WIPP News Releases

CARLSBAD, N.M., December 31 -- The public will have several opportunities to comment on the draft Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Disposal Phase Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS-II) during public hearings next week (January 6 - 7) in Albuquerque. Los Alamos National Laboratory plans to ship 601,000 cubic feet of transuranic waste to the WIPP.

Officials from the DOE Carlsbad Area Office will host the public hearings at the Albuquerque Convention Center, 401 2nd Street N.W. Planned hours for the hearings are 9 a.m. to noon, 2 to 5 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m. Attendees not pre-registered may register at the door on the days of the hearings. Session hours may be adjusted as registration demand warrants.

The draft SEIS-II updates information contained in the first WIPP Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, completed in 1990, and the original 1980 WIPP Environmental Impact Statement. The study evaluates the environmental impacts of waste characterization, treatment, and certification; packaging and transportation; site operations and waste emplacement; and long-term performance of the repository.

Examples include:

Inclusion of sites where small quantities of radioactive waste are generated or stored;
Changes in the volume of waste since 1990 estimates were made;
Legislative changes since 1990, such as the 1992 WIPP Land Withdrawal Act and 1996 amendments to the act;
Changes in the planned routes for truck transportation; and
Changes in the waste acceptance criteria since 1990.

Comments will also be accepted by mail, electronic mail, or facsimile. Written comments concerning the draft SEIS-II document must be postmarked by January 28, 1997. Comments postmarked after this date will be considered to the extent that is practicable. All written comments should be directed to: Harold Johnson, NEPA Compliance Officer, Attn.: SEIS Comments, P.O. Box 9800, Albuquerque, NM 87119. Comments submitted by electronic mail should be sent to WIPPSEIS@battelle.org, or by facsimile to 1-505-224-8030.

For further information or to obtain a copy of the draft SEIS-II, call the toll free WIPP Information line at 1-800-336-9477.

The WIPP is designed to permanently dispose of radioactive transuranic waste left from the research and production of nuclear weapons. Located in southeastern New Mexico, 26 miles east of Carlsbad, project facilities include disposal rooms excavated in an ancient, stable salt formation, 2,150 feet (almost half a mile) underground. Transuranic waste consists of clothing, tools, rags, and other disposable items contaminated with trace amounts of radioactive elements, mostly plutonium.

Defense-generated transuranic waste is temporarily stored at more than 10 major generator/storage sites and several small quantity sites nationwide.

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DOE TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS NEXT WEEK IN SANTA FE ON WIPP SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

CARLSBAD, N.M., December 31 -- The public will have several opportunities to comment on the draft Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Disposal Phase Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS-II) during public hearings next week (January 8 - 10) in Santa Fe. Los Alamos National Laboratory plans to ship 601,000 cubic feet of transuranic waste to the WIPP.

Officials from the DOE Carlsbad Area Office will host the public hearings at the Sweeney Convention Center, 201 West Marcy. Planned hours for the hearings are 9 a.m. to noon, 2 to 5 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m. Attendees persons not pre-registered may register at the door on the days of the hearings. Session hours may be adjusted as registration demand warrants.

Examples include:

Inclusion of sites where small quantities of radioactive waste are generated or stored;
Changes in the volume of waste since 1990 estimates were made;
Legislative changes since 1990, such as the 1992 WIPP Land Withdrawal Act and 1996 amendments to the act;
Changes in the planned routes for truck transportation; and
Changes in the waste acceptance criteria since 1990.

For further information or to obtain a copy of the draft SEIS-II, call the toll free WIPP Information line at 1-800-336-9477.

Defense-generated transuranic waste is temporarily stored at more than 10 major generator/storage sites and several small quantity sites nationwide.

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DOE ANNOUNCES NORTH AUGUSTA PUBLIC HEARING FOR WIPP SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

CARLSBAD, N.M., December 17 -- The public will have opportunity to comment on the draft Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Disposal Phase Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS-II) during a public hearing January 23, 1997, in North Augusta. The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Site plans to ship 456,000 cubic feet of transuranic waste to the WIPP.

Officials from the DOE Carlsbad Area Office will host the public hearing at the North Augusta Community Center, 495 Brookside Drive. Afternoon and evening sessions are planned.

Planned hours for the hearing are 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. People who wish to give oral comments or suggestions may pre-register before 2 p.m. (EST) on December 30, 1996 by calling 1-800-336-9477. Attendees also may register at the door on the day of the hearing. Session hours may be adjusted as registration demand warrants.

Examples include:

Inclusion of sites where small quantities of radioactive waste are generated or stored;
Changes in the volume of waste since 1990 estimates were made;
Legislative changes since 1990, such as the 1992 WIPP Land Withdrawal Act and 1996 amendments to the act;
Changes in the planned routes for truck transportation; and
Changes in the waste acceptance criteria since 1990.

Comments will also be accepted by mail, electronic mail, or facsimile. Written comments concerning the draft SEIS-II document must be postmarked by January 28, 1997. Comments postmarked after this date will be considered to the extent that is practicable. All written comments should be directed to: Harold Johnson, NEPA Compliance Officer, Attn: SEIS Comments, P.O. Box 9800, Albuquerque, NM 87119. Comments submitted by electronic mail should be sent to WIPPSEIS@battelle.org, or by facsimile to 1-505-224-8030.

