RCRA Facility Operating Permits

Documents in this category include the RCRA Facility Operating Permit, applications, modification requests, and correspondence. Some of these documents are also available through the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Hazardous Waste Bureau.

Hazardous and mixed wastes are generated during ongoing operations at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). These wastes are stored or treated in one of nine on-site Permitted Units. The wastes and treatment residues are then packaged and sent to other permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities throughout the United States. An additional unit is undergoing post-closure care under the RCRA Facility Operating Permit.

Sandia National Laboratories is owned by the Department of Energy (DOE) and is operated and managed by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC. (NTESS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc. 

RCRA permits issued by the NMED apply to both the owner and operator.

Permitted Units

DOE and Sandia operate ten Permitted Units at SNL (listed in the table) under the terms of the RCRA Facility Operating Permit that took effect on February 26, 2015.

Waste Management UnitTypes of Hazardous WastesTypes of Mixed WasteWaste Management Operations
Hazardous Waste Handling UnitVariousVarious-Storage in containers
-Repackaging
Manzano Storage Bunkers (five separate bunkers)VariousVarious-Storage in containers
Radioactive and Mixed Waste Management UnitVariousVarious-Storage in containers
-Treatment by various methods
-Repackaging
Auxiliary Hot Cell UnitVariousVarious-Storage in containers
-Treatment by various methods
-Repackaging
Thermal Treatment UnitSpecific explosive hazardous wasteNone-Treatment by open burning
Corrective Action Management UnitHolds treated soil from Chemical Waste LandfillHolds treated soil from Chemical Waste Landfill-post-closure care

Permits