Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)

Permit and Permit Modification Information


The State of New Mexico’s authority to regulate the storage and treatment of hazardous waste at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) for the protection of human health and the environment is governed under the New Mexico Hazardous Waste Act (HWA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Under RCRA, State programs are authorized to operate in lieu of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  New Mexico is authorized by EPA to issue and enforce RCRA hazardous waste facility permits under 50 Fed Reg 1515 (January 11, 1985).  New Mexico implements this authority under the HWA, NMSA 1978, §74-4-1 et seq (Repl. Pamp. 2000).

On November 8, 1989, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) first issued a Hazardous Waste Facility Permit to LANL for the storage and treatment of hazardous waste.  On November 30, 2010 NMED renewed that Permit.  In addition to permitting the storage and treatment of hazardous wastes at 24 separate waste management units, the renewal Permit addresses the closure and post-closure care of disposal units located at TA-54 Areas G, H, and L, and corrective action activities for solid waste management units and areas of concern and groundwater monitoring and remediation facility-wide.  This web site provides the public with information regarding NMED’s implementation of the Permit, including permit modifications at the request of the Permittees.


E-mail notification of Electronic Information Repository

The Permittees have established an electronic Information Repository as required by Section 1.10, Information Repository, of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Hazardous Waste Permit.  As part of keeping the public informed the Permittees have created an e-mail notification when documents are posted to the electronic Information Repository.  To request e-mail notification click here.  Clicking on this link  will take you to the Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Public Reading Room: Environmental Documents, Reports webpage. 


Current LANL Permit

Permit Parts 1 through 11 – November 2023
Attachment A – Technical Area Unit Description – January 2024
Attachment B – Part A Application – November 2023
Attachment C – Waste Analysis Plan – September 2023
Attachment D – Contingency Plan – January 2024
Attachment E – Inspection Plan – October 2021
Attachment F – Personnel Training Plan – June 2019
Attachment G – Closure Plans – September 2023
Attachment H – Post-Closure Plans (reserved) – June 2011
Attachment I – Compliance Schedule – June 2012
Attachment J – Hazardous Waste Management Units – November 2023
Attachment K – Listing of SWMUs and AOCs – February 2019
Attachment L – Listing of Off-site Facilities – November 2010
Attachment M – (reserved) – June 2011
Attachment N – Figures – January 2024
Attachment O – Long-term Monitoring and Maintenance Plans (reserved) – June 2011


RCRA Permit Renewal

March 29, 2023 - DOE Letter for Renewal Application Path Forward

January 25, 2022 - NMED reviewed DOE's Response and issued a second Administrative Incomplete Determination.


NMED Second Administrative Incomplete Determination

July 21, 2021 - DOE responded to NMED's Incomplete Determination of the Application for Renewal of the RCRA Permit.

DOE Response

March 23, 2021 – NMED issued Administratively Incomplete Determination for Part A and General Part B of the LANL RCRA Permit Renewal Application:

NMED Administrative Incomplete Determination

September 29, 2020 – NMED issued a public notice of the availability for public review of  Los Alamos National Laboratory’s General Part A Permit Application and Part B Permit Application for Renewal of the RCRA Permit, dated June 26, 2020.

Public Notice English Version
Public Notice Spanish Version

June 29, 2020 –NMED received Los Alamos National Laboratory’s General Part A Permit Application and Part B Permit Application for Renewal of the RCRA Permit dated, June 26, 2020.

Part A Permit Application, Revision 10.0 
Part B Permit Application Volume 1 & 2


Permit Related News


2024 Permit Activities


February 15, 2024

After assuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR §270.42, NMED has issued an approval of a Class 1 Permit Modification Request to amend the Closure Plan schedule for Technical Area 16-399, Open Burn Unit. To accommodate the analytical schedule, NMED is approving the extension to complete the field activities by May 15, 2024.

Click here to see:
February 15, 2024 - NMED Approval
January 24, 2024 - Request and Amended Closure Plan for 16-399


January 17, 2024

After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC incorporating Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulation (40 CFR) § 270.42, Appendix I, Items A.2, B.6.b, and B.6.d. NMED has incorporated the Class 1 Permit Modification Notification updating emergency contact information, emergency equipment, in Attachments A and D. NMED has also corrected the spelling of Enewetak Drive in Permit Attachments A and N to be consistent with the new signage adopted by the Permittee.
January 17, 2024 - NMED Approval
January 17, 2024 - Modified Permit Attachments A, D, and N-Redline
November 27, 2023 - DOE Permit Modification Notification


2023 Permit Activities


November 14, 2023

After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC incorporating Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulation (40 CFR) § 270.42, Appendix I, Items F.1.b and F.1.c. NMED has issued this Approval for the Permittees to add one hazardous waste management unit to Technical Area 60 to add storage and treatment (by macroencapsulation).

The Permittees provided a 60-day public comment period from March 16, 2023, to May 15, 2023. The Permittees held a Public Meeting from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on April 19, 2023. After a review of public comments and a meeting with the Permittees, NMED determined that the Permit Modification Request was Administratively Incomplete, and NMED sent a formal determination on June 28, 2023. On August 22, 2023, the Permittees requested a 60-day extension to respond to the Administratively Incomplete Determination, which NMED subsequently approved on October 6. On October 23, 2023, the Permittees provided a Response to Administratively Incomplete Determination. NMED has reviewed this response and on October 30, 2023, NMED determined that the Request is now administratively complete in accordance with 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 270.

