The US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Environmental Management (EM) has awarded the Hanford Integrated Tank Disposition Contract (ITDC) to Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure, LLC (H2C) of Lynchburg, Virginia, for work at the Hanford Site in southeastern Washington State.

The Hanford Site is home to approximately 56m gallons of radioactive tank waste stored in 177 underground tanks, representing one of DOE’s largest environmental risks and most complex challenges. The tank waste is a result of nearly five decades of plutonium production during World War II.

H2C is a newly formed limited liability company comprising BWXT Technical Services Group (BWXT TSG), Amentum Environment & Energy (Amentum), and Fluor Federal Services (FFS). H2C’s Teaming Subcontractors include DBD, DSS Sustainable Solutions USA, INTERA Incorporated, and Longenecker & Associates.

The $45bn indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract over a 10-year ordering period covers a broad scope of work, including The but not be limited to the following:

  • Operation of tank farm facilities, including single-shell tank waste retrieval and closure
  • Design, construction, and operation of waste receiving facilities and treatment capabilities
  • Operation of the Waste Treatment and Immobilisation Plant
  • Core functions such as project management; environment, safety, health, and quality; security and emergency services; and business performance requirements.

The contract includes requirements for meaningful work to be performed by small businesses and will promote robust community commitment and engagement, including support to site reindustrialisation by the local community. Submission of a community commitment plan to DOE is also required.

For more than 30 years, EM has focused on addressing the environmental legacy of nuclear weapons development and nuclear energy research. EM said it delivering results that are protecting the environment, supporting communities, and enabling a concerted focus on safely completing the mission sooner and more efficiently.

Image: The Hanford Site in southeastern Washington State (courtesy of USDOE)