For further information, to register to speak at the public hearing, or to obtain a copy of the draft SEIS-II, call the toll free WIPP Information line at 1-800-336-9477.

Defense-generated transuranic waste is temporarily stored at more than 10 major generator/storage sites and several small quantity sites nationwide.

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DOE ANNOUNCES DENVER AREA PUBLIC HEARING FOR FOR WIPP SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

CARLSBAD, N.M., December 17 -- The public will have opportunity to comment on the draft Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Disposal Phase Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS-II) during a public hearing January 13, 1997, in Arvada. The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site plans to ship 557,000 cubic feet of transuranic waste to the WIPP.

Officials from the DOE Carlsbad Area Office will host the public hearing at the Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Boulevard. Afternoon and evening sessions are planned.

Planned hours for the hearing are 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. People who wish to give oral comments or suggestions may pre-register before noon (MST) on December 30, 1996 by calling 1-800-336-9477. Attendees also may register at the door on the day of the hearing. Session hours may be adjusted as registration demand warrants.

Examples include:

Inclusion of sites where small quantities of radioactive waste are generated or stored;
Changes in the volume of waste since 1990 estimates were made;
Legislative changes since 1990, such as the 1992 WIPP Land Withdrawal Act and 1996 amendments to the act;
Changes in the planned routes for truck transportation; and
Changes in the waste acceptance criteria since 1990.

Comments will also be accepted by mail, electronic mail, or facsimile. Written comments concerning the draft SEIS-II document must be postmarked by January 28, 1997. Comments postmarked after this date will be considered to the extent that is practicable. All written comments should be directed to: Harold Johnson, NEPA Compliance Officer, Attn: SEIS Comments, P.O. Box 9800, Albuquerque, NM 87119. Comments submitted by electronic mail should be sent to WIPPSEIS@battelle.org, or by facsimile to 1-505-224-8030.

For further information, to register to speak at the public hearing, or to obtain a copy of the draft SEIS-II, call the toll free WIPP Information line at 1-800-336-9477.

Defense-generated transuranic waste is temporarily stored at more than 10 major generator/storage sites and several small quantity sites nationwide.

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DOE ANNOUNCES RICHLAND PUBLIC HEARING FOR WIPP SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

CARLSBAD, N.M., December 17 -- The public will have opportunity to comment on the draft Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Disposal Phase Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS-II) during a public hearing January 15, 1997, in Richland. The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) Hanford Site plans to ship 906,000 cubic feet of transuranic waste to the WIPP.

Officials from the DOE Carlsbad Area Office will host the public hearing at the Red Lion Inn - Richland, 802 George Washington Way. Afternoon and evening sessions are planned.

Planned hours for the hearing are 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. People who wish to give oral comments or suggestions may pre-register before 11 a.m. (PST) on December 30, 1996 by calling 1-800-336-9477. Attendees also may register at the door on the day of the hearing. Session hours may be adjusted as registration demand warrants.

Examples include:

Inclusion of sites where small quantities of radioactive waste are generated or stored;
Changes in the volume of waste since 1990 estimates were made;
Legislative changes since 1990, such as the 1992 WIPP Land Withdrawal Act and 1996 amendments to the act;
Changes in the planned routes for truck transportation; and
Changes in the waste acceptance criteria since 1990.

Comments will also be accepted by mail, electronic mail, or facsimile. Written comments concerning the draft SEIS-II document must be postmarked by January 28, 1997. Comments postmarked after this date will be considered to the extent that is practicable. All written comments should be directed to: Harold Johnson, NEPA Compliance Officer, Attn: SEIS Comments, P.O. Box 9800, Albuquerque, NM 87119. Comments submitted by electronic mail should be sent to WIPPSEIS@battelle.org, or by facsimile to 1-505-224-8030.

For further information, to register to speak at the public hearing, or to obtain a copy of the draft SEIS-II, call the toll free WIPP Information line at 1-800-336-9477.

Defense-generated transuranic waste is temporarily stored at more than 10 major generator/storage sites and several small quantity sites nationwide.

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DOE ANNOUNCES SANTA FE PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR WIPP SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

CARLSBAD, N.M., December 17 -- The public will have several opportunities to comment on the draft Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Disposal Phase Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS-II) during public hearings January 8 - 10, 1997, in Santa Fe. Los Alamos National Laboratory plans to ship 601,000 cubic feet of transuranic (TRU) waste to the WIPP.

Officials from the DOE Carlsbad Area Office will host the public hearings at the Sweeney Convention Center, 201 West Marcy. Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions are planned.

Planned hours for the hearings are 9 a.m. to noon, 2 to 5 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m. People who wish to give oral comments or suggestions may pre-register before noon on December 30, 1996 by calling 1-800-336-9477. Attendees also may register at the door on the days of the hearings. Session hours may be adjusted as registration demand warrants.

Examples include:

Inclusion of sites where small quantities of radioactive waste are generated or stored;
Changes in the volume of waste since 1990 estimates were made;
Legislative changes since 1990, such as the 1992 WIPP Land Withdrawal Act and 1996 amendments to the act;
Changes in the planned routes for truck transportation; and
Changes in the waste acceptance criteria since 1990.