NMED has reviewed the Request in accordance with 20.4.1.900 NMAC (incorporating 40 Code of Federal Regulations 270.42(b)) and hereby approves this modification.

Click here to see:
November 14, 2023  Approval of Class 2 Permit Modification Request and Response to Comments
November 14, 2023  Permit Modification-Redline
October 30, 2023    NMED Determination of Administrative Completeness
October 23, 2023    DOE Response to Administratively Incomplete Determination
October 6, 2023      NMED Approval of Extension Request
September 19, 2023 NM Bureau of Geology Mineral Resources Memo
August 22, 2023     DOE Extension Request
June 28, 2023         NMED Administratively Incomplete Determination
May 16, 2023          Public Comments Received
April 19, 2023         Public Meeting Presentation
March 15, 2023       Public Meeting Notice
March 15, 2023       DOE Permit Modification Request


September 14, 2023

After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR §270.42 Appendix I, Item D.1.b, NMED has incorporated in Permit a Class 1 permit modification request with prior approval to add treatment processes to resize oversized waste containers in a large glovebox located in an indoor unit at Technical Area 50, Building 69.  Permit Parts 1-11, Attachments A, B, C, G.4, J, and N have been updated. Click here to see:

September 14, 2023 - NMED Approval of PMR
September 14, 2023 – Modified Permit
September 14, 2023 – Modified Permit-Redline
July 19, 2023 - DOE Permit Modification Request


September 6, 2023

After assuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR §270.42, NMED has issued a modified approval of a Class 1 Permit Modification Request to amend the Closure Plan schedule for Technical Area 16-399, Open Burn Unit. To accommodate the analytical schedule, NMED is approving the extension to complete the field closure activities by November 17, 2023. Final closure certification report is due 60 days after the receipt of confirmatory sampling data from the analytical laboratory. Click here to see:
September 6, 2023 -NMED Modified Approval
August 17, 2023- NMED Approval
August 7, 2023-Request and Amended Closure Plan for 16-399


August 17, 2023

After assuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR §270.42 Appendix I, item D.1.b, NMED has approved a Class 1 Permit Modification Request to extend the deadline to complete closure activities by additional 60-days to accommodate unavoidable scheduling delays in removing excavated sediments that have accumulated during closure.  NMED has incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request to amend the schedule in the closure plan for Technical Area 16-399. Click here to see:
August 17, 2023- NMED Approval
August 7, 2023-Request and Amended Closure Plan for 16-399


May 25, 2023

After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR §270.42 Appendix I, items A.1 and A.3, NMED has incorporated a Class 1 permit modification request to Add a Universal Drum Assay and Segregation System and Hydraulic Power Supply Unit at Technical Area 54, Area G, Pad 11, by updating Permit Attachments A, G.12, and N. Click here to see:

May 25, 2023 - NMED Approval
May 25, 2023 - Permit Modifications
May 25, 2023 - Permit Modifications-Redline
April 13, 2022 - DOE Permit Modification Request


March 13, 2023

The Permittees submitted a Class 2 permit modification request to add a New Hazardous Waste Management Unit at Technical Area 60, in accordance with Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulation (40 CFR) § 270.42, Appendix I, Items F.1.b and F1.c.

The Permittees provided a 60-day public comment period from March 16, 2023, to May 15, 2023.  The Permittees have scheduled a Public Meeting at 5:00 pm on April 19, 2023. The Permittees have provided notification to the public in accordance with the requirements set forth in 40 CFR 270.42(b)(2).  Public Comments must be submitted in writing either through the Public Comment Portal or directly to Neelam Dhawan as described in the Public Notice. Click here to see:

March 16, 2023 – DOE Public Notice
March 13, 2023 - DOE Permit Modification Request


March 8, 2023

After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR §270.42 Appendix I, items D.1.b., NMED has incorporated a Class 1 permit modification request requiring prior approval to extend the Closure Period for Technical Area 16-399 an additional 180-days to complete additional sampling and excavation at the unit. Click here to see:

March 9, 2023 - NMED Approval
March 9, 2023 – Modified Closure Plan, Revision 2
March 9, 2023 – Modified Closure Plan, Revision 2-Redline
March 3, 2023-DOE Permit Modification Request


January 25, 2023

After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR §270.42 Appendix I, items B.6.b and B.6.d., NMED has incorporated a Class 1 permit modification notification updating Contact Information and Emergency Equipment in the Contingency Plan, Attachment D. Click here to see:

January 25, 2023 - NMED Approval
January 25, 2023 – Modified Permit Attachment D
January 25, 2023 – Modified Permit Attachment D-Redline
December 19, 2022-DOE Permit Modification Notification


2022 Activities


September 6, 2022

After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC incorporating Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulation (40 CFR) § 270.42, Appendix I, Item D.1.e. NMED has issued an Approval with Modifications to a Class 2 permit modification request to amend an approved Closure Plan for TA-16-399 Burn Tray. The Permittees provided a 60-day public comment period from June 9, 2022 to August 8, 2022. The Permittees held a Public Meeting at 5:30 pm on July 12, 2022. Click here to see:

