Clean Air Act requirements in the EE/CA for PUREX to be transitioned from Hanford AOP
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. This public comment period on the EE/CA was the first step in transitioning the emission units from the AOP into CERCLA. The applicable PUREX facility air permits and license requirements will be discontinued upon onset of the CERCLA removal action activity in the field and will be supplanted by Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements in CERCLA decision and implementing documents, such as an Action Memorandum, Removal Action Work Plan, or an Air Monitoring Plan.
The EE/CA is available on Hanford.gov events calendar, Hanford Administrative Record and at the Hanford Public Information Repositories below.
For questions regarding the AOP contact Daina McFadden, Ecology, at Hanford@ecy.wa.gov or 509-372-7950. For questions regarding the EE/CA contact Paula Call, DOE, at paula.call@orp.doe.gov, or 509-376-2048.
Low Activity Waste Pretreatment System (LAWPS) public comment period
Low Activity Waste Pretreatment System (LAWPS) proposed 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.
Copies of the proposed modification and supporting documentation were available during the public comment period at the
Hanford Administrative Record, Public Information Repositories (bottom of page), or at 2440 Stevens Drive in Richland.
Questions? Please contact Paula Call, DOE, at
paula.call@orp.doe.gov or Daina McFadden, Ecology, at
Hanford@ecy.wa.gov.
WTP Low-Activity Waste and Effluent Management Facilities
WTP Low-Activity Waste and Effluent Management Facilities public comment period
July 1 - 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.
Electronic access to the proposed modification and supporting documentation is available at the Hanford Administrative Record Public Information Repository at 2440 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA; the Hanford Public Information Repositories below; the Hanford.gov events calendar; and at https://go.usa.gov/xyCGa.
Questions? Please contact Paula Call, DOE, at paula.call@orp.doe.gov or Daina McFadden, Ecology, at Hanford@ecy.wa.gov.
AW Stack – Notice of Construction Public comment period
AW Stack – Notice of Construction public comment period
July 15, 2019 to Aug. 16, 2019
We held a 30-day public comment period July 15, 2019 through Aug. 16, 2019. This comment period 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.
What changes were proposed?
The original project was permitted under Approval Order DE05NWP-001. The permittee submitted a new Notice of Construction to increase the stack height of the AW Tank Farm exhausters from an existing height of 28 feet to 60 feet above grade. The new Approval Order will be DE18NWP-001. An administrative amendment will be initiated to remove the AW Tank Farm from Approval Order DE05NWP-001.
Concentrations of dimethyl mercury and chromium hexavalent were found to be above the Acceptable Source Impact Level (ASIL) of WAC 173-460-150. A Second Tier analysis (RPP-ENV-59016, Rev. 01 was provided for dimethyl mercury which indicated emissions are permissible as they fall within the risk limits defined in WAC 173-460-090(7). Abated emissions of chromium hexavalent were found to be below the ASIL. Emissions limits are placed on visible emissions, toxic air pollutants (TAPs), dimethyl mercury, chromium hexavalent, and ammonia. Sampling and analysis plans were requested for review of proposed sampling methodology.
Best Available Control Technology for Toxics (tBACT) for the project was found to be operation of the tank ventilation system with a moisture de-entrainer, heater, pre-filters, and two-stage High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration system. Operational limits were placed on tBACT controls, flow rate, and the number of tanks allowed to be disturbed at a given time.
Documents
Transmittal Letter
Draft NOC
Technical support document
Supporting documents
Supporting Table
Document release and change form
WTP proposed permit modification to the Container Storage Area
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.
Copies of the proposed modification and supporting documentation were available during the public comment period at the Hanford Administrative Record or at 2440 Stevens Drive in Richland.
Questions? Please contact Paula Call, DOE, at paula.call@orp.doe.gov or Daina McFadden, Ecology, at hanford@ecy.wa.gov.
276-BA Organic Storage Area public comment period
276-BA Organic Storage Area
The 276-BA Organic Storage Area 45-day public comment period started March 11 and went through April 26, 2019. This comment period addressed the proposed modifications to the
Dangerous Waste Portion for the Treatment, Storage, and Disposal of Dangerous Waste for the 276-BA Organic Storage Area.
PFNW SEPA EIS public comment period and meeting notice
Perma-fix Northwest expanded scoping comment period and public meeting
March 4 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 was from March 4 to March 25, 2019, and the public was invited to comment.
PFNW manages and treats both low-level (LLW) and mixed low-level (MLLW) radioactive wastes at its Richland facility. The treatment, storage, and handling of MLLW requires a DWR permit from us. PFNW is currently seeking to renew its WR permit.
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.
Supporting Documents
A public meeting was held on March 13, 2019, at 5 p.m at:
Richland Public Library
955 Northgate Dr.
Richland, Wa 99352
All comments needed to be submitted by March 25, 2019
For questions, please contact:
Randy Bradbury, Washington State Dept. of Ecology, randy.bradbury@ecy.wa.gov, 509-372-7954.
Modifications to sitewide security requirements
Public comment period on proposed changes to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit for modifications to sitewide security requirements
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Richland Operations Office held a 60-day public comment period from
Dec. 10, 2018, to
Feb. 11, 2019, for a Class 2 Permit Modification to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit. This proposed modification would update Attachment 3, Security.
The proposed updates included documentation of the Hanford site’s 24-hour surveillance system, personnel access requirements, perimeter area fences, barricades, and signage. The signage updates describe the Wye Barricade, no trespassing, perimeter, unit group, and Columbia River signs.
To read the full documentation go to the
Administrative Record, or the
Public Information Repositories.
2018 Comment Periods
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 — Ecology's response to comments is in process
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.
2017 Comment Periods
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).