U.S. Department of Energy
07/31/2026 | Press release | Archived content
DOE Finalizes West Area Tank Waste Determination at Hanford
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DOE Finalizes West Area Tank Waste Determination at Hanford
The U.S. Department of Energy has finalized the Waste Incidental to Reprocessing determination for selected tank waste in Hanford's 200 West Area, establishing that treated waste from the S, SX and U Tank Farms may be managed as low-level radioactive waste in accordance with DOE requirements. July 31, 2026
Office of Environmental Management
July 31, 2026
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RICHLAND, Wash. - The U.S. Department of Energy has finalized the Waste Incidental to Reprocessing (WIR) determination for selected tank waste in Hanford's 200 West Area, establishing that treated waste from the S, SX and U Tank Farms may be managed as low-level radioactive waste in accordance with DOE requirements.
The determination follows completion of DOE's technical evaluation, an independent review by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and consideration of public comments. It concludes that the waste, following separation, pretreatment and solidification, is not high-level radioactive waste and meets DOE criteria for management as low-level radioactive waste.
Finalizing the determination supports continued progress in Hanford's tank waste mission. It provides a clear path for the safe management of treated waste while maintaining rigorous standards for protecting workers, the public and the environment.
The final WIR Evaluation, determination and supporting documents are available on the Hanford website.
Media Contacts:Cerise Peck, Hanford Field Office, 509-980-8466, [email protected]
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