Comments will also be accepted by mail, electronic mail, or facsimile. Written comments concerning the draft SEIS-II document must be postmarked by January 28, 1997. Comments postmarked after this date will be considered to the extent that is practicable. All written comments should be directed to: Harold Johnson, NEPA Compliance Officer, Attn: SEIS Comments, P.O. Box 9800, Albuquerque, NM 87119. Comments submitted by electronic mail should be sent to WIPPSEIS@battelle.org, or by facsimile to 1-505-224-8030.

For further information, to register to speak at the public hearings, or to obtain a copy of the draft SEIS-II, call the toll free WIPP Information line at 1-800-336-9477.

Defense-generated transuranic waste is temporarily stored at more than 10 major generator/storage sites and several small quantity sites nationwide.

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DOE ANNOUNCES BOISE PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR WIPP SUPPLEMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

CARLSBAD, N.M., December 17 -- The public will have opportunity to comment on the draft Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Disposal Phase Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS-II) during a public hearing January 15, 1997, in Boise. The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory plans to ship more than two million cubic feet of transuranic waste to the WIPP.

Officials from the DOE Carlsbad Area Office will host the public hearing at the Red Lion Inn - Riverside, 2900 Chinden Boulevard. Afternoon and evening sessions are planned.

Examples include:

Inclusion of sites where small quantities of radioactive waste are generated or stored;
Changes in the volume of waste since 1990 estimates were made;
Legislative changes since 1990, such as the 1992 WIPP Land Withdrawal Act and 1996 amendments to the act;
Changes in the planned routes for truck transportation; and
Changes in the waste acceptance criteria since 1990.

Comments will also be accepted by mail, electronic mail, or facsimile. Written comments concerning the draft SEIS-II document must be postmarked by January 28, 1997. Comments postmarked after this date will be considered to the extent that is practicable. All written comments should be directed to: Harold Johnson, NEPA Compliance Officer, Attn: SEIS Comments, P.O. Box 9800, Albuquerque, NM 87119. Comments submitted by electronic mail should be sent to WIPPSEIS@battelle.org, or by facsimile to 1-505-224-8030.

For further information, to register to speak at the public hearing, or to obtain a copy of the draft SEIS-II, call the toll free WIPP Information line at 1-800-336-9477.

Defense-generated transuranic waste is temporarily stored at more than 10 major generator/storage sites and several small quantity sites nationwide.

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DOE ANNOUNCES CARLSBAD PUBLIC HEARING FOR WIPP SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Officials from the DOE Carlsbad Area Office will host the public hearing at the Pecos River Village, 711 N. Muscatel. Afternoon and evening sessions are planned.

Examples include:

Inclusion of sites where small quantities of radioactive waste are generated or stored;
Changes in the volume of waste since 1990 estimates were made;
Legislative changes since 1990, such as the 1992 WIPP Land Withdrawal Act and 1996 amendments to the act;
Changes in the planned routes for truck transportation; and
Changes in the waste acceptance criteria since 1990.

Comments will also be accepted by mail, electronic mail, or facsimile. Written comments concerning the draft SEIS-II document must be postmarked by January 28, 1997. Comments postmarked after this date will be considered to the extent that is practicable. All written comments should be directed to: Harold Johnson, NEPA Compliance Officer, Attn: SEIS Comments, P.O. Box 9800, Albuquerque, NM 87119. Comments submitted by electronic mail should be sent to WIPPSEIS@battelle.org, or by facsimile to 1-505-224-8030.

For further information, to register to speak at the public hearing, or to obtain a copy of the draft SEIS-II, call the toll free WIPP Information line at 1-800-336-9477.

Defense-generated transuranic waste is temporarily stored at more than 10 major generator/storage sites and several small quantity sites nationwide.

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DOE ANNOUNCES ALBUQUERQUE PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR WIPP SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

CARLSBAD, N.M., December 17 -- The public will have several opportunities to comment on the draft Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Disposal Phase Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS-II) during public hearings January 6 - 7, 1997, in Albuquerque. Los Alamos National Laboratory plans to ship 601,000 cubic feet of transuranic (TRU) waste to the WIPP.

Officials from the DOE Carlsbad Area Office will host the public hearings at the Albuquerque Convention Center, 401 2nd Street N.W. Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions are planned.

Examples include:

Inclusion of sites where small quantities of radioactive waste are generated or stored;
Changes in the volume of waste since 1990 estimates were made;
Legislative changes since 1990, such as the 1992 WIPP Land Withdrawal Act and 1996 amendments to the act;
Changes in the planned routes for truck transportation; and
Changes in the waste acceptance criteria since 1990.

Comments will also be accepted by mail, electronic mail, or facsimile. Written comments concerning the draft SEIS-II document must be postmarked by January 28, 1997. Comments postmarked after this date will be considered to the extent that is practicable. All written comments should be directed to: Harold Johnson, NEPA Compliance Officer, Attn: SEIS Comments, P.O. Box 9800, Albuquerque, NM 87119. Comments submitted by electronic mail should be sent to WIPPSEIS@battelle.org, or by facsimile to 1-505-224-8030.

For further information, to register to speak at the public hearing, or to obtain a copy of the draft SEIS-II, call the toll free WIPP Information line at 1-800-336-9477.

Defense-generated transuranic waste is temporarily stored at more than 10 major generator/storage sites and several small quantity sites nationwide.

