Federal officials gathered in southern New Mexico to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), the nation's sole underground repository for radioactive waste resulting from nuclear research and bomb making. Located outside Carlsbad, WIPP has received approximately 13,850 shipments from various national laboratories and sites since its establishment in 1999.
The anniversary coincides with concerns raised by New Mexico regarding the federal government's plans to repackage and transport drums of radioactive materials to WIPP. This issue stems from a radiation release incident in 2014 that contaminated parts of the facility, leading to a lengthy closure and policy changes at labs nationwide.
Drums of nuclear waste from Los Alamos National Laboratory, initially destined for WIPP, were diverted to Texas due to safety concerns. Following pressure from Texas regulators, the Department of Energy announced intentions to treat the waste for eventual disposal at WIPP.
New Mexico's Environment Department has demanded more safety information, emphasizing the need for proper waste treatment rather than temporary storage. The 2014 incident was attributed to improper packaging, prompting ongoing studies to prevent similar occurrences.
Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories proposed repackaging the waste with air-filled glass micro-bubbles for enhanced thermal protection. Monitoring indicates decreasing drum temperatures, suggesting improved waste stability.
Questions remain regarding alternative waste treatment methods and guarantees against future thermal reactions. Approval from state and federal regulators is required before waste relocation can proceed.
New Mexico officials underscored the importance of compliance with regulatory requirements and laws governing radioactive and hazardous waste handling. Watchdog groups caution against shipping untreated waste, emphasizing the need for thorough safety assessments before transportation.