September 6, 2022      Approval with Modification of Amended Closure Plan TA-16-399
September 6, 2022      Response to Public Comments
September 6, 2022      Modified Amended Closure Plan-Clean Version
September 6, 2022      Modified Amended Closure Plan-Redline Version
August 8, 2022              Public Comments Received
July 12, 2022                  Public Meeting Notice
July 12, 2022                  Public Meeting Presentation
June 7, 2022                   Permittees Amended Closure Plan for 16-399, Clean Version
June 7, 2022                   Permittees Amended Closure Plan for 16-399, Redline Version


June 22 2022

After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR §270.42 Appendix I, item B.1.a. NMED has incorporated a Class 1 permit modification notification (without prior approval) to update the Permit to add a real-time radiography unit to Technical Area 54, Area G, Pad 10; updating descriptions in Permit Attachments A, G.6, G.11, and N
Click here to see:
May 13, 2022 – Permit Modification Request
June 22, 2022 – NMED Approval
June 22, 2022 – Modified Attachments


June 9, 2022

The Permittees submitted a Class 2 permit modification request to amend the Closure Plan for the Technical Area 16-399 Burn Tray, in accordance with Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulation (40 CFR) § 270.42, Appendix I, Item D.1.e requires a Class 2 permit modification when changes become necessary to an approved closure plan that results from unexpected events occurring during partial or final closure.

The Permittees have provided a 60-day public comment period from June 9, 2022 to August 8, 2022.  The Permittees have scheduled a Public Meeting at 5:30 pm on July 12, 2022. The Permittees have provided notification to the public in accordance with the requirements set forth in 40 CFR 270.42(b)(2). Click here to see:
Permittees Presentation
Permittees Public Notice
Request and Amended Closure Plan for 16-399_Clean copy
Amended Closure Plan for 16-399_Redline copy



2021 Activities


October 18, 2021

After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR §270.42 Appendix I, item F.1.c.  NMED has incorporated a Class 1 permit modification request to add treatment (T04) or treatment processes necessary to treat wastes that are restricted from land disposal to meet some or all of the applicable treatment standards to Technical Area 54, Pad 11, Dome 375. NMED has also incorporated the requested administrative changes, and changes in functionally equivalent equipment in accordance with 40 CFR 270.42 Appendix I A.1 and A.3 respectively. Click here to see:
August 10, 2021-Permit Modification Request
October 18, 2021 - NMED Approval
October 18, 2021 – Modified Permit Parts 1-11 and Attachments: A, C, E, G.12, J and N


September 14, 2021

After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR §270.42 Appendix I, item B.6.d. NMED has incorporated a Class 1 permit modification notification updating names and phone numbers listed in the contingency plan, Attachment D. Click here to see:

2020 Activities


November 2, 2020 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR §270.42, NMED has incorporated DOE’s two Notifications for Class 1 Permit Modifications updating RCRA Permit Part 1.10 and Attachment D. Click here to see:

September 18, 2020 – DOE Request (Updating Permit Attachment D) 
September 28, 2020 – DOE Request (Updating Permit Part 1.10)
November 2, 2020 – NMED Approval
November 2, 2020 – Modified Permit and Attachments



June 29, 2020 –After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC incorporating 40 CFR §270.42 Appendix I, item F.1.c. NMED has incorporated a Class 1 permit modification request requiring prior approval to update the Permit to add treatment to Technical Area 54, Area G, Pad 9, Dome 231; updating descriptions in Permit Part 7, and Attachments A, B, C, E, G, J, and N. Click here to see:
January 27, 2020 – Request 
June 29, 2020 – NMED Approval
June 29, 2020 – Modified Permit and Attachments


2019 Activities


August 15, 2019 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR §270.42. NMED has incorporated a Class 1 permit modification to update the Permit to add a support structure at Technical Area 54 Pad 11; updating descriptions in Permit Attachments A, G, and N. Click here to see:
June 5, 2019 – Request Permit 38962
August 6, 2019 – Revised Request Permit 39051
August 15, 2019 – NMED Approval


August 7, 2019 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.01.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42. NMED has incorporated a Class 1 permit modification notification (PMN) to update EPA 877-12 (Part A) Form in Permit Attachment B to include the Secondary Hazardous Material Exemption, and Aerosol Cans as Universal Waste in accordance with 20.4.1.1101.A(3).  Click here to see:
July 5, 2019 – Request and Revised Attachment – Part A (Permit Attachment B)
August 7, 2019 – NMED Approval


June 12, 2019 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.01.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42. NMED has incorporated a Class 1 permit modification notification (PMN) to update Permit descriptions and names in Permit Parts 1-11, and Permit Attachments A, D, and F.  Click here to see:
May 21, 2019 – Request Permit 38923
June 12, 2019 – NMED Approval Permit 38975


February 08, 2019 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED approved a Class 1* permit modification request and modified the Permit to update Attachment K of the Hazardous Waste PermitOne new SWMU and one AOC were added to Table K-1, and one AOC was removed from Table K-3. Click here to see:
January 24, 2019 – Request 38778
February 08, 2019 – NMED Approval and Attachment K   38794
February 15, 2019 – NMED Clarification 38808


January 17, 2019 – After considering the comments received during the public comment period, NMED has issued the final Closure Plan for Open Burn (OB) Unit (16-399) at Technical Area (TA) 16 at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Click here to see:
NMED Issuance Letter  TA 16 38770
Closure Plan TA-16-399  TA 16 38770
Response to Comments  TA 16 38770


