NAC Delivers Cask Storage Systems for Unique Radioactive Waste at Hanford Site

NAC International Inc. (NAC) has worked closely with site contractor Central Plateau Cleanup Company (CPCCo) and the contractor’s predecessor to design, fabricate, and deliver 19 cask storage systems to the Department of Energy’s Hanford Site.

The cask systems, now being assembled at the site, will be used for dry storage of 1,936 sealed stainless-steel capsules previously stored underwater at the Waste Encapsulation and Storage Facility. The capsules contain millions of curies of Cesium and Strontium removed from legacy tank waste, representing around one-third of the radioactivity on the Hanford site.

The basis of the cask storage system design is the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensed NAC Multi-Purpose Canister (NAC-MPC), Certificate of Compliance No. 72-1025. Originally licensed for spent nuclear fuel, the NAC-MPC design was modified specifically for the capsules’ contents. The NAC-MPC is a dual-purpose design, with an inner canister suitable for safe transportation as well as storage. The NAC MPC cask system was also the basis for the design of transportable dry storage systems for high level waste canisters deployed at the DOE West Valley Demonstration Project in New York.

“This is another demonstration of the versatility and robustness of NAC cask technology. We are honored and proud to be part of this project and congratulate CPCCo on reaching an important milestone in support of the Hanford site cleanup mission,” said Kent Cole, NAC President and CEO.  

More information on the NAC-MPC systems at the Hanford site is available at https://www.energy.gov/em/articles/perfect-fit-crews-assemble-cask-storage-system