The Energy Department on Wednesday signed a key document to allow operations at a multibillion-dollar vitrification plant to move forward at the Hanford nuclear cleanup site in Washington state, according to Democratic Sen. Patty Murray.
The sign-off arrives after Murray last week accused Energy Secretary Wright in a phone call of admitting to stalling the project by raising safety concerns without sufficient proof, and delaying a final approval needed to start up the plant that was originally expected at the end of August. DOE has now signed that document, Murray said.
“After unacceptable delays, it’s good that DOE has finally heeded my call to sign the paperwork necessary to move forward with the final step of hot commissioning before treatment of radioactive waste can begin on October 15th,” said Murray.
The agency did not immediately respond when asked about the document and what safety concerns the department has, if any.