January 15, 2019 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED has approved a Class 1* permit modification request (PMR) to update Permit Attachment C-Waste Analysis Plan to add a new waste stream description.
Click here to see:
September 26, 2018 – Request Permit 38595
October 26, 2018 – Permit Modification Class Determination and Fee Assessment  Permit 38641
January 15, 2019-NMED Approval Letter  Permit 38750



2018 Activities


December 7, 2018 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request and modified the Permit to update Table K-1 of Attachment K, Listing of SWMUs and AOCs to add one new Solid Waste Management Unit. Click her to see:
October 11, 2018 – Request  TA-02 3860
December 7, 2018 – NMED Approval Letter   TA-02 38677

September 7, 2018 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42. NMED has incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request (PMR) to update Permit Parts 1, 3, 4, 7, 11, and Permit Attachments A, B, and C to reflect transfer of operational control from Los Alamos National Security (LANS) to Triad National Security, LLC (Triad). The requested permit modification reflects the transfer of controls of specified hazardous waste management units (HWMUs) at Technical Areas 3, 14, 16, 36, 39, 50, 54 West, 55, and 63 from LANS to Triad. Click here to see:
August  16, 2018 – Request   Permit 38570
September 7, 2018 – NMED Approval Letter   Permit 38588


August 13, 2018 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42. NMED has incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request (PMR) to update Permit Parts 1 and 8, and Permit Attachments B, C and J to reflect the addition of treatment by macroencapsulation. Click here to see:
July 19, 2018 – Request  Permit 38541
August 13, 2018 – NMED Approval Letter  Permit 38561


May 17, 2018 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42. NMED has incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request (PMR) to update Permit Part 3 to reflect the change in the waste acceptance restriction date for Technical Area 63 Transuranic Waste Facility. Click here to see:
February 8, 2018 – Request  TA-63 38346
March 13, 2018 – Withdrawal and Resubmittal  TA-63 38404
May 9, 2018 – Second Withdrawal and Resubmittal
May 17, 2018 – NMED Approval Letter TA-63


March 22, 2018 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42. NMED has incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request (PMR) to update Permit Parts 1, 3, 4, 7, and Permit Attachment B to reflect transfer of operational control from LANS to a new Co-operator and the Permittee, Newport News Nuclear BWXT-Los Alamos, LLC (N3B). The requested permit modification reflects the transfer of controls of specified hazardous waste management units (HWMUs) at Technical Area (TA) 54, Areas G, H, and L to N3B. LANS will continue to operate the HWMUs located at TAs 3, 14, 16, 36, 39, 50, 54 West, 55, and 63. Click here to see:
February 15, 2018 Permit Modification Request Permit 38397
March 22, 2018 NMED Approval Permit 38406


February 14, 2018 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42. NMED has incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request (PMR) to update figures and descriptions to remove a refrigeration unit from Technical Area (TA) 54-375. Click here to see:
January 18, 2018 Permit Modification Request  TA 54 38356
February 14, 2018 NMED Approval   TA 54 38365


2017 Activities


October 25, 2017 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42. NMED has incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request (PMR) to update figures and descriptions to remove a refrigeration unit from Technical Area (TA) 50-69. Click here to see:
October 5, 2017 Permit Modification Request TA 50 38219
October 25, 2017 NMED Approval   TA 50 38271


October 16, 2017 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42. NMED has incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request (PMR) to update figures and descriptions to update descriptions, organizational name changes, and personnel name changes to the Hazardous Waste Permit. Click here to see:
May 12, 2017 Permit Modification Request   Permit 38052
October 2, 2017 Withdrawal and Resubmittal Permit Modification Request   Permit 38217
October 16, 2017 NMED Approval   Permit 38252
 


October 4, 2017 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42. NMED has incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request (PMR) to update figures and descriptions to include Dome 224 to the Hazardous Waste Permit. Click here to see:
August 1, 2017 Permit Modification Request   TA-54 38154
October 4, 2017 NMED Approval    TA-54 38267 


July 10, 2017 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1 permit modification. The Permittees submitted this notification to update figures and descriptions of the Transuranic Waste Facility at Technical Area 63. Click here to see:
June 7, 2017 Permit Modification Request TA-63 38074
July 10, 2017 NMED Letter     TA-63 38122


June 23, 2017 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1 permit modification. The Permittees submitted this permit modification request to provide consistency updates to Figures and Text in Attachments G and N. Click here to see:
April 25, 2017 Permit Modification Request Permit 38005
June 23, 2017 NMED Letter Permit 38106


June 12, 2017 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated two Class 1* permit modification requests to modify the Attachment A of the Permit. These modifications provide updates the processes and tools used at Technical Area (TA)-50-69 for treatment. Click here to see:
May 3, 2017 Permit Modification Request Permit 38012
June 5, 2017 Permit Modification Request  Permit 38073
June 12, 2017 NMED Approval Letter Permit 38223
 


