The Hanford Site has successfully started up its Low-Activity Waste Facility, a key component of the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant that has begun to solidify Hanford tank waste in glass for the first time. This achievement, supported by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) meets the October 15, 2025, Consent Decree legal commitment with the State of Washington.
“I appreciate the hard work and determination of the entire Hanford team to deliver on this legal commitment,” said Hanford Site Manager Ray Geimer. “This achievement enables us to shift focus to safely operating the plant and to progressing solutions for the Hanford tank waste mission in its entirety.”
The Consent Decree milestone for demonstrating the ability of the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant’s Low Activity Waste facility to produce immobilized glass of acceptable quality was met on time. With start-up of the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant’s Low Activity Waste facility, the focus now shifts to safely operating the Low Activity Waste facility, advancing the direct-feed high-level waste approach, and accelerating the tank waste mission.
Hanford is home to 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste stored in 177 massive underground tanks. The waste was generated as part of the nation’s efforts to end World War II and win the Cold War.
About the Vit Plant
In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). When complete, the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.