[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 150 (Monday, September 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE OPERATION OF THE INTEGRATED WASTE TREATMENT UNIT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 2023

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, alongside my esteemed 
colleagues Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, to recognize the 
committed staff at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Site's 
Integrated Waste Treatment Unit (IWTU). In the face of many challenges, 
the employees who supported IWTU demonstrated professionalism, 
expertise, dedication to the mission, and exemplified the spirit of 
American innovation.
  IWTU engineers, scientists, crafts specialists, plant operators, and 
administration professionals always believed they could overcome the 
challenges of this first-of-a-kind radioactive liquid waste treatment 
facility. Following its construction from 2007 to 2011, the IWTU 
underwent testing of its steam-reforming process, which was chosen to 
solidify 900,000 gallons of liquid sodium-bearing waste from an 
underground tank farm. This waste was generated during the INL's spent 
nuclear fuel reprocessing mission during the height of the Cold War.
  From the first demonstration run at the IWTU in 2012, mechanical 
problems were apparent as metal filters became plugged, resulting in a 
quick shutdown of the facility. During subsequent runs, further 
mechanical problems surfaced as well as chemistry challenges within the 
IWTU's primary reaction vessel. The Department of Energy (DOE) and its 
contractors didn't give up. Together, they devised a plan to 
systematically identify and resolve all problems. They employed some of 
the brightest scientists at the INL and across the country, worked with 
academia in several states, and utilized the resources of corporate and 
small businesses. In all, engineers, scientists, and fabricators made 
hundreds of modifications to the IWTU, and with each subsequent 
demonstration run, the facility became more reliable and predictable.
  On April 11, 2023, 16 years after construction began, IWTU operators 
were given permission to start radiological operations. At first, 10 
percent radioactive liquid waste was blended with 90 percent simulant. 
This ratio was increased to 50:50 and later to 100 percent sodium-
bearing waste. For those on the project who sacrificed countless 
weekends, holidays, and quality time with family, this moment was the 
culmination of years of committed work for a greater cause.
  I want to thank all the Idaho Environmental Coalition employees who 
have supported this project. Their contributions are protecting the 
Snake River Plain Aquifer, which is the primary source of drinking 
water and agricultural water for more than 300,000 Idahoans. 
Furthermore, their actions in treating legacy Cold War waste and 
closing these sites pave the way for future nuclear research work in 
Idaho.
  I would like to join my distinguished colleagues Senators Crapo and 
Risch, in congratulating the IWTU team on this extremely important 
achievement. They represent the most talented and committed individuals 
in the DOE Complex. Perhaps more importantly, they represent the 
greatest of our country and the ingenuity that makes the United States 
stand out in the world.

                          ____________________