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DOE ANNOUNCES OAK RIDGE PUBLIC HEARING FOR WIPP SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONEMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

CARLSBAD, N.M., December 17 -- The public will have opportunity to comment on the draft Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Disposal Phase Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS-II) during a public hearing January 21, 1997, in Oak Ridge. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory plans to ship 55,000 cubic feet of transuranic waste to the WIPP.

Officials from the DOE Carlsbad Area Office will host the public hearing at the American Museum of Science and Energy, 300 South Tulane Avenue. Afternoon and evening sessions are planned.

Examples include:

Inclusion of sites where small quantities of radioactive waste are generated or stored;
Changes in the volume of waste since 1990 estimates were made;
Legislative changes since 1990, such as the 1992 WIPP Land Withdrawal Act and 1996 amendments to the act;
Changes in the planned routes for truck transportation; and
Changes in the waste acceptance criteria since 1990.

Comments will also be accepted by mail, electronic mail, or facsimile. Written comments concerning the draft SEIS-II document must be postmarked by January 28, 1997. Comments postmarked after this date will be considered to the extent that is practicable. All written comments should be directed to: Harold Johnson, NEPA Compliance Officer, Attn: SEIS Comments, P.O. Box 9800, Albuquerque, NM 87119. Comments submitted by electronic mail should be sent to WIPPSEIS@battelle.org, or by facsimile to 1-505-224-8030.

For further information, to register to speak at the public hearing, or to obtain a copy of the draft SEIS-II, call the toll free WIPP Information line at 1-800-336-9477.

Defense-generated transuranic waste is temporarily stored at more than 10 major generator/storage sites and several small quantity sites nationwide.

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ENERGY DEPARTMENT TAKES FURTHER STEPS TO OPEN NEW MEXICO NUCLEAR WASTE REPOSITORY

Documents Available for Public Input and Regulatory Review

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 20 -- The Department of Energy (DOE) today publicly released two compliance documents that evaluate environmental impacts and seek regulatory approval for the nation's first nuclear waste repository. A draft second Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS-II) on the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) evaluates new scientific information not available in studies completed in 1980 and 1990. The WIPP Compliance Certification Application, submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on October 29, provides extensive analysis demonstrating that the facility complies with federal disposal standards for transuranic waste. Transuranic waste consists of clothing, tools, rags, and other disposable items contaminated with radioactive elements, mostly plutonium.

"Cleanup of Department of Energy sites around the country is a national problem. We are confident that the WIPP will be a national solution. The ultimate success of waste disposal at the WIPP will be enhanced by rigorous EPA review and public participation in the environmental impact statement," said Secretary of Energy Hazel R. O'Leary.

The SEIS-II includes new information about waste volumes, legislative revisions, changes in the truck transportation routes, and information on additional waste storage sites not addressed in previous studies. The Department of Energy will host a series of public meetings in early 1997 at eight locations near sites where waste is being stored and at Carlsbad, N.M., near the WIPP site.

'The Department must resolve some important issues, and we invite the public to participate in final decision making about waste treatment and transportation," said Al Alm, DOE Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management. "The EPA application includes extensive engineering and scientific analysis that reinforces the Department's confidence in the WIPP as a disposal site."

DOE's geological, hydrological, and climatic assessment of the site includes simulated interactions among the environment, the engineered systems, and the waste over the next 10,000 years. It will take the EPA one year to review the application.

Comprehensive reviews from technical oversight groups have benefitted the project. These groups include the National Research Council, whose recent study validates the project as a viable solution for the permanent, safe disposal of transuranic waste, as well as the New Mexico Governor's Radioactive Waste Consultation Task Force and the Environmental Evaluation Group. Others providing input include the Western Governors' Association and regulatory and transportation officials in affected states.

"These evaluations show what might happen in a multitude of situations. The Department demonstrates in the EPA application that the WIPP will be effective in protecting people and the environment." We believe the facility makes sense from cost and environmental standpoints," said George Dials, Manager of the DOE's Carlsbad Area Office, which oversees the WIPP and national transuranic programs.

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is designed to permanently dispose of transuranic radioactive waste left from the research and production of nuclear weapons. Located in southeastern New Mexico, 26 miles east of Carlsbad, project facilities include disposal rooms excavated in an ancient, stable salt formation that is 2,150 feet (almost half a mile) underground. Defense-generated transuranic waste is temporarily stored at 10 major generator/storage sites and several small-quantity sites nationwide. The 10 major sites are Hanford Reservation, Washington; Idaho Nuclear Engineering Laboratory, Idaho; Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site, Colorado; Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, California; Nevada Test Site, Nevada; Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico; Argonne National Laboratory (East), Illinois; Mound, Ohio; Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee; and Savannah River Plant, South Carolina.

For further information and to obtain a calendar of the public hearings or a copy of the draft SEIS-II, the public can call the toll-free WIPP information line at 1-800-336-9477.

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DOE STATEMENT CONCERNING THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL'S WIPP REPORT

Carlsbad, NM, October 23, 1996

"We are very pleased with the National Research Council's report on the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The report validates the WIPP project as a viable solution for permanently and safely disposing of radioactive transuranic waste generated in our national defense work. The report confirms that the WIPP has the ability to isolate radioactive waste for thousands of years, providing the site is sealed and undisturbed. We are also heartened by the Council's confidence in the DOE's ability to scientifically demonstrate that any radionuclide releases in the future from the WIPP will be within allowable limits.

