Journey to Commissioning
At the Hanford Vit Plant, hot commissioning is fully underway for the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) process. Vitrification, the plant’s core process, converts nuclear waste into a stable glass form for safe disposal. Commissioning verifies that the plant’s functionality, operator training and proficiency,
and safety protocols are acceptable and ready for full operations.
Hot commissioning is the final step before full operation. Hot commissioning began on October 8, 2025, and the first Hanford tank waste was vitrified on October 11, 2025. Follow the commissioning journey (details below) to see how the Vit Plant has achieved safe and effective
waste treatment and significantly reduced environmental risks.
Hot Commissioning Press Releases
The Hanford Site Begins Solidifying
Tank Waste in Glass
October 15, 2025
Bechtel Begins Nuclear Vitrification
at Hanford Site
October 15, 2025
HOT Commissioning Overview
Hot Commissioning
Hot Commissioning involves processing actual tank waste from the Hanford Tank Farms to confirm operational readiness. Key activities include:
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- Introduction of Tank Waste from the Hanford Tank Farms: Start with small quantities, gradually increasing to full levels.
- Performance Validation: Validate all systems’ performance and compliance with safety standards.
- Operational Adjustments: Optimize system performance and address issues.
- Compliance Verification: Confirm adherence to regulations and safety standards.
- Final Documentation and Approval: Prepare comprehensive reports and obtain regulatory approvals for full-scale operations.
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Hot Commissioning is the phase during which the Vit Plant starts processing actual radioactive waste for the first time. This step follows Cold Commissioning, confirming that the facility can safely operate as designed while treating real tank waste.
The Low-Activity Waste Facility houses two 300-ton nuclear waste melters—the largest in the nuclear industry—which will heat Hanford’s low-activity tank waste and glass-forming materials to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Containers filled with molten test glass are moved remotely by operators through the LAW Facility to the export bay before being transported offsite.
Remaining Steps in the Commissioning Journey
Bringing WTP’s DFLAW systems online involved a sequenced commissioning process. This means individual systems within the plant, like mechanical handling, were brought online and tested individually, then together to ensure they function safely and efficiently before full-scale waste treatment begins. This systematic approach ensured the entire plant will operate as designed to convert low-activity waste into stable glass.
Hot Commissioning
Hot Commissioning Definition
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Hot Commissioning Definition
Following Cold Commissioning, Hot Commissioning is the phase in the startup of the facility where radioactive tank waste is introduced into the system for the first time. This phase is critical for testing and validating the equipment, processes, and operational procedures, and ensuring that the plant operates safely and effectively before transitioning to full-scale, continuous operations.
Begin Hot Commissioning
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Hot Commissioning uses low-level radioactive tank waste. Readiness assessments at key points confirms the plant’s preparedness for each step in that process. It follows a set of mandated DOE readiness activities before approval to use radioactive tank waste for testing. Hot Commissioning will begin after the following steps and reviews have been successfully completed.
Implementation Verification Review
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The Implementation Verification Review (IVR) is an external assessment verifying the complete and proper implementation of the documented safety analysis before hot commissioning can begin.
The WTP team completed and passed this review in April 2025.
Management Self-Assessment
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The Management Self-Assessment (MSA) is an external review simulating the Contractor Operational Readiness Review (CORR) to identify any areas for improvement before CORR. It indicates readiness for the CORR and assesses the project’s operational effectiveness.
The WTP team completed and passed this review in late 2024.
Contractor Operational Readiness Review
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The Contractor Operational Readiness Review (CORR) is an external review by the Contractor, similar to the CCMA, but focused on readiness for Hot Commissioning Testing (HCT) with radioactive waste. It is conducted by independent reviewers to assess compliance with DOE requirements.
The WTP team completed and passed this review in May 2025.
DOE Operational Readiness Review
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The DOE Operational Readiness Review (DORR) is the final external review conducted by DOE itself to ensure the WTP meets all regulatory requirements for handling radioactive waste. It follows DOE Order 425.1 to validate safe and compliant operation readiness.
The WTP team completed and passed this review in July 2025.
DOE Approval To Proceed
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DOE Approval to Proceed is issued through a formal review based on DOE Order 425.1. This validates the contractor’s safe and compliant operation and grants authorization for WTP to proceed with hot commissioning testing.
The WTP team completed and passed this review in July 2025.
Hot Commissioning Testing
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Hot Commissioning is a critical phase where actual radioactive waste from the Hanford tank farms is used to test the entire system’s ability to safely vitrify (immobilize) the waste in glass. It involves testing for both chemical and radiological hazards.
Commissioning Finish and Turnover
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The commissioning finish and handover is based on DOE’s formal review and approval for full operation based on successful completion of all readiness reviews and testing. It ensures facility operation aligns with the approved safety plan and confirms the contractor’s readiness to begin operations.
Finish Hot Commissioning
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Upon successful completion of the above steps, formal authorization from the DOE and all stakeholders is granted, signifying their confidence in the facility’s readiness for safe and effective waste treatment and transition to the operating contractor.
HOT Commissioning FAQs
What is Hot Commissioning at the Vit Plant?
Hot Commissioning is the phase during which the Vit Plant starts processing actual radioactive waste for the first time. This step follows Cold Commissioning, confirming that the facility can safely operate as designed while treating real tank waste.
Why is Hot Commissioning important?
Hot Commissioning demonstrates the plant’s ability to safely process and immobilize radioactive waste in glass, significantly reducing environmental risks. Successfully initiating Hot Commissioning is a critical step toward future operational waste treatment.
What is the difference between Cold and Hot Commissioning?
Cold Commissioning tests the plant’s systems and equipment using non-radioactive simulated materials. Hot Commissioning introduces actual radioactive tank waste into the process, marking the transition from simulations to real waste treatment operations.
What happens during Hot Commissioning?
During Hot Commissioning, radioactive waste from Hanford’s storage tanks is fed into the plant’s melters, where it is mixed with glass-forming materials, heated to high temperatures, and vitrified (converted to stable glass) for safe, long-term disposal.
How long will Hot Commissioning take?
Hot Commissioning will last approximately 12 to 18 months. The exact timeline will depend on operational performance, regulatory approval, and safety verifications during initial radioactive operations.
Is Hot Commissioning safe?
Yes. Safety is the highest priority. The Vit Plant is designed with robust protective measures, comprehensive radiation shielding, remote handling technologies, and extensive safety monitoring systems to ensure safe operations during Hot Commissioning.
Will Hot Commissioning affect the environment or public health?
Protecting the environment and public health is paramount. Continuous monitoring, strict regulatory oversight, and stringent environmental controls are in place to ensure Hot Commissioning operations pose no adverse impacts to workers, the public, or the environment.
What comes after Hot Commissioning?
After successfully completing Hot Commissioning, the Vit Plant will transition into long-term operational status, routinely treating and vitrifying Hanford’s radioactive waste to safely immobilize it in glass under the contractor Hanford Tank Waste Operations Company.
Who oversees Hot Commissioning?
Hot Commissioning is closely monitored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Washington State Department of Ecology, and other regulatory agencies. Additionally, independent experts and stakeholders provide oversight and review throughout the process.
How can I learn more or stay informed about Hot Commissioning?
Information, updates, and key milestones about Hot Commissioning are regularly posted online. Visit hanfordvitplant.com to stay informed.