In a positive step forward, DOE has executed the Integrated Tank Disposition Contract (ITDC) to the H2C consortium for managing Hanford's radioactive tank wastes. This $45B/10 year contract includes managing and processing low activity tank wastes to a stable glassified form for long-term storage, and completing the high level tank waste processing facilities for operation beginning in ~ 2035. It will be interesting to see if H2C will actually see contract funding authorized and appropriated at the projected average annual value of $4.5B, which is nearly double the entire Hanford site annual funding level average.
Larry Lockrem
8mo
Hanford did studies on stream reforming, bulk verification, and Cast Stone ( similar to salt stone/grout). The Cast Stone had very good results, and PNNL has continued to do additional studies.
It will be very interesting to see how this is executed.
Retired at AKU Enterprises, LLC
8moGood question Tom. The Whitehouse has asked for $3B for Hanford FY funding. Will it be enough? Estimates for building Vit Plant have changed often. In 1998 BNFL Vit Plant construction est was $6.9B. DOE asked for private financing; BNFL est $15.2B, so DOE terminated contract. Turns out BNFL est was close. 2002 Bechtel chosen, estimate $4.4B. 2005 est. $9.65B. 2006 $12.2B. Final construction estimate $17B. Another question is can all waste be mobilized without creating more leaking tanks? Lastly, interesting that Savannah River site uses a combination of vitrification and grout/cement (aka salt stone). Wasn’t grout an option before the TPA required vitrification?