May 30, 2017 – The Environment Department approved the Class 2 Permit Modification Request (PMR) to add three hazardous waste management units at Technical Area (TA)-55. This modification increases the storage capacity at TA-55. On April 28, 2017, the Deputy Secretary notified the Permittees that NMED needed a 30-day extension to make a decision on this PMR in accordance with 40 CFR 270.42(b)(6)(ii). Click here to see:
May 30, 2017 Approval Letter and Response to Comments   TA-55 38090
May 30, 2017 Interested Person Letter  TA-55 38091
Revised Permit Parts 1 through 11
Revised Attachment A
Revised Attachment B
Revised Attachment D
Revised Attachment G
Revised Attachment J
Revised Attachment N
April 28, 2017 30-day Extension Notification Letter
January 31, 2017 Permit Modification Request TA-55 37872


May 24, 2017 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request to modify the Permit to revise Table K-1 of Attachment K, Listing of SWMUs and AOCs to identify one existing SWMUs as 2 new SWMUs. Click here to see:
May 1, 2017 Permit Modification Request TA-01 38009
May 24, 2017 NMED Approval Letter
Revised Attachment K


February 10, 2017 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1 permit modification – The Permittees submitted this permit modification request to provide updated organizational name changes to Permit Parts 2.10.5, and Permit Attachment D.
January 3, 2017 Transmittal
February 10, 2107 NMED Approval Letter


January 24, 2017 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1 permit modification request to modify the Permit to revise descriptions and figures to accurately reflect site conditions at Technical Area 54, Pad 11.  The Permittees submit this modification to add a restroom trailer to Technical Area 54, Pad 11.  This Permit modification modifies text and figures to Permit well as Attachments A, G.12, and N.
November 28, 2016 Permit Modification Request
January 24, 2017 NMED Letter


January 20, 2017 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request to modify the Permit to revise descriptions and figures to accurately reflect site conditions at Technical Area 54, Pad 5, Dome 224.  The Permittees submit this modification to Remove Dome 224.  This Permit modification modifies text and figures to Permit Parts 3.12; as well as Attachments A, D, E, G.8, J, and N.
October 19, 2016 Permit Modification Request
January 20,2017 NMED Approval Letter



2016 Activities


November 18, 2016 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request to modify the Permit to revise descriptions and figures to accurately reflect site conditions at Technical Area 55, Building 4, Outdoor Container Storage Pad 190.  The Permittees submitted this modification to remove structure 55-0190 which had previously served as a 90-Day Accumulation Area.  This Permit modification modifies text and figures to Attachments A, G.26, J, and N.
September 26, 2016 Permit Modification Request
November 18, 2016 NMED Approval Letter

November 9, 2016 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1 permit modification request to modify the Permit to revise descriptions and figures to accurately reflect site conditions at Technical Area 54, Pad 11, Dome 375.  The Permittees submitted this modification to clarify that unit 124B was not installed, to increase the flexibility in fork lift-related equipment, and finally to make a minor typographical correction.  This Permit modification modifies text and figures to Permit Parts 3.14; as well as Attachments A, D, G.12, J, and N.
September 21, 2016 Permit Modification Request
November 9, 2016 NMED Approval Letter


November 9, 2016 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request to modify the Permit to revise Table K-1 of Attachment K, Listing of SWMUs and AOCs to identify four existing SWMUs and one existing AOC, as 10 new SWMUs and two new AOCs, respectively.
October 27, 2016 Permit Modification Request
November 9, 2016 NMED Approval Letter


October 24, 2016 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request to modify the Permit to revise descriptions and figures to remove structures which are no longer present at Technical Area 54 (TA-54-0497, 54-0506, and 54-0362), and minor editorial changes. This Permit modification modifies text and figures to Permit Parts 3.14; as well as Attachments A, G, J, and N.
August 18, 2016 Permit Modification Request  TA 54  37674
October 24, 2016 NMED Approval with Modification Letter TA 54 37774


August 28, 2016 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request to modify the Permit to revise the descriptions and figures to accommodate the project design changes to Technical Area (TA) 63 Transuranic Waste Facility (TWF) as constructed, and minor editorial changes. The changes proposed by the Permittees have demonstrated in the September 1, 2016 Supplemental Information submittal to be functionally equivalent components. This Permit modification modifies text and figures to Permit Parts 3.14; as well as Attachments A, D, J, and N.
March 11, 2016 Permit Modification Request
August 28, 2016 NMED Approval with Modification Letter 
Permit Parts 1-11

Attachment A
Attachment D
Attachment J
Attachment N


July 25, 2016 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1* permit modification request to modify the Permit to add treatment in containers to Technical Area 50, Building 69, modifying the unit from an indoor storage unit to an indoor storage/treatment unit. The treatment proposed by the Permittees is the stabilization of remediated and unremediated nitrate salt-bearing waste by the addition of zeolite. This Permit modification modifies text and figures to Permit Parts 2, and 7; as well as Attachments A, B, C, G.4, G.5, J, and N.
June 30, 2016 Permit Modification Request  Permit 37593
July 25, 2016 NMED Approval with Modification Letter
Permit Parts 1 through 11
Attachment A

Attachment B

Attachment C

Attachment G.4

Attachment G.5

Attachment J

Attachment N


June 9, 2016 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1 permit modification request to revise text in Attachment D and Attachment F of the Permit. Click here to see the April 25, 2016 notification, the approval letter, and revised Attachment D and Attachment F.


