Public comment periods

Want to share your input about cleanup efforts at Hanford? On this page, you can download documents, find out dates when you can submit your comments, and find out how to comment online.

Public comments are accepted over a 30-, 45-, or 60-day period. During that time, you can share your input with us about specific changes in the permits we regulate. We review all comments and then issue a Response to Comments document, which will be posted online after the comment period has closed. View open and closed public comment periods.Before submitting your comments, you can review or download relevant documents below, or you can review them in person at any of the Hanford Information Repositories.

The following public comment periods are open. To request an ADA accommodation, contact us by phone at 509-372-7950 or by email. For Washington Relay Service or TTY, call 711 or 877-833-6341. Visit our ADA page for more information.

The U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) is holding a 30-day public comment period on an Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) that considers three alternatives for non-time-critical removal actions for nine structures in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) complex in Hanford's 400 Area.

Copies of the EE/CA and supporting documentation will be available during the public comment period on the Hanford Events Calendar, in the Administrative Record and at the Public Information Repositories.

Please submit comments by June 21 to [email protected] (preferred) or in writing to:

U.S. Department of EnergyAttn: Jennifer ColbornP.O. Box 450, H5-20Richland, WA 99352

Questions? Please contact Jennifer Colborn, Energy, at [email protected] or(509) 376‑5840.

We keep information on closed comment periods available for historical purposes and to provide access to our Response to Comment documents. View Nuclear Waste Program's publications in a searchable, online database.

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):

*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.

***** October 2022 Update

The appeal is continued pending the modification of the seven closure plans as it relates to a tentative settlement reached by Energy and Ecology. The hearing scheduled for January 17-20, 2023, is cancelled. This includes the suspension of the deadlines set in the Board's February 2, 2022, Prehearing Order regarding discovery, dispositive motions, the exchange of witness and exhibit lists, and prehearing briefs. Energy and Ecology are directed by the PCHB to submit a status update to the Board on or before May 1, 2023.

PCHB No 22-001 Continuance Order

***** Original comment period

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.

View the original permit documents.

We held a 45-day public comment period addressing proposed modifications to the Hanford Dangerous Waste Permit for the T-Plant and Central Waste Complex (CWC). The permittees being U.S. Department of Energy and contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company LLC.

On Dec. 6, 2021, we issued Modification No. 8C.2021.1F to the Sitewide Permit. This modification incorporated both Closure Plans and Unit Specific Permit Conditions for several unit groups within the Solid Waste Operations Complex (SWOC).

On Jan. 5, 2022, USDOE and CPCCo appealed the modification to the Pollution Control Hearings Board. In lieu of a hearing, we and the permittees agreed to mediation to settle the dispute. A settlement agreement was reached in October 2022. This permit modification would make additional changes to the following T-Plant and CWC units based on the settlement agreement:

• CUG 27, 277-T Building

• CUG 28, 277-T Outdoor Storage Area

• CUG 29, 271-T Cage

• CUG 30, 211-T Pad

• CUG 37, 221-T Sand Filter Pad

• CUG 39, 2401-W Waste Storage Building

• CUG 41, 221-T Railroad Cut

All seven units listed will have changes made to the Unit-Specific Permit Conditions to address the amount of time required for us to be notified of closure plan deviations, and for our response to that notification.

The five units in bold above will have changes made to their Closure Plans to address the agreed to changes for the concrete decontamination method, removal of concrete chip sampling, and adjustments to the locations and amount of focused soil samples.

Questions? Contact Daina McFadden.

The U.S. Department of Energy requested a simple change to Approval Order DE19NWP-001 to provide more flexibility in the emergency engine purchased for the new Central Plateau Water Treatment Facility (CPWTF).

DE19NWP-001 addresses site water infrastructure upgrades occurring in phases over the next several years. It specifically authorizes CPWTF and six new emergency engines, including the L-897 Emergency Engine at CPWTF itself. We required Energy to aggregate these phases to make sure that emissions for the entire project were reviewed for combined impact.

Since available engine models might change between issuance of DE19NWP-001 and the later upgrade phases, DE19NWP-001 has "equivalent to" language for four of the six emergency engines. This allows Energy to show us that an engine would emit at the same, or lower, rates than the example model used for potential emission calculations and modeling. That language was not used for the L-897 Emergency Engine because it is part of an early construction phase.

However, Energy is facing significant delays in buying an emergency generator with the required 1,112 brake horsepower Caterpillar C18 engine. Based on documented COVID supply chain issues and the importance of uninterrupted water supply at the Hanford site, we proposed to issue a DE19NWP-001 Revision 1, which adds the "equivalent to" language for the L-897 Emergency Engine.

Questions? Contact Daina McFadden.

On Aug. 26, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy submitted a notice of construction (NOC) application to our agency for the construction of the Integrated Disposal Facility (IDF). This application was submitted to modify Approval Order DE05NWP-004, approved by us on May 31, 2005.

The original NOC only evaluated particulate matter (PM) emissions from waste-covering operations, vehicle traffic, cell-soil compaction, and soil-stockpile erosion. The modified NOC describes additional operations at IDF that may have a potential to emit airborne emissions from diesel and gasoline fuel-consuming engines, leachate tanks, and container treatment (grouting). It also provides a qualitative evaluation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic, or hazardous air pollutants that can be expected from operations at IDF.

Questions? Contact Daina McFadden.

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 Integrated Disposal Facility (IDF) located in Part III, Operating Unit Group 11.The permittees are the U.S. Department of Energy and contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company.

This proposed permit modification adds two leachate collection systems (LCS) dangerous waste management units (DWMUs) in the IDF Permit to store leachate collected from the IDF disposal cells. It will also allow the permittees to operate two LCS DWMU to store leachate collected from the IDF disposal cells.

