Brief Description: Requesting the privatization of the department of energy's fast flux test facility complex.

Sponsors: Representatives Delvin, Hankins, Grant, Schoesler, Clements, Mastin, Cox, Skinner, Newhouse, Jarrett, Chandler, Clibborn and Kessler.

Hearing Date: 2/6/04

Staff: Pam Madson (786-7166).

Background:

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is a 400-megawatt (thermal) liquid-metal (sodium) cooled fast neutron flux nuclear test reactor owned by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The facility is located within the DOE's Hanford Site. Currently, the FFTF is undergoing deactivation.

From 1982 until 1992, the facility operated as a national research facility to test advanced nuclear fuels, materials, components, and nuclear power plant operations. The facility also produced a variety of medical and industrial isotopes, and conducted cooperative international research work.

The process of shutting down the facility began in 1993. A National Environmental Policy Act Environmental Assessment was completed in 1995 with a determination of no significant impact. Additional evaluations were made of the role that could be played by this facility during the period 1997 through December of 2001. In 2001, the DOE decided that it would be impracticable to restart the facility and again began deactivation.

There has been a series of recent legal challenges to the actions being taken by the DOE with respect to decommissioning the facility.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature requests that the United States Department of Energy act on United States District Court Judge Edward F. Shea's ruling that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be prepared to determine the final disposition of the unused Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) property and that the federal agency avoid every irretrievable action that could jeopardize future uses.

Further, the Legislature requests that the facility be transferred to a qualified party for the production of medical isotopes and other energy related issues.

The Legislature requests that the Secretary of Energy call a multi-agency meeting to discuss potential multiple uses.

The request is made to the President of the United States, the Secretary of the Department of Energy, the President of the U.S. Senate, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and each member of Congress from the State of Washington.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.