May 18, 2016 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1 permit modification request to approval to update figures in Permit Attachments N, and G.6, G.10, and G.11. Updates to text that are related to figure changes in permit Attachments G. 6, G10, and G.11 are also included in this PMR. Click here to see the March 9, 2016 notification, the NMED May 18, 2016 approval letterrevised attachments N, G.6, G.10, G.11, and G.14.


February 19, 2016 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1 permit modification request to revise text and inspection forms in Attachment E of the Permit. Click here to see the July 7, 2015 notification, the approval letter, and revised Attachment E.


January 29, 2016 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1 permit modification request requiring prior department approval to revise figures in Attachment N and G.25 and update the unit description in Permit Section 3.13.1 and Attachment A, B, D and J to remove hazardous waste unit TA-55-185 from the Permit. The second Class 1 permit modification request was to revise Attachment D of the Permit. Click here to see the first December 17, 2016 request and the second December 17, 2015 request, and here for the the approval letter, and the revised PermitAttachment AAttachment DAttachment G-25Attachment J, and Attachment N.


January 8, 2016 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1 permit modification request requiring prior department approval to revise figures in Attachments G.12 and N of the Permit. Click here to see the December 1, 2015 request, the approval letter, and the revised Attachment AAttachment G-12 and Attachment N.


2015 Activities


May 29, 2015 – The New Mexico Environment Department took final administrative action on a Class 1 permit modification request to revise figures in Attachments G.26 and N of the Permit. Click here to see the request, the approval letter, and the revised Attachments.


January 9, 2015 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated five Class 1 permit modifications into the Permit. The Permittees submitted these Class 1 permit modifications on June 10, 2014; July 28, 2014; September 22, 2014; and October 23, 2014.  See the Permittees’ notifications, NMED’s approval letters, and the revised Permit by clicking here.


2014 Activities


July 22, 2014 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated three Class 1 permit modifications into the Permit. The Permittees submitted these Class 1 permit modifications on February 27, 2014.  See the Permittees’ notifications, NMED’s approval letters, and the revised Permit by clicking here.


February 7, 2014 – The New Mexico Environment Department took final administrative action on a Class 1 permit modification request to revise Attachment K of the Permit. Click here to see the request, the approval letter, and the revised Attachment K.


2013 Activities


December 23, 2013 – On December 20, 2013, the New Mexico Environment Department took final administrative action on a Class 3 permit modification request to add the TA-63 Transuranic Waste Facility to the Los Alamos National Laboratory Hazardous Waste Facility Permit. Click here to see the approval letter, the response to comments received, and the revised Permit Parts, Attachment A, Attachment C, Attachment D, Attachment G.27, Attachment J and Attachment N.


November 19, 2013 – The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) issued a Draft Closure Plan for public comment for an Open Burn (OB) Unit (16-399) at Technical Area (TA) 16 at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). See the Draft Closure PlanFact SheetInterested Citizen Letter and Public Notice (English) and Interested Citizen Letter and Public Notice (Spanish)


November 14, 2013 – The Permittees submitted to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) an updated Part A RCRA Application. See the Application by clicking here.


September 30, 2013 – The Permittees submitted to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) a Class 3 modification request for the addition of an Open Burn (OB) unit at Technical Area 16 (TA-16-388) to the current permit. See modification information below.
September 30, 2013 – Class 3 PMR to add OB unit at TA-16-388
July 26, 3013 – NMED Second Approval to Extend Submittal Date
July 23, 2013 – LANL Second Request to Extend Submittal Date
June 28, 2013 – NMED Approval to Extend Submittal Date
June 25, 2013 – LANL Request to Extend Submittal Date


September 24, 2013 – The Environment Department approved the Class 2 Permit Modification Request, with changes, to increase the storage capacity at TA-54 West. Attached are the approval letter, the response to comments received, and the revised parts and attachments.


June 25, 2013 – The Environment Department received the TA-16-388 Open Burn Unit (OB) Permit Modification Request.  The request and associated correspondence is below.  
September 30, 2013 – Class 3 PMR to add OB unit at TA-16-388
July 26, 3013 – NMED Second Approval to Extend Submittal Date
July 23, 2013 – LANL Second Request to Extend Submittal Date
June 28, 2013 – NMED Approval to Extend Submittal Date
June 25, 2013 – LANL Request to Extend Submittal Date

TA-16-388 Closure Plan (11-30-2010)


February 5, 2013 – The Permittees withdrew a January 10, 2013, Class 2 permit modification request to increase the storage capacity at TA-54 West (RANT). See approval and associated documents below.
Approval Letter
Commenter Letter
Response to Comments Matrix
Responses to Comments

January 10, 2013 – LANL PMR to Increase Capacity at RANT  TA-54 35665
February 5, 2013 – LANL Request to Withdraw PMR TA-54 35720
February 7, 2013 – NMED Letter Acknowledging Withdrawal TA-54 35743
February 27, 2013 – LANL DRAFT PMR Public Notice TA-54 35754
March 18, 2013 – NMED Comments on DRAFT PMR TA-54 35892
May 2, 2013 – LANL Resubmittal of PMR to Increase Capacity at RANT TA-54 35822
June 26, 2013 – LANL Request to Withdraw and Resubmit PMR TA-54 35919 


