Nuclear wasteDOE: Contrary to rumor, there are no evacuation plans for southeastern New Mexico

The Department of Energy (DOE) said the other day that an Internet rumor which has been fueling concerns earlier this week about the need to be prepared to evacuate southeastern New Mexico because of recent events at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is “absolutely” without basis.

DOE notes that monitoring conducted by Nuclear Waste Partnership of air, soil, water, and vegetation are showing no radiation releases that would approach levels causing health concerns. Independent monitoring by the Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring and Research Center has reached similar conclusions (CEMRC’s monitoring data may be viewed at CEMRC.org). In a recent letter to New Mexico’s senators, Ron Curry, regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, noted that “initial field measurements combined with modeling of potential public exposures indicate that it is very unlikely that any exposures would approach regulatory limits or represent a public health concern.”

The regularly‐scheduled town meeting on Thursday (today) at 5:30 p.m. at the Carlsbad City Council Chambers will include a detailed discussion of the results of all the environmental monitoring data we have collected to date.

Safety inspections of mine shafts are next step in recovery process
A package of work and safety controls required before safe re‐entry can take place at the WIPP has been prepared by Nuclear Waste Partnership. The package will be submitted to the Department of Energy for review and approval, the next step before sending personnel into the WIPP underground facility to understand the source of the recent radiation release.

The safety inspections of both the Salt Handling and Air Intake shafts, which require personnel to ride the mine hoist, or elevator, to the bottom of the shaft, will begin after WIPP receives DOE approval. This activity will then be followed by a second personnel entry into the mine to assure a safe route between the Salt Handling and Air Intake shafts, and to ensure two exits from the mine. The third entry will be made to identify the source of the radioactive contamination.

National experts bring skills to WIPP
The Department of Energy and Global Management & Operations Services (GMOS), a division of URS, and parent company to Nuclear Waste Partnership, say they have engaged experts across the nation to support WIPP recovery efforts.

• DOE and the Mine Safety and Health Administration have mobilized experts to supplement the Carlsbad Field Office in key areas, including nuclear operations, ventilation systems, nuclear safety and mine safety.
• DOE’s Savannah River Site sent a team of radiological control technicians, who will re‐enter the mine with experienced WIPP personnel to isolate and mitigate the source of underground contamination.
• Idaho National Laboratory provided a plutonium event recovery expert and additional radiological equipment.
• Los Alamos National Laboratory provided a high efficiency air particulate (HEPA) filters specialist.
• URS‐CH2M Oak Ridge, contractor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, brought radiological cleanup expertise to WIPP.
• MJW Corporation provided experts in occupational and radiation medicine and health physics.
• URS Global Management and Operations Services sent resource management, recovery personnel and experts in documented safety analysis; robotics; environmental, health and safety management; communications and web page design.

DOE says these are but a few of the resources assembled to help WIPP recovery efforts.

Bob McQuinn addresses NWP employees
Bob McQuinn, who will lead Nuclear Waste Partnership through WIPP recovery efforts, addressed NWP employees at a 17 March all‐hands meeting. McQuinn expressed confidence that WIPP will recover from February’s fire and radiological event. He discussed the challenges that lie ahead in coming weeks and asked for the employees’ support as WIPP transitions from recovery to restart of operations.