Latta Visits Savannah River Site, Nuclear Facility

Congressman Bob Latta, Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce, visited the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS) to receive an in-depth tour of the facilities and receive updates on the process for the disposal of nuclear waste. Congressman Latta released the following statement after his visit: "It was great to see the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina, where the Department of Energy is taking on the federal government's statutory responsibility to clean up nuclear waste. "The site plays a vital role in advancing our nation's nuclear interests, both domestically and internationally, and SRS's focus on cleaning up nuclear components is critical for protecting the health and well-being of every American. "As a member of the Environment Subcommittee on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I understand how important it is for our country to safely dispose of nuclear waste so that surrounding communities are protected from environmental hazards. "Seeing the site's comprehensive process for safe disposal, and watching the expert professionals who operate this facility has given me even further confidence in our ability as a nation to handle complex energy waste issues. "Last month, the Energy Subcommittee held a hearing with the Department of Energy and industry professionals to discuss the future of spent nuclear fuel storage and how we can support every stage of our nuclear fuel cycle moving into the future. "With tremendous support for nuclear power, it's critical that we continue to focus on generating more affordable, and reliable power in efficient and safe ways. Advancing safe nuclear power for America is paramount to our national security and environmental safety." Details of the visit: During his time at the facility, Congressman Latta focused on SRS's integrated radioactive liquid waste treatment facility that handles by-products from the processing of nuclear materials. Congressman Latta first visited the H tank farm, one of two tank farms, where SRS stores about 32 million gallons of radioactive waste in 43 underground carbon-steel waste tanks. The Congressman also visited the Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF), where SRS treats the radioactive salt components that make up more than 90% of the contents of the tanks. Congressman Latta also participated in a sampling discussion at the SWPF. At the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF), Congressman Latta viewed where SRS takes radioactive sludge from the tanks, and combines it with higher activity salt waste components to be turned into glass for storage and disposal. The Congressman's final facility viewing was a drive through the Saltstone Disposal Units (SDUs) where lower level salt solutions from the nuclear waste are permanently stored. Once a tank from the farm is emptied and the contents are treated and safely disposed of or stored, the tank is cleaned and operationally closed. To learn more about SRS's facility and nuclear waste treatment processes, click here .