January 31, 2013 – The Permittees withdrew a Temporary Authorization request to store and repackage 1.9 cubic meters of Mixed Transuranic waste at TA-55 in Building PF-4 (TA-55-4), Room 432. See the withdrawal letter and NMED’s response below.
February 6, 2013 – NMED Withdrawal of Temporary Authorization Request
January 31, 2013 – LANL Withdrawal of Temporary Authorization Request
December 19, 2012 – LANL Response to Questions – Temporary Authorization Request
November 2, 2012 – LANL Response to NMED Questions
October 15, 2012 – LANL Temporary Authorization Request for Waste Repackaging Operations at Technical Area 55


January 14, 2013 – Public Notice of Draft Permit – The Environment Department issued a Draft Permit on a Class 3 permit modification request for the Technical Area (TA) 63 Transuranic Waste Management Facility on January 14, 2013 for public comment.  The comment period ended at 5:00 MST, March 15, 2013. The Draft Permit and public notice document are as follows:
Interested Citizen Letter and Public Notice – English and Spanish
Fact Sheet
Letter Notifying the Permittees

Draft Permit which includes: Parts 1 through 11, Attachment A, Attachment C, Attachment D, Attachment G.27, Attachment J, and Attachment N. TA-63 35997

Permit Modification Request and associated correspondence
October 1, 2012 – LANL Response to Disapproval, TA-63 Transuranic Waste Facility Permit Modification Request, Revision 2.0
August 30, 2012 – NMED Disapproval TA-63 Transuranic Waste Facility
July 12, 2012 – LANL Response to 2nd Disapproval, TA-63 Transuranic Waste Facility Permit Modification Response, Revision 1.0
July 12, 2012 – LANL Response to Disapproval, TA-63 Transuranic Waste Facility Permit Modficiation Request (transmittal letter)
May 24, 2012 – NMED Dispproval TA-63 Transuranic Waste Facility
February 14, 2012 – NMED Notice of Deficiency
February 1, 2012 – NMED Notice of Deficiency, Administrative Completeness and Fee Letter
October 24, 2011 – NMED TA-63 Transuranic Waste Facility Permit Modification Request
Public Comment received during the applicants required comment period – August 25, 2011 through October 24, 2011
August 18, 2011 – LANL TA-63 Transuranic Waste Management Facility Permit Modification Request



2012 Activities


December 28, 2012 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1 permit modification to correct typographical errors in Permit Part 2 and change an address in Attachment D, Contingency Plan into the Permit. The Permittees submitted the Class 1 permit modification on November 5, 2012.  See the Permittees’ notification, NMED’s fee assessment letter, and the revised Permit by clicking here.


December 20, 2012 – After ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED incorporated a Class 1 permit modification request requiring prior department approval to split SWMU 32-002(b), located in former TA-32, into two separate SWMUs designated as SWMU 32-002(b1) and SWMU 32-002(b2). See the Permittees’ request, NMED’s approval and fee assessment letter, and the revised Permit by clicking here.


November 29, 2012 – NMED received the LANL Hazardous Waste Facility Permit Instances of Noncompliance and Releases for FY 2012, as required by required by Permit Section 1.9.14. See the Report by clicking here.


November 26, 2012 – NMED received the 2012 LANL Hazardous Waste Minimization Report, as required by Permit Section 2.9, dated November 15, 2012. See the Report and NMED’s comments.


October 30, 2012 – NMED incorporated three Class 1 permit modifications into the LANL Permit submitted by the Permittees under cover letters dated June 13, July 30, and September 4, 2012. After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED has revised the Permit accordingly. See the Permittees’ requests, NMED’s fee assessment letter, and the revised Permit by clicking here.


October 15, 2012 – The Permittees submitted to the NMED a Temporary Authorization Request to store and repackage 1.9 cubic meters of Mixed Transuranic waste at TA-55 in Building PF-4 (TA-55-4), Room 432.  See the request and associated correspondence below.
February 6, 2013 – NMED Withdrawal of Temporary Authorization Request
January 31, 2013 – LANL Withdrawal of Temporary Authorization Request
December 19, 2012 – LANL Response to Questions – Temporary Authorization Request
November 2, 2012 – LANL Response to NMED Questions
October 15, 2012 – LANL Temporary Authorization Request for Waste Repackaging Operations at Technical Area 55


October 1, 2012 – The Permittees submitted to the NMED a response to the third Disapproval regarding the Class 3 modification request for the addition of the Transuranic Waste Facility at Technical Area 63.  See the response by clicking here.


September 27, 2012 – NMED issued a comment letter in response to a request for classification determination from the Permittees to add Macroencapsulation treatment at TA-54 to the Permit. See the Permittees’ request and NMED’s comment letter below.

September 27, 2012 – NMED Request for Classification Determination for Proposed Modification
September 20, 2012 – LANL Request for Class Determination for Proposed Modification


August 30, 2012 – NMED issued a third Disapproval letter for the revised Class 3 modification request for the addition of the Transuranic Waste Facility at Technical Area 63 to the current permit. See the letter by clicking here.


July 12, 2012 – The Permittees submitted to the NMED a response to the second Disapproval regarding the Class 3 modification request for the addition of the Transuranic Waste Facility at Technical Area 63.  See the response by clicking here.


June 5, 2012 – NMED issued a Final Determination on a Class 1 permit modification request (PMR) to the LANL Permit submitted by the Permittees under a cover letter dated April 2, 2012.  The PMR proposed 94 revisions to the Hazardous Waste Facility Permit (permit) for Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED has revised the Permit accordingly.

