions? Please contact Please Daina McFadden at Hanford@ecy.wa.gov.
DFLAW operating permit modification
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). The permittees are the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of River Protection and Bechtel National, Inc.
Proposed changes
This permit modification will add a description of operations to the WTP Dangerous Waste Permit for LAW and EMF. The modification describes operations, provides clarification between the baseline and DFLAW configurations, and adds details to ensure the operating permit is compliant with all dangerous waste regulations. The modification proposes changes to the following:
- Unit-Specific Permit Conditions
- Part A Form
- Chapter 3, Waste Analysis Plan
- Chapter 3A, Waste Analysis Plan for the Baseline Configuration
- Chapter 3B, Quality Assurance Project Plan
- Chapter 3C, Waste Analysis Plan for the DFLAW Configuration
- Chapter 4, Process Information
- Chapter 4E, Low-Activity Waste Facility
- Chapter 4G, Direct Feed Low-Activity Waste (Effluent Management Facility)
- Chapter 4I, Balance of Facilities
- Chapter 6, Procedures to Prevent Hazards
- Chapter 6A, Inspection Plan
- Chapter 7, Building Emergency Plan
- Chapter 8, Personnel Training
- Updates to multiple appendices, including the interim compliance schedules
Interim compliance schedule items completed with this permit modification include: LAW-3 through LAW-7, LAW-11, LAW-14, LAW-15, LAW-17, LAW-25, LAW-45, as well as EMF-3 through EMF-7, EMF-11, and EMF-45.
Questions? Please contact Please Daina McFadden at Hanford@ecy.wa.gov.
Perma-Fix Northwest In-Container Mixture Unit permit modification
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.
The permittee contact is Richard Grondin, 509-375-7026.
Hanford Emergency Management Plan and Building Emergency Plan permit modification
We held a 45-day public comment period addressing proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. The permittees are the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of River Protection, U.S. Department of Energy, Richland Operations, Bechtel National, Inc., Mission Support Alliance, Washington River Protection Services, LLC, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation.
Proposed changes
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
Questions? Please contact Daina McFadden at Hanford@ecy.wa.gov.
Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility permit modification
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). The Permittees are U.S. Department of Energy, Office of River Protection and Washington River Protection Solutions.
Proposed changes
Modifications to the permit addenda include:
- 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 include:
- 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.
Proposed permit modification to revise Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit Attachment 8
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.
Permit modification to allow for disposal of mixed low-level waste at the Integrated Disposal Facility public comment period
Dec. 16 – Feb. 14, 2020
The U.S. Department of Energy is holding 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.
Copies of the proposed modification and supporting documentation are available at the Hanford Administrative Record and at the Hanford Public Information Repositories.
Questions? Please contact Jennifer Colborn, at Jennifer_M_Colborn@rl.gov or Daina McFadden at Hanford@ecy.wa.gov.
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).