Permit Renewal Increases Potential Throughput to Approximately 1.2 Million Gallons Annually and Strengthens Long-Term Strategic Positioning at Perma-Fix Northwest
ATLANTA, Jan. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: PESI) (the “Company”) today announced that it has received a final Dangerous Mixed Waste Permit Renewal for its Perma-Fix Northwest (PFNW) Mixed Waste Facility (MWF) located in Richland, Washington. The permit, issued by the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology), became effective January 1, 2026.
This renewed permit signifies a substantial upgrade to PFNW’s original permit from 1999, bringing it in line with the facility’s modern treatment units, advanced infrastructure, safety systems, and updated operating practices. This transition marks a pivotal milestone for the Company’s nuclear services platform, as PFNW has ensured safe operations under its prior permit throughout the renewal process. Additionally, it holds separate radioactive material licenses from the Washington Department of Health, further enhancing its credibility.
As part of the renewal process, Ecology conducted a comprehensive 64-day public comment period from January 27, 2025, to March 31, 2025. This included a public meeting designed to engage stakeholders meaningfully. Furthermore, a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) was issued on November 19, 2025, which incorporated updated information pertinent to waste streams, transportation logistics, and treatment processes that were not included in the original 1998 environmental review.
The approved permit delineates stringent operating conditions governing the treatment, storage, and handling of hazardous and mixed radioactive materials. This rigorous framework underscores PFNW’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding human health and the environment—a responsibility that the facility takes seriously.
The renewal of the permit has the exciting impact of tripling PFNW’s permitted liquid mixed waste processing capacity. This upgrade boosts the annual throughput capacity from around 400,000 gallons under the previous permit to an impressive 1.2 million gallons. This expansion leverages existing operational technology, allowing PFNW to handle higher volumes of liquid waste streams without necessitating significant new infrastructure investments.
Moreover, the renewed permit allows PFNW to process up to 175,000 tons of waste annually via macroencapsulation. This addition not only provides incremental capacity but also enhances operational flexibility, allowing the facility to meet a more diverse array of complex waste treatment needs.
Beyond the immediate increase in capacity, the permit renewal lays the groundwork for PFNW to pursue future permit modifications related to emerging technologies and expansion initiatives that are currently under evaluation. These potential modifications are gearing up to support the next phase of growth at PFNW, in alignment with anticipated long-term nuclear waste treatment demands.
Additionally, the renewal positions PFNW to facilitate planned facility upgrades that will be necessary for upcoming West Area Tank retrieval milestones at the Hanford site. The facility’s proximity, augmented capacity, and specialized technical capabilities offer competitive advantages that are significant in this highly regulated field.
The lengthy and intricate nature of the permitting process emphasizes the substantial regulatory, technical, and operational barriers that exist within this niche of the nuclear services market. With the renewal finalized, PFNW is now the sole permitted mixed waste treatment facility located near the Hanford site—a strategic advantage that is tough to replicate due to the necessary regulatory and operational requirements.
“The permit renewal represents a critical milestone for Perma-Fix and significantly enhances our PFNW operations,” stated Mark Duff, CEO of Perma-Fix. “It allows us to triple our permitted liquid mixed waste processing capacity with existing infrastructure while also creating a pathway for future enhancements. This is increasingly important as we align PFNW with long-term cleanup objectives at major nuclear sites, including support for the Hanford closure mission. We are eager to advance new initiatives that leverage our PFNW team’s profound expertise to deliver innovative, compliant solutions for our clients.”
About Perma-Fix Environmental Services
Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc. stands as a prominent player in the nuclear services sector, specializing in the management and treatment of radioactive and mixed waste. The Company caters to hospitals, research labs, federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Energy, and the commercial nuclear industry. With an array of services that encompass project management, environmental restoration, decontamination, and industrial hygiene capabilities, Perma-Fix operates four nuclear waste treatment facilities across the nation, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in nuclear waste solutions.
For further insights and updates, please visit http://www.perma-fix.com.
This press release contains “forward-looking statements,” reflecting the Company’s expectations that are subject to various business risks and uncertainties. While they offer insightful projections, they do not guarantee outcomes, as various factors could lead to different future conditions.
Contacts:
David K. Waldman – US Investor Relations
Crescendo Communications, LLC
(212) 671-1021
Herbert Strauss – European Investor Relations
+43 316 296 316
