EPA Approves Replacement Panels at WIPP

CARLSBAD, N.M., August 18, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and Salado Isolation Mining Contractors (SIMCO) have received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the use of replacement waste disposal panels 11 and 12. This decision follows a thorough review and evaluation by the EPA, authorizing the disposal of defense-generated transuranic (TRU) waste in the replacement panels.

The replacement panels are necessary due to the loss of available disposal space from not utilizing Panels 9 and 10. The decision to not use the two panels came after careful evaluation of ground conditions in those areas, prioritizing the safety of the workforce and the long-term integrity of the underground.

The New Mexico Environment Department approved construction of panels 11 and 12 in 2023, with mining of Panel 11 beginning in December of that year. In addition, the DOE submitted a Replacement Panels Planned Change Request to the EPA, for approval of these replacement panels for the continued disposal of TRU waste.

“These additional panels support WIPP’s mission toward disposal of the congressional volume mandate,” said Michael Gerle, Director of Environmental Regulatory Compliance at the DOE’s Carlsbad Field Office. “They are essential for ensuring WIPP can continue its critical role in supporting national security and environmental cleanup efforts.”

Each disposal panel is composed of seven rooms, each room measuring about 300 feet long, 33 feet wide and 13 feet high. TRU waste containers are carefully stacked within these rooms, for permanent disposal. Once a room is filled, it is sealed off from the ventilation system and operations transition to the next adjacent room.

“I cannot overstate how critical this approval is to the continued operation of the WIPP facility,” added Ken Harrawood, SIMCO program manager. “It reflects the strong collaboration between the WIPP team and the EPA, and I want to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone involved for their dedication and hard work.”

Due to the natural tendency of salt to gradually close in overtime, new panels are mined on a just-in-time basis to maintain operational efficiency. Based on current projections, replacement Panel 11 is expected to be completed by mid-2027.