Newhouse Congratulates Hanford on Start of Waste Treatment Plant

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on the start of the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP).

"Today is a historic milestone in the Hanford cleanup over two decades in the making," said Rep. Newhouse. "Congratulations to everyone at Hanford who has worked to bring the DFLAW project online and for your unwavering commitment to the cleanup mission. I have been a proud ally to Hanford through my role on the House Appropriations Committee, and I will continue working to make sure the federal government plays its part in supporting the cleanup effort."

Earlier today, Bechtel announced the WTP has successfully converted the first batch of radioactive and chemical waste into glass through the vitrification process.

The WTP will process and stabilize much of the 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored in underground tanks at the Hanford site. When fully operational, the plant will process an average of 5,300 gallons of tank waste per day.

Rep. Newhouse is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water responsible for funding the Department of Energy and the Hanford cleanup.

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