"This independent validation by the National Research Council is the product of 18 years of study. The DOE has worked hard to ensure that public health, safety, and environmental needs are met in this important challenge to the nation's radioactive waste cleanup work. We are anxious to move forward with this independent, external confirmation of our work."

George E. Dials, Manager

DOE Carlsbad Area Office

Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

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DOE VIEWS NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL REPORT AS POSITIVE, SUPPORTIVE OF WIPP PROJECT

CARLSBAD, N.M., October 23 -- The National Research Council's report on the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) validates the project as a viable solution for the permanent, safe disposal of defense-generated radioactive transuranic waste, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced.

Contents of the report, titled "The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant: A Potential Solution For the Disposal of Transuranic Waste, " were released today during a press conference hosted by four members of the study committee. The report states that the proposed underground repository has the ability to isolate radioactive waste for thousands of years.

"Despite the nominal possibility of human intrusion into the proposed repository, the committee is confident in its judgement that DOE should be able to demonstrate that radionuclide releases at the WIPP will be within the limits allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency," the report states. "The associated health risks are likely to be well below the levels allowed under international standards."

George E. Dials, manager of the DOE's Carlsbad Area Office, which oversees the WIPP and National Transuranic programs, said that the recommendations of the report are of paramount importance "because the National Research Council is neither anti- nor pro-WIPP, but rather a group made up of top-notch scientists who have spent the past 18 years evaluating the WIPP project," he said. "They have compiled a report that accurately examines the WIPP as a permanent solution to the radioactive waste disposal problem."

"The DOE has addressed many of the issues and analyses recommended in the report," said Dials. "This data is included as part of the Performance Assessment, which is included in the Compliance Certification Application that will be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency. This information and analyses give added confidence that the WIPP will provide long-term protection of public health and the environment, from both the radioactive and hazardous chemical components of the disposed waste."

The National Research Council is the principal operating agency of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. It is a private, nonprofit institution that provides science and technology advice under a congressional charter.

The National Transuranic Program administers generation/storage site plans for storing, characterizing, packaging, transporting, and disposing of transuranic waste. Defense-generated transuranic waste is temporarily stored at more than 10 major generator/storage sites and several small quantity sites nationwide.

The WIPP is scheduled to begin waste disposal operations in November 1997, pending EPA approval.

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WIPP MINE RESCUE TEAM DEDICATES TROPHY IN MEMORY OF STATE MINE INSPECTOR

CARLSBAD, NM, October 23 -- Members of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) mine rescue teams today dedicated their most recent competition victory to the memory of the late New Mexico State Mine Inspector Desi Apodaca. Apodaca died on October 9, 1996.

The dedication took place during a morning ceremony included as part of a celebration of the recent Energy Quality Award and Mine Operator of the Year Award won by Westinghouse Electric Corporation's Waste Isolation Division (WID).

Members of the WIPP mine rescue team presented their recently-won "Outstanding Out-of-State" team trophy to Desi Apodaca's widow, Fita Apodaca. Mrs. Apodaca attended the ceremony, along with daughter Theresa.

The WIPP combined its silver and blue mine rescue teams to win the "Outstanding Out-of-State" team trophy at the annual Southeast Missouri Mine Rescue Competition, held October 10-11, 1996, in Rolla, Missouri. The team heard of Apodaca's death just prior to going underground for the competition in Rolla.

In dedicating the trophy, team members cited Apodaca's dedication to his work and the positive impact he made to ensuring safety in the mining industry. "Desi Apodaca was a true miner's friend who worked continuously to promote mine safety in New Mexico. We will truly miss him," said Gary Kessler, captain of the WIPP Blue Mine Rescue Team.

WID General Manager Joe Epstein said, "We knew Desi Apodaca as a leader in the mining industry. Over his 15-year involvement with the WIPP project, we came to recognize Desi as a dedicated professional who valued the technology we have developed and, in turn helped promote the transfer of this knowledge to the benefit of other mines in the region."

Westinghouse is the management and operating contractor at the WIPP for the U.S. Department of Energy's Carlsbad Area Office.

The WIPP is designed to permanently dispose of radioactive transuranic waste left from the research and production of nuclear weapons. Located in southeastern New Mexico, 26 miles east of Carlsbad, project facilities include disposal rooms excavated 2,150 feet (almost half a mile) underground. Transuranic waste consists of clothing, tools, rags, and other disposable items contaminated with trace amounts of radioactive elements, mostly plutonium.

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WIPP PUMPS $13 MILLION INTO NEW MEXICO BUSINESSES IN FY 1996

CARLSBAD, NM, October 22 -- The Westinghouse Electric Corporation's Waste Isolation Division (WID) today released figures showing that it spent more than $13 million with New Mexico businesses for goods and services in fiscal year (FY) 1996 to support its work at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

Westinghouse is the management and operating contractor at the WIPP for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Carlsbad Area Office.

In Santa Fe, WID placed purchases on behalf of the DOE for goods and services totaling just under $150,000 during FY 1996 (from October 1, 1995 through September 30, 1996).

Among the items and services purchased were environmental monitoring equipment, calibration services, and environmental consulting services.

