The Office of Environmental Management (EM) tank waste program consists of safely storing of 90 million gallons of radioactive liquid waste at the Hanford Site in Washington, the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho and the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina.
EM operates major nuclear facilities to process and dispose of the waste as well as emptying, cleaning and closing the waste tanks. The SRS and ORP waste streams treatment involves separating the highly radioactive fractions and low activity factions. The high activity portion undergoes vitrification while the low activity portion is then either vitrified or grouted.
As liquid waste is processed, the tanks are operationally closed through a process that involves: bulk waste removal, heel removal, cooling coil flushing/annulus cleaning, isolation and residual sampling and grouting.
The EM tank waste program’s goal is to continue cleanup progress in a cost-effective manner that is risk informed, engages stakeholders, applies innovative solutions and provides value to the American taxpayer.
Tank Waste News
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A trio of new and improved filters in a key operating facility at the Savannah River Site has optimized efficiency and accelerated production of the radioactive waste tank cleanup mission — marking the completion of a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management priority to execute key cleanup to safely address the risk associated with legacy waste. December 23, 2025December 23, 2025
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Crews at the Hanford Site have introduced an advanced metal coating technology to help extend the life of underground tanks that hold radioactive waste. December 16, 2025December 16, 2025
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Assistant Secretary Tim Walsh welcomed U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to the Hanford Site.December 9, 2025
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The Hanford Site’s Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant has reached another major commissioning milestone, producing more than 20 stainless steel containers of immobilized low-activity waste. December 9, 2025December 9, 2025