WIPP Panels Containing Nitrate-Bearing Waste Closed
WC Monitor
6/5/2015
Two previously open panels in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant underground that had contained nitrate salt-bearing waste linked to last year’s radiological release have now been closed and sealed, officials announced this week. The actions come after the New Mexico Environment Department issued an Administrative Order last year mandating sealing the panels. “We are very pleased to see the closure of all underground areas that contain the nitrate salt bearing waste stream responsible for last year’s radiological release at WIPP,” NMED Secretary Ryan Flynn said in a statement. “New Mexico will continue to ensure that all necessary steps are taken in accordance with the Administrative Order as WIPP continues the recovery in a safe manner.”
The February 2014 WIPP release was found to have originated from a waste drum in WIPP’s Panel 7, Room 7, that contained a volatile mixture of nitrate salts and organic absorbent. That area also contained 55 similar drums, while Panel 6 contained 313 nitrate salt drums. At the time of the release, both were open with no barrier between the drums and the rest of the mine. Following the discovery of the breached drum at WIPP, NMED issued an Administrative Order in May 2014 calling for expedited closure of the panels. WIPP managing contractor Nuclear Waste Partnership closed Panel 7, Room 7, on May 29, and sealed Panel 6 on May 13.
Before closing the panels, NWP first awaited the conclusion of the investigation into the cause of the release conducted by DOE’s accident investigation board, which issued its final report in April. Closure activities began in earnest in this spring. NWP first pushed mounds of salt up against the waste stack. To cut off the airflow, a brattice cloth and chain link barrier was hung from the ceiling and attached to the salt. Finally, steel bulkheads were mounted and anchored to cover the opening. “This milestone illustrates DOE’s commitment to safely recover WIPP in a manner that increases worker safety and protects the public and the environment,” DOE Carlsbad Field Office Manager Joe Franco said in a statement. “The DOE and its contractors at WIPP will continue to safely implement the recovery plan as we work toward resuming operations at WIPP.”