The WIPP is designed to permanently dispose of transuranic radioactive waste left from the research and production of nuclear weapons. Located in southeastern New Mexico, 26 miles east of Carlsbad, project facilities include disposal rooms excavated in an ancient, stable salt formation, 2,150 feet (almost half a mile) underground. Transuranic waste consists of clothing, tools, rags, and other disposable items contaminated with trace amounts of radioactive elements, mostly plutonium.

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WIPP PUMPS $13 MILLION INTO NEW MEXICO BUSINESSES IN FY 1996

Westinghouse is the management and operating contractor at the WIPP for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Carlsbad Area Office.

In Roswell, WID placed purchases on behalf of the DOE for goods and services totaling just over $147,000 during FY 1996 (from October 1, 1995 through September 30, 1996).

Among the items and services purchased were computer supplies, photo supplies, and linen services.

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WIPP PUMPS $13 MLLION INTO NEW MEXICO BUSINESSES IN FY 1996; LAS CRUCES CLAIMS $480,000 OF TOTAL EXPENDITURES

Westinghouse is the management and operating contractor at the WIPP for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Carlsbad Area Office.

WID spent a total of just under $13,120,000 in FY 1996 (from October 1, 1995 through September 30, 1996) on behalf of the DOE to purchase goods and services from vendors located throughout New Mexico. In Las Cruces, WID placed purchases totaling just over $480,000.

Among the items and services purchased were industrial supplies, promotional materials, and environmental and engineering consulting services.

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WIPP PUMPS $13 MILLION INTO NEW MEXICO BUSINESSES IN FY 1996

Westinghouse is the management and operating contractor at the WIPP for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Carlsbad Area Office.

In Hobbs, WID placed purchases on behalf of the DOE for goods and services totaling $236,000 during FY 1996 (from October 1, 1995 through September 30, 1996).

Among the items and services purchased were office supplies and furniture, lubricants, electrical and industrial supplies, and waste management services.

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WIPP PUMPS $13 MILLION INTO NEW MEXICO BUSINESSES IN FY 1996; CARLSBAD CLAIMS $2.2 MILLION OF TOTAL EXPENDITURES

Westinghouse is the management and operating contractor at the WIPP for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Carlsbad Area Office.

WID spent a total of just under $13,120,000 in FY 1996 (from October 1, 1995 through September 30, 1996) on behalf of the DOE to purchase goods and services from vendors located throughout New Mexico. In Carlsbad, WID placed purchases totaling $8,400,000.

Among the items and services purchased were computers, electrical and industrial supplies, minor construction work, janitorial services, and employee training programs.

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WIPP PUMPS $13 MILLION INTO NEW MEXICO BUSINESSES IN FY 1996; ALBUQUERQUE CLAIMS $2.2 MILLION OF TOTAL EXPENDITURES

Westinghouse is the management and operating contractor at the WIPP for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Carlsbad Area Office.

WID spent a total of just under $13,120,000 in FY 1996 (from October 1, 1995 through September 30, 1996) on behalf of the DOE to purchase goods and services from vendors located throughout New Mexico. In Albuquerque, WID placed purchases totaling just over $2,227,000.

Among the items and services purchased were electrical and industrial supplies, exhibit materials, engineering and consulting services, calibration services, and transportation services.

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WIPP EARNS NEW MEXICO MINE INSPECTOR'S

"MINE OPERATOR OF YEAR" AWARD FOR NINTH TIME

CARLSBAD, N.M., October 4 -- The New Mexico State Mine Inspector's Office has again recognized the Waste Isolation Division (WID) of Westinghouse Electric Corporation with its annual Mine Operator of the Year Award. The WID is the management and operating contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy's Carlsbad Area Office at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

This is the ninth time in the last 10 years that the WID has received this award. In 1995, the New Mexico State Mine Inspector honored the division with special recognition for "excellence in underground operations."

"This is an outstanding achievement for WIPP," said State Mine Inspector Desi Apodaca. "Good operating procedures, well-trained employees, and a strong safety program all ensure a safe working environment. WIPP has all these components," Apodaca said.

WID General Manager Joe Epstein said "It's our employees' efforts that keep us at the top of operating excellence. Our safety record has a strong foundation of employee knowledge, skills, and experience, along with a combination of tried-and-true processes and state-of-the-art technology. We're proud of our safety record and pleased to receive recognition from the state for our constant effort."

That constant effort of safe performance includes self-assessment and documentation to ensure excellence in mine maintenance activities, mine rescue preparedness, underground operating procedures, employee training, and safety programs.

WIPP underground operations personnel inspect the vertical shafts every seven days, as required by federal regulations. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) conducts a rigorous, quarterly sitewide inspection. WIPP operating procedures require an annual, well-documented ground control inspection and a weekly visual and physical inspection of underground working areas. Also, every underground worker is responsible for a daily inspection of that day's work area.

In addition to skilled workers with a high level of safety awareness, safety programs include constant monitoring and assessing the WIPP underground working areas for stability. Panel 1, for example, is a group of seven underground rooms for disposal of radioactive waste. In Panel 1, alone, more than 700 mechanical and electronic monitoring and measuring points continually provide data on ground control conditions. Through a sound and well-documented engineering program, experts analyze this data and develop viable options to control and correct actual and potential conditions as they present themselves.

Panel 1, completed in 1987, remains in safe and operable condition because of routine reassessment of underground conditions. Once the panel is determined ready for use, a highly focused and specific reassessment will be done, based on operational factors at that time.

