  |
|
|
The proposed permit is for the storage of mixed (both radioactive and chemically dangerous) waste at the AREVA facility in Richland.
In August, Washington State and federal officials announced a proposed judicial consent decree between the Department of Energy (USDOE) and Washington State that will set a new schedule for construction and startup of the Waste Treatment Plant (WTP) and retrieving waste from 19 single-shell storage tanks at Hanford during construction of the WTP. Hanford has 53 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste in 177 underground tanks at the Site. The proposed consent decree will settle a lawsuit filed by Washington State that was joined by the State of Oregon to compel DOE to complete key aspects of the cleanup.
USDOE, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Washington State
Department of Ecology – the Tri-Party Agreement (TPA) agencies - are proposing
changes to the TPA to establish a new schedule that increases the current pace
of waste retrieval from single-shell storage tanks (completing all by 2040), and
treating all of the tank waste by 2047.
Public meetings are scheduled around the Pacific Northwest. The meetings will begin around 6 p.m. with an open house, followed by the public meeting at 7 p.m. in the following locations:
October 26, 2009, Best Western Hood River Inn, Hood River, Oregon
October 27, 2009, Double Tree Hotel, Portland, Oregon
October 29, 2009, Hampton Inn, Richland, Washington
November 9, 2009, Double Tree Hotel, Spokane, Washington
November 12, 2009, Quality Inn and Suites, Seattle, Washington
Copies of the proposed consent decree, TPA modifications and other
documents can be found at
http://www5.hanford.gov/hanford/eventcalendar/
Fact Sheet on the Proposed TPA Amendment and Consent Decree
Final Approved Package for the Tri-Party Agreement
Comments and Responses on the Final Approved Tentative Agreement
Public hearings and a workshop will be announced at a later date. For Ecology's perspective on the Tank Closure and Waste Management EIS link here.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
