HANFORD, Wash. – Hanford workers are installing new equipment, which shows an alternative way to safely remove radioactive waste.
According to the Department of Energy, this will help make it both safer and faster to remove waste.
The Test Bed Initiative or TBI will treat approximately 2,000 gallons of tank waste and ship it in containers approved by the Department of Transportation to facilities in Texas and Utah, according to the Department of Energy
The waste will eventually be turned into grout and thrown away.
Washington River Protection Solutions installed an in-tank pretreatment system that removes most of the radioactivity and solids in the tanks to prepare for the TBI.
Jason Keller, the WRPS field operation supervisor, said it went smoothly when the system was installed.
“Most people saw it was a rig and crane crew,” Keller said. “You know, they had to do a horizontal lift and trip that pump ion exchange column that we put in and it took a minute to get it aligned once we got it in the riser. But once it was there, it dropped right in.”
According to the DOE, the TBI does not affect turning tank waste into glass.
It supports the department’s goal of finding more efficient and safe ways to treat low-level waste activity at Hanford.
The DOE said using the TBI approach will reduce risks to the workers, the public and the environment.
Pre-treating the waste is expected later this year, and shipment is expected to occur in 2025. According to the DOE, the containers must be tested to ensure they meet the requirements of the off-site facilities.
