Disposal of wastes in Hanford single-shell tanks

Wastes stored in single-shell tanks are among radioactive waste located at the US Dept. of Energy's Hanford site. The draft Hanford defense waste environmental impact statement evaluates alternatives for final disposal of these wastes. These alternatives include geologic disposal, continued storage (not a final disposal option), in place-stabilization and disposal, and a reference alternative (combination disposal). In the case of single-shell tank wastes, both the in-place stabilization and disposal and reference options would lead to the wastes being disposed of in place. The geologic disposal alternative would lead to retrieval and processing of the wastes. The technology required for implementation of in-place stabilization and disposal of single-shell tank wastes is being developed pending possible selection of this option. The inplace stabilization technology includes dome fill, barrier, and marker placement. Based on the minimal transuranic content, heat loading, waste inventory, and chemical content, the TY tank farm has been selected for a test of this technology.