HANFORD, Wash. – The Department of Energy has officially approved the opening of the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (or DFLAW) program at the Hanford Vitrification Plant, set to begin on October 15, 2025.
This decision allows the Hanford site to process nuclear waste by turning it into glass. The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty from the Trump administration, which had hinted at possible delays.
Senator Maria Cantwell emphasized the importance of this approval, noting the potential risk to thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investments if the program had been postponed.
Senator Cantwell highlighted the urgency of the program, stating, “Right now, there are 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste being stored underground in World War Two Era tanks. These 177 waste storage tanks are over 40 years old, so definitely beyond their life design. Some of these tanks are leaking over 1,000 gallons of waste in a year into the ground. So, this waste is making its way to the Columbia River, which supplies drinking water to nearly 3,000 residents in the Tri-Cities.”
In a statement, Cantwell’s office confirmed that the program’s approval safeguards approximately 3,000 local jobs and supports the more than 20-year project, which has seen a $24 billion investment.
Cantwell expressed her anticipation for the program’s start, saying, “I look forward to October 15th when tank waste will be removed, treated, and safely stored for disposal for the first time in the decades-long effort to clean up Hanford.”
Representative Dan Newhouse also commented on the program’s approval, dispelling any rumors of delays. “Despite unsubstantiated rumors and speculation, this morning’s signed approval from DOE is confirmation of what Secretary Wright told me multiple times over the past 10 days, that there will be no delays to the start of the waste treatment plant. I have consistently championed funding for the DFLAW program, and I look forward to seeing Hanford achieve this milestone and enter its next chapter in the cleanup mission,” he said.
The Department of Energy provided a statement to NonStop Local, affirming the program’s significance: “Hanford another step closer to introducing radioactive tank waste into the waste treatment plant where it will be solidified in glass to meet the October 15, 2025, milestone. As with every project, Hanford continues working through remaining steps to prepare for start-up in a safe and deliberate manner.”
Governor Bob Ferguson also lauded the approval, describing it as a critical step forward. “This is critical step forward, and a victory worth celebrating. The united voices of workers, businesses and elected leaders are making a difference. We will hold the Trump administration accountable to the Oct. 15 deadline to begin treating waste at the waste treatment plant,” Ferguson said.