Hanford Site workers recently completed two important upgrades to an underground waste-storage tank, advancing safe and efficient management of radioactive waste. February 25, 2026
Office of Environmental Management
February 25, 2026
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RICHLAND, Wash. — Hanford Site workers recently completed two important upgrades to an underground waste-storage tank, advancing safe and efficient management of radioactive waste.
Crews with contractor Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) installed a new transfer pump in AP-104, a double-shell tank key to Hanford’s Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste program. The tank is vital for moving waste from older single-shell tanks and staging materials for treatment at the nearby Tank-Side Cesium Removal System before the material is converted into glass for long term storage.
Workers first removed the aging pump, which had become less reliable and could have affected future waste transfers. The new equipment will help ensure waste moves safely and efficiently as cleanup continues.
“This new pump upgrade is another step forward in protecting our workers, community and environment,” said Bibek Tamang, program manager for the Hanford Field Office. “Reliable, safe waste transfers are critical as we continue to treat Hanford’s tank waste.”
Crews install a new 45-foot, 10-inch transfer pump, weighing 3,125 pounds, in the Hanford Site’s AP-104 underground waste-storage tank, helping ensure safe and reliable movement of waste as part of ongoing cleanup efforts.
A new slurry distributor with extra shielding is installed at AP-104 A Pit at the Hanford Site, reducing radiation exposure and improving safety for workers.
Alongside the pump upgrade, crews also installed a new slurry distributor — equipment that helps manage settling waste inside the tank. The new distributor cover includes three additional inches of steel shielding to reduce radiation levels and protect workers during future maintenance. This improved cover eliminates the need for temporary shielding during repairs, streamlining work and improving safety.
“Not only do these upgrades help us get work done faster, but they also dramatically reduce exposure to radiation — from levels usually seen in this kind of work to nearly negligible,” said Carol Johnson, H2C president. “It’s a big win for safety and progress on Hanford’s cleanup mission.”
These upgrades reflect Hanford’s ongoing commitment to safety, teamwork and continuous improvement as cleanup work moves forward.
View a video of the pump installation here.
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