Perma-Fix Northwest Richland, Inc.

The Waste Management Section issues two licenses to Perma-Fix to possess and process radioactive material. One license is for mixed waste (MW), which is hazardous waste that contains both non-radioactive and radioactive components. The other license is for low-level radioactive waste (LLRW), which is waste that contains radioactive material that is not high-level radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel, or byproduct material as defined in section 11e.2 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

An inspector is assigned to this facility. Inspections include examination of the shipping documents, a thorough radiation survey of the transport vehicle, and a visual inspection of the individual containers for appropriate marking, labeling and container integrity. The inspector also performs licensing functions for the facility to ensure that old and new processes are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Frequent inspections of the facility's operations ensure compliance with the radioactive material license. Throughout the year, the licensee's entire radiation protection program is reviewed by the inspector with assistance from other groups and agencies.

While the processing facility has been in operation since the early 1990's, Perma-Fix, started operating this facility in June 2007. The facility has been involved with the completion of numerous projects supporting the nuclear industries. Waste has been received from the federal government, reactor operators, medical facilities, and other waste brokers and processors. The main purpose of the facility is volume reduction and stabilization of radioactive waste material. The Perma-Fix facility uses several different methods to process mixed waste and low level radioactive waste. Processing methods are chosen according to waste volume and characteristics.

More Information

Contact Cheryl Rogers, 360-236-3244.