WIPP EOC Conducting Performance Tests in Advance of Readiness Reviews

Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Emergency Operations Center (WIPP/EOC) staff earlier this month conducted a series of “Limited Scope Performance Tests” testing the readiness of the WIPP Emergency Response Organization and the EOC, according to a Nov. 12 Energy Department announcement. “A series of four exercises were conducted (i.e. earthquake, radiological release, etc.) to thoroughly test the ERO system and staff,” the DOE Carlsbad Field Office said in a press release. “The U.S. Department of Energy?Office of Enterprise Assessments evaluated the ER  functions and the staff’s abilities to respond to an  emergency event. A final report will be issued, by the Office of Enterprise Assessments on their observations.”

 

One of the purposes of the EA review is to help prepare for upcoming WIPP operational readiness reviews that must be undertaken before the underground transuranic waste storage site can resume operations. “WIPP continues to focus on improving the overall safety and emergency response programs and is dedicated to protecting employees, the public, property, and the environment,” the press release states.