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Tank Waste (2020 DOE transition): Difference between revisions
Tank Waste (2020 DOE transition) (view source)
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This tank waste is being conservatively managed as high-level waste (HLW). HLW, as defined in the [[Atomic Energy Act]] (AEA) and the [[Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982|Nuclear Waste Policy Act]] (NWPA), requires disposal in a deep geological repository. In 2019, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued an interpretation of the definition of HLW to increase options for disposing of waste that could be properly and radiologically classified as something other than HLW. | This tank waste is being conservatively managed as high-level waste (HLW). HLW, as defined in the [[Atomic Energy Act]] (AEA) and the [[Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982|Nuclear Waste Policy Act]] (NWPA), requires disposal in a deep geological repository. In 2019, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued an interpretation of the definition of HLW to increase options for disposing of waste that could be properly and radiologically classified as something other than HLW. | ||
At the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina, EM has completed the major components of the tank waste treatment system. The last major component was the Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF), which began hot operations in October 2020. The SWPF will process the majority of the site’s remaining tank waste inventory by separating the highly radioactive waste from the less radioactive salt solution. | At the [[Savannah River Site]] (SRS) in South Carolina, EM has completed the major components of the tank waste treatment system. The last major component was the [[Salt Waste Processing Facility]] (SWPF), which began hot operations in October 2020. The SWPF will process the majority of the site’s remaining tank waste inventory by separating the highly radioactive waste from the less radioactive salt solution. | ||
The Idaho Cleanup Project, at the Idaho National Laboratory, is in the final stages of preparing the Integrated Waste Treatment Unit (IWTU) to treat the remaining sodium bearing tank waste. The IWTU is expected to begin operations in 2021. The Idaho Cleanup Project is also responsible for 4,400 cubic meters of solid radioactive waste called “calcine” that was generated from the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. There is not yet a defined path forward for treatment of this material, which is being safely stored on-site. | The Idaho Cleanup Project, at the [[Idaho National Laboratory]], is in the final stages of preparing the [[Integrated Waste Treatment Unit]] (IWTU) to treat the remaining sodium bearing tank waste. The IWTU is expected to begin operations in 2021. The Idaho Cleanup Project is also responsible for 4,400 cubic meters of solid radioactive waste called “calcine” that was generated from the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. There is not yet a defined path forward for treatment of this material, which is being safely stored on-site. | ||
At the Hanford Site in Washington state, EM is constructing the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP), which is intended to vitrify (convert into borosilicate glass) a large portion of the tank waste stored in underground tanks. The WTP is the largest, most complex, and most expensive construction project in the entire Department. The components of the WTP that will treat low-activity tank waste through the Direct Feed Low Activity Waste Approach are expected to begin operations by the end of 2023. | At the Hanford Site in Washington state, EM is constructing the [[Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant]] (WTP), which is intended to vitrify (convert into borosilicate glass) a large portion of the tank waste stored in underground tanks. The WTP is the largest, most complex, and most expensive construction project in the entire Department. The components of the WTP that will treat low-activity tank waste through the Direct Feed Low Activity Waste Approach are expected to begin operations by the end of 2023. | ||
The West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) in New York State is the first and only DOE site to construct, operate, and demolish a vitrification facility used to treat high level radioactive tank waste. All 600,000 gallons of the tank waste have been vitrified, and the glass canisters are in storage at the site pending disposal. | The [[West Valley Demonstration Project]] (WVDP) in New York State is the first and only DOE site to construct, operate, and demolish a vitrification facility used to treat high level radioactive tank waste. All 600,000 gallons of the tank waste have been vitrified, and the glass canisters are in storage at the site pending disposal. | ||
== Issue(s) == | == Issue(s) == | ||
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=== HLW Interpretation === | === HLW Interpretation === | ||
* In June 2019, DOE issued its interpretation of the AEA and NWPA definition for HLW, which allows waste to be classified and disposed according to its radiological characteristics (risk-based), rather than solely according to its origin (source-based). | * In June 2019, DOE issued its interpretation of the AEA and NWPA definition for HLW, which allows waste to be classified and disposed according to its radiological characteristics (risk-based), rather than solely according to its origin (source-based). | ||
* In August 2020, DOE issued the Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact concluding that SRS Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) recycle wastewater can be safely stabilized and disposed of as low-level radioactive waste (LLW). | * In August 2020, DOE issued the Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact concluding that SRS [[Defense Waste Processing Facility]] (DWPF) recycle wastewater can be safely stabilized and disposed of as low-level radioactive waste (LLW). | ||
* This first application of the HLW interpretation was completed September 22, 2020, with 8 gallons of DWPF recycle wastewater shipped to the Waste Control Specialists, LLC (WCS) LLW disposal facility in Texas for treatment and disposal. | * This first application of the HLW interpretation was completed September 22, 2020, with 8 gallons of DWPF recycle wastewater shipped to the Waste Control Specialists, LLC (WCS) LLW disposal facility in Texas for treatment and disposal. | ||
* In FY21, EM will evaluate potential next waste stream(s) under the HLW interpretation, and, if appropriate, will initiate the required environmental evaluations, and technical and safety analyses. | * In FY21, EM will evaluate potential next waste stream(s) under the HLW interpretation, and, if appropriate, will initiate the required environmental evaluations, and technical and safety analyses. | ||
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* Since 2013, EM has been pursuing the [[Direct-Feed Low Activity Waste|Direct Feed Low Activity Waste]] (DFLAW) approach to begin the treatment of low activity tank waste by the end of 2023. Construction of all facilities needed for DFLAW operation should occur in 2021. | * Since 2013, EM has been pursuing the [[Direct-Feed Low Activity Waste|Direct Feed Low Activity Waste]] (DFLAW) approach to begin the treatment of low activity tank waste by the end of 2023. Construction of all facilities needed for DFLAW operation should occur in 2021. | ||
* The Department is conducting a comprehensive Analysis of Alternatives to evaluate options for the treatment of Hanford’s high level waste. | * The Department is conducting a comprehensive Analysis of Alternatives to evaluate options for the treatment of Hanford’s high level waste. | ||
* DOE and the U.S. Department of Justice are engaged in holistic negotiations with the State of Washington and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the Hanford cleanup mission. | * DOE and the [[U.S. Department of Justice]] are engaged in holistic negotiations with the State of Washington and the [[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) regarding the Hanford cleanup mission. | ||
== Milestone(s) == | == Milestone(s) == | ||