WIPP is scheduled to open for waste receipt in November 1997.

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CARLSBAD AREA OFFICE, WESTINGHOUSE WIN NATIONAL DOE QUALITY AWARDS

WASHINGTON, D. C., October 9 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Carlsbad Area Office and Westinghouse Electric Corporation's Waste Isolation Division were honored by Energy Secretary Hazel O'Leary today during the second annual Energy Quality Awards ceremony.

The Carlsbad Area Office received the prestigious 1996 Hammer Award, while Westinghouse was honored by O'Leary for the second consecutive year, winning the 1996 Energy Quality Accomplishment Award.

The Carlsbad Area Office administers the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and National Transuranic programs. Westinghouse is the management and operating contractor for the DOE at the WIPP.

"The quality work of these dedicated employees has saved taxpayer dollars, improved customer service, and shows the American people that this administration is committed to doing more with significantly fewer resources," said O'Leary from the DOE's Headquarters at the Forrestal Building in Washington, D.C.

Twenty-seven DOE organizations comprising approximately 34,000 people (about a fifth of the department's federal and contractor employees) applied for the 1996 Energy Quality Awards.

The Hammer Award is granted through Vice President Al Gore's National Performance Review Program to teams or organizations that have made extraordinary progress in reinventing government. The Carlsbad Area Office is recognized for its recent accomplishments within the DOE Environmental Management program.

The Energy Quality Awards Program is based on the Malcolm Baldrige Quality criteria and the President's Quality Award, which evaluate applicants according to the following criteria:

Leadership
Information and analysis
Strategic planning
Human resource development and management
Process management
Business results
Customer focus and satisfaction

Westinghouse's Waste Isolation Division also garnered two awards at the recent Employee Involvement Association Conference, held September 11 in Phoenix, Ariz. The company received Industry Group awards in the performance excellence and employee savings categories.

The Employee Involvement Association was established in 1942 with the primary mission of providing industry with a forum for exchanging ideas on what has made business in the United States successful. In recent years the organization has branched out to other countries and now has international representatives in Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Companies and organizations participating in the program include Toyota, IBM, NASA, Johnson & Johnson, Saturn and American Airlines, to name a few.

"The entire Carlsbad Area Office staff has contributed to and should be recognized for the Hammer Award," said George Dials, manager of the Carlsbad Area Office. "We are proud of the work and the resulting accomplishments that relate to the WIPP and National Transuranic programs.

"DOE and Westinghouse employees should be recognized for their continuous attention to quality performance. This is the level of performance that is expected and required to move the WIPP and National Transuranic programs forward in our efforts to open this nation's first underground nuclear waste repository."

Joe Epstein, general manager of the Waste Isolation Division, said winning an Energy Quality Award is a true indicator that DOE and Westinghouse employees have what it takes to excel at a task.

"As I mentioned last year," said Epstein, "we have received several awards in the total quality arena, but the Energy Quality Award ranks as the most prestigious because it comes from our customer -- the DOE."

O'Leary emphasized the importance of the DOE's assessment process in providing customer satisfaction, cost reduction, increased competitiveness, and, ultimately, in ensuring the department's continuity and established recognition as a world-class organization.

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DOE AWARDS CONTRACT FOR DEVELOPING PROTOTYPE OF HALFPACK TRANSPORTATION PACKAGE

CARLSBAD, N.M., October 1 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Carlsbad Area Office today announced that the Engineered Products Department of the Westinghouse Government Technical Services Division, in Carlsbad, will make two prototypes of a transuranic waste transporter, called the HALFPACK.

The HALFPACK would reduce the number of transuranic waste shipments to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) by about 2,000 and avoid millions of dollars in related transportation and repackaging costs over the life of the project.

The HALFPACK (see attached drawing) will be a shorter version of the Transuranic Package Transporter (TRUPACT-II). The HALFPACK will be designed to carry heavy drums of waste more efficiently. Because the HALFPACK weighs less than the TRUPACT-II, it can carry more weight in payload than TRUPACT-II. Three HALFPACKs will be able to transport 21 heavy drums on one truck; the TRUPACT-II can only ship 14 heavy drums per truck, decreasing the number of shipments and avoiding transportation costs of approximately $20 million over the life of the project.

The prototype units will support WIPP engineers in determining the final design of the container. Upon completion, the final HALFPACK design will be submitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for certification. Both the TRUPACT-II and HALFPACK are specifically designed to ship transuranic radioactive waste.

The transuranic waste generator and storage sites have placed about five thousand 55-gallon drums of waste in 85-gallon drums. This process is called "overpacking," and is done to drums that are in questionable condition. Currently, no certified package exists to transport 85-gallon overpack drums. The HALFPACK design can hold four 85-gallon drums, one seven-pack of heavy 55-gallon drums, or one standard waste box.

By accommodating the 85-gallon drums of waste with the HALFPACKs, workers avoid repackaging the contents of these larger drums for transport in the TRUPACT-II. By providing a shipping package for the 85-gallon overpack drums, the HALFPACKs avoid a repackaging cost of approximately $22.5 million over the life of the project.

Avoiding repackaging also prevents exposing workers to additional radiation, which supports the "ALARA" concept -- a safety process to keep workers' radiation exposure "as low as reasonably achievable." ALARA is required by federal regulation at all nuclear facilities.

