RICHLAND, Wash. – The Department of Energy is taking strides in dealing with Hanford tank waste. The Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant is now testing key chemicals as part of ongoing cold commissioning.
Brian Harkins, Hanford Field Office Acting Manager, highlighted the importance of this progress. “Our progress in cold commissioning is the result of decades of preparation, dedication, and collaboration between the Department and our contractor partners,” Harkins said.
Adding ammonia and nitrous oxide-producing chemicals into the WTP melters is essential to ensure everything’s ready to go. This testing phase is crucial before they introduce nuclear waste later this year.
Bechtel Project Director Brian Hartman discussed the teamwork involved. “Leadership from DOE and strong partnerships with the trade unions, suppliers, regulators, other Hanford contractors, and local community have helped make this happen,” Hartman stated.
Once fully up and running, the plant will treat about 5,300 gallons of tank waste daily, turning it into glass for safe disposal. They’ll produce around 3.5 containers, weighing 21 metric tons, each day.