Questions? Contact Daina McFadden.

241-AP Notice of Construction Approval Order

Sept. 26 - Oct. 28, 2022 Response to comments

We held a 30-day public comment period for a Notice of Construction (NOC) Approval Order proposing to modify the exhauster systems which control air emissions from double-shell tanks at the 241-AP Tank Farm (241-AP). Energy proposed to modify the exhauster systems which control air emissions from double-shell tanks at 241-AP, which triggered the requirement to seek a NOC Approval Order under Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-400-110. 241-AP will be used to process tank waste with the Tank Side Cesium Removal (TSCR) system and then stage this waste for treatment at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP). The activities and equipment associated with this modification are needed for WTP to begin operating in the Direct-Feed Low Activity Waste configuration.

State Waste Discharge Permit ST0004500 renewal

Aug. 8 - Sept. 9, 2022 Response to comments

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). 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.

IDF Operating Permit Modification

July 25, 2022 - Sept. 9, 2022 Response to comments

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.

ETF Notice of Construction

July 25, 2022 - Aug. 24, 2022 Response to comments

We 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. 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.

Proposed Class 2 Permit Modification for the Waste Encapsulation and Storage Facility

July 6 - Sept. 4, 2022 Response to comments

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. To learn more about the capsule transfer process, watch the animation video at https://bit.ly/3FVi346.

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 Responsiveness summary

The Tri-Party Agreement (TPA) agencies — U.S. Department of Energy (Energy), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Ecology — 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. 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. 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.

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 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).

Proposed permit modifications to the High-Level Waste Vitrification Facility

April 4 - May 20, 2022 Response to comments

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).

Southern Area Fire Station Emergency Generator Notice of Construction

April 4 – May 6, 2022 Response to comments

Ecology 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.

Class 2 Permit Modification for the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility CO2 Removal Skid

March 31 - 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 installed and operates 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.

Class 2 Permit Modification for the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility Groundwater Monitoring Plan

March 29 - 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 updated Addendum D, "Groundwater Monitoring Plan." The modification allowed Energy to implement an updated Groundwater Monitoring Plan for the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF).

Class 2 Permit Modification for the 242-A Evaporator

March 16 – May 14, 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, "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.

Class 2 Permit Modification for the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent Treatment Facility

March 16 – May 14, 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 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.

Hanford Cleanup Priorities virtual public briefing and comment period

March 15 – 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.

200 Area TEDF State Waste Discharge permit ST0004502 permit renewal

Feb. 22 – March 24, 2022 Response to comments

Ecology 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.

2022 Hanford Lifecycle Scope, Schedule and Cost Report

Feb. 15 – April 15, 2022 ***Extended until Apr. 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.

Proposed Class 2 Permit Modification for the 400 Area Waste Management Unit

Dec. 7 – 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.

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.

241-AP Notice of Construction Approval Order

Sept. 26 - Oct. 28, 2022 – Response to comments

We held a 30-day public comment period for a Notice of Construction (NOC) Approval Order proposing to modify the exhauster systems which control air emissions from double-shell tanks at the 241-AP Tank Farm (241-AP). The permittee is the U.S. Department of Energy (Energy). The 241-AP tank farm is located on the Hanford Site in Southeastern Washington.

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:

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:

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:

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 FacilityDec. 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 8Jan. 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 modificationJan. 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 modificationFeb. 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:

Facility improvements included:

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 modificationFeb. 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.

DFLAW operating permit modificationFeb. 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 modificationFeb. 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 actionMarch 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 unitsMay 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 PermitMay 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 WasteMay 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***** This permit modification was appealed Jan. 5, 2022. See active appeals for more information.

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.

Hanford cleanup budget prioritiesJune 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 modificationJune 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 ETFJuly 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 41July 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 ComplexJuly 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 modificationAug. 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.

The U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) released its high-level waste treatment Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) report on Jan. 19 and sought public feedback through April 28, 2023. The AoA is an analytical comparison of the operational effectiveness, suitability, risk, and life-cycle cost — or total ownership cost, if applicable — of alternatives that satisfy capability needs. AoAs are not decisional documents but are inputs that may be used by Energy's Program Secretarial Offices to recommend a preferred alternative.

The report analyzed the life-cycle cost, schedule, and risks associated with each alternative and includes 17 initial alternatives. Further alternatives were added and analyzed to see if they would be more efficient and cost-effective. Several alternatives include a direct-feed high-level waste approach.

The report is not a decision document, rather it will inform Energy's critical decision-making process as well as ongoing negotiations between Energy, the State of Washington, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the path forward for the Hanford tank waste mission.

Questions? Please contact Jennifer Colborn from the Department of Energy at [email protected].

Department of Ecology, Nuclear Waste Program Resource Center3100 Port of Benton Blvd., Richland, WA 99354509-372-7950

Washington State University Tri-Cities, DOE Public Reading Room (for Dangerous Waste only)Consolidated Information Center, Rm. 101L 2770 Crimson Way, Richland, WA 99354509-375-7443

DOE Administrative Record and Public Information Repository2440 Stevens Center Place, Room 1101, Richland, WA 99352509-376-2530

University of Washington, Suzzallo LibraryGovernment Publications Dept. Box 352900, Seattle, WA 98195-2900 206-543-5597

Gonzaga University, Foley Center LibraryEast 502 Boone Avenue, Spokane, WA 99258509-313-6110

Portland State University, Government Information, Branford Price Millar Library1875 SW Park Avenue, Portland, OR 97207-1151503-725-4128

Department of EcologyDaina McFaddenhanford​@ecy.wa.gov509-372-7950