  •  Go to the Download Page to see the revised Permit and the final determination letter sent to Permittees.

May 24, 2012 – NMED issued a second Disapproval letter for the revised Class 3 modification request for the addition of the Transuranic Waste Facility at Technical Area 63 to the current permit. See the letter by clicking here.


April 16, 2012 – The Permittees submitted to the NMED a response to the Notice of Deficiency regarding the Class 3 modification request for the addition of the Transuranic Waste Facility at Technical Area 63.  See the letter by clicking here.


March 27, 2012 – NMED issued a Notice of Disapproval for the Class 3 modification request for the addition of the Open Detonation Untis at Technical Areas 36 and 39. See the letter by clicking here.


February 14, 2012 – NMED issued an administrative completeness and fee assessment letter regarding the Class 3 modification request for the addition of the Open Detonation Units at Technical Areas 36 and 39.  See the letter by clicking here.


February 1, 2012 – NMED issued a Notice of Deficiency and administrative completeness and fee assessment letter regarding the Class 3 modification request for the addition of the Transuranic Waste Facility at Technical Area 63.  See the letter by clicking here.



2011 Permit Activities


November 28, 2011 – NMED today notifies the public via a mail-out and publication in major local newspapers that the July 19 and August 18, 2011 permit modification requests (see below) have been submitted to the NMED and that they are available for public review. See the public notice by clicking here. The notice explains that no action or decision is proposed by NMED at this time for either of these permit modification submittals.


October 24, 2011 – Secretary Martin determined that the Class 2 modification request for the addition of the Transuranic Waste Facility will be processed as a Class 3 modification.  See determination letter by clicking here.

Also, see August 18, 2011 news below.


October 13, 2011 – NMED issued a Final Determination on two Class 1 permit modification requests (PMR) to the LANL Permit submitted by the Permittees under cover letters dated August 18, 2011.  One PMR notifies NMED that the Permittees have changed telephone numbers listed in the Permit’s Contingency Plan and the title of a training course listed in the Training Plan.  The other PMR reflects minor informational changes to the Permit associated with Technical Areas (TAs) 3 and 55, including clarification of access control and the alarm and exhaust systems at TA-3, and correction of inaccurate dimensions in the Permit associated with TA-55, Rooms K13 and B40.  After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED has altered the Permit accordingly.

  • Go to the Download Page to see the revised Permit and the final determination letter sent to Permittees.

August 18, 2011 – The Permittees submitted to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) a Class 2 modification request for the addition of the Transuranic Waste Facility at Technical Area 63 to the current permit. See modification request by clicking here. The Permittees conducted a public comment period and public meetings as regulatorily required. The comments that NMED received during the Permittee’s comment period can be reviewed by clicking here.


October 24, 2011 – Secretary Martin determined that the requested permit modification will be processed as a Class 3 modification.
NMED Determination  TA-63 34877

Comments received during the public comment period conducted by the Permittees.  See comments by clicking here.


July 19, 2011 – The Permittees submitted to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) a Class 3 modification request for the addition of Open Detonation (OD) units at Technical Area 36 (TA-36-8) and Technical Area 39 (TA-39-6) to the current permit. See modification request below. The Permittees conducted a public comment period and public meetings as regulatorily required. The comments that NMED received during the Permittee’s comment period can be reviewed at the link below.

April 16, 2012 – LANL Request to Supplement and Correct Permit Modification Request  TA-36 34687
March 27, 2012 – NMED Notice of Disapproval TA-36 35136
February 14, 2012 – NMED Administrative Completeness and Fee Assessment
Public Comment received during the applicants comment period
July 19, 2011 – LANL Class 3 Permit Modification Request for the Addition of OD Units


June 3, 2011 – NMED issued a Final Determination on a Class 1 permit modification request (PMR) to the LANL Permit submitted by the Permittees under a cover letter dated March 16, 2011.  The PMR notifies NMED that the Permittees have revised emergency equipment lists, proposed clarifying Permit conditions and inspection activities, and added and removed structures from permitted units.  After ensuring compliance with the applicable permit modification regulations at 20.4.1.900 NMAC, incorporating 40 CFR § 270.42, NMED has altered the Permit accordingly.

Go to the Download Page for the Final Determination letter sent to Permittees, and Permit pages showing modifications


Nov 30, 2010 – NMED Issued a renewal permit.

Renewal Permit Permit34162
Final Order (196 KB) Permit 34162
Remand of Final Order regarding Open Burn Units – (December 21, 2010) (98 KB) Permit 34167
Interest Person Letter and Response to Comments  Permit 34163
Public Comments received from July 25, 2010 to May 8, 2010 on the revised draft LANL Permit 
Final Decision and Response to Comments Permit 34162


November 1999 – Technical Area 54 Storage Shafts 145 & 146 Closure Plan TA-54 11450

Public Notices and Hearings

Visit the Public Notices page for more information on current public notices.

Visit the Docketed Matters page for more information on upcoming and current hearings.

Rules and Regulations

State and federal laws and regulations governing hazardous waste in New Mexico are available on the Laws and Regulations page.

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Ph: 505-476-6000

2905 Rodeo Park Dr. E, Building 1
Santa Fe, NM 87505

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