Permitting of the Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant

The Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant will be constructed to treat the high-level fraction of the radioactive liquid waste stored in tanks at the Hanford Site. Normal permitting practices under the Washington State Dangerous Waste Regulations require a facility to apply for and receive a final facility permit based on a completed design prior to the start of facility construction. However, the enormity and complexity of a project the size of the Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant dictates that construction begin before design is complete. An innovative permitting strategy has been developed to initiate timely construction of the Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant while providing the Washington State Department of Ecology with the necessary regulatory oversight. This strategy calls for a multi-stage'' permitting process, a process in which permits will be issued at various stages of facility design, construction, and operation. This process will also include Washington State Department of Ecology staff participation in the review of draft drawings and specifications, monthly meetings with the US Department of Energy, and onsite inspections. The concept of permitting the Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant at various stages in the design and construction process is a novel approach to the normal regulatory procedure of a single finalmore » permit. This approach will allow the Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant Project to stay on schedule while still maintaining the regulatory agency's oversight role. 6 refs., 5 figs.« less