Transuranic waste consists of clothing, tools, rags, and other disposable items contaminated with trace amounts of radioactive elements, mostly plutonium.

WIPP is scheduled to open for waste receipt in November 1997.

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ASSURES STABILITY OF UNDERGROUND FACILITY AT WASTE ISOLATION PILOT PLANT

Carlsbad, N.M., September 27 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Carlsbad Area Office today expressed strong disagreement with the prepublication version of a report on the stability of a panel of underground rooms at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The Carlsbad Area Office reaffirmed its complete confidence in the safety and stability of WIPP's entire underground facility, including Panel 1. A formal, technical response is being developed for the Environmental Evaluation Group, the report's generator and WIPP oversight group.

The Carlsbad Area Office can only respond to the prepublication version of the report at this time. Specifically, the prepublication version recommends that the Department of Energy abandon Panel 1 and mine a new panel to assure stability and safety in the underground rooms.

The Carlsbad Area Office intends to use Panel 1 for waste disposal. The condition of WIPP underground Panel 1 disposal area has been, is, and will continue to be monitored constantly from both a maintenance and a scientific viewpoint. The Carlsbad Area Office's technical, point-by-point response to the final version of the report will be forwarded to the Environmental Evaluation Group in October.

Carlsbad Area Office Manager George Dials sees the prepublication version as not credible from a technical and engineering standpoint: "We always consider the Environmental Evaluation Group's comments and take action on many of them," he said. "However, the version we've seen has resurrected old issues that have already been addressed and resolved. The prepublication version's conclusions are based on incorrect assumptions and several technical approaches that we consider invalid. I see no sound bases for conclusions in the prepublication version of this report. Our technical response will address the final report's conclusions point by point.

"We have a world class mine engineering program and an enviable underground safety record. Our ground control plan is as thorough as, if not better than, any in

existence. The fact that the Environmental Evaluation Group did not consider the constructive impact of these programs and processes in its evaluation indicates that this prepublication version is incomplete in both breadth and depth."

The New Mexico State Mine Inspector's Office conducts annual inspections of the WIPP underground and surface facilities; the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) conducts quarterly inspections. These agencies have found the established mine maintenance and ground control programs more than adequate to maintain the safe operating condition of the facility.

Westinghouse Electric Corporation's Waste Isolation Division, the management and operating contractor for the DOE at the WIPP, has performed well in safety inspections. Since 1993, the MSHA has reported no significant negative findings at the WIPP. The MSHA enforces federal safety and health regulations for the mining industry.

Recently, the New Mexico State Mine Inspector's Office named Westinghouse New Mexico "Mine Operator of the Year" for the ninth time. "The WIPP underground is in excellent condition," said New Mexico State Mine Inspector Desi Apodaca, during a recent awards presentation. "It should be used as a showcase mine for the rest of the state and nation. Westinghouse, its employees, and management team should be commended for maintaining a safe environment."

The Carlsbad Area Office and its contractors have published 29 major documents in the past five years that address WIPP geotechnical topics such as those in the Environmental Evaluation Group report. One of the 29, the Long-Term Ground Control Plan for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, published annually, details a five-year plan of mine maintenance systems, including instrumentation and equipment capable of monitoring ground stability and roof support adequacy.

In Panel 1 there are more than 700 mechanical and electronic monitoring and measuring points that continually provide data on ground control conditions. Through a sound and well-documented engineering program, experts analyze this data and develop viable options to control and correct actual and potential underground conditions.

Panel 1, completed in 1987, remains in safe and operable condition because of these routine reassessments of conditions and development of appropriate responses to those conditions.

The WIPP is scheduled to open for waste receipt in November 1997.

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PRESIDENT SIGNS OPENING OF THE WIPP, SAVE TAXPAYERS MONEY BILL TO SPEED

CARLSBAD, N.M., September 23 -- President Bill Clinton signed legislation today to clear the way for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to begin shipping defense-generated transuranic radioactive waste to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) as early as November 1997.

Clinton signed the Fiscal Year 1997 Defense Authorization Bill, which contains amendments to the 1992 WIPP Land Withdrawal Act. The amendments remove redundant regulations, eliminate a 180-day waiting period, and save taxpayers millions of dollars. The opening of the WIPP for disposal operations is dependent upon the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) certification of the project's compliance with environmental regulations.

"The President's approval of this measure is a very important event for the Department of Energy and our nation," said George Dials, manager of the DOE's Carlsbad Area Office, which administers the WIPP program. "It reaffirms the EPA's role as the independent regulator and further enhances the prospects for protecting the health and safety of the public by removing unnecessary administrative impediments to the opening of this critically important facility.

"The opening of the WIPP to dispose of defense-generated transuranic nuclear waste is a critical step toward closing the circle on the nation's nuclear waste problem. It enhances the ability of the DOE to effect real progress in the cleanup and decommissioning of numerous weapons complex facilities throughout the United States.

"At present, there are more than 60 million people, potentially at risk, living within a 50-mile radius of the various sites throughout the United States that are temporarily storing transuranic nuclear waste. The opening of the WIPP allows for the disposal of this waste 2,150 feet underground in a 250 million-year-old salt formation, thus eliminating the risk to the public and the accessible environment forever."

Removing a 180-day waiting period (for waste shipments) after the DOE demonstrates compliance with EPA criteria is a