The Department of Energy’s Hanford Site has asked the Washington state Department of Ecology for a permit change that could enable the Waste Treatment Plant (WTP) to process up to 20 percent more tank waste.
The feds said in a Wednesday press release they have asked to use grout to solidify some of the secondary waste generated at WTP. Ecology has yet to act upon the proposed change.
For every gallon of Hanford tank waste vitrified into glass, between one and three gallons of less hazardous secondary waste is created as a byproduct of the glass-making process, DOE said in the release. The permit change will enable a shift from solidifying a portion of the less hazardous secondary material in glass to solidifying it in grout locally at Richland, Wash., and shipping it out of Washington state for commercial disposal.
This builds on the 2,000-gallon Test Bed Initiative and maximizes throughput of the Waste Treatment Plant.
This will enable Hanford to avoid operational challenges and keep the Waste Treatment Plant melters focused on turning tank waste into glass, DOE said.
“Advancing this permit modification reflects our commitment to teamwork, responsible stewardship of taxpayer investments and a practical approach to cleanup,” said Ray Geimer, Hanford Field Office manager. “By creating a more efficient pathway for managing secondary waste produced as a byproduct of the glass-making process, we can keep treatment operations moving and expedite the cleanup mission.”
“This is a common-sense step that supports both efficiency and safety,” Geimer added. “It gives the site additional flexibility while continuing to meet regulatory requirements and protecting workers, the public and the environment.”