Zone Recovery Completed at WIPP’s Panel 7

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant’s Panel 7 has been recovered from radioactive contamination after “months of catch-up rock bolting and contamination mitigation,” following WIPP’s February 2014 closure that was spurred by a radiological release, the facility announced late last week. The 2014 radiological release occurred in Panel 7. “Panel 7, which consists of seven disposal rooms…will be the active disposal area when waste emplacement activities resume,” a WIPP press release states. “Initial closure of Panel 7 Room 7 was completed in May 2015.” Resumption of waste emplacement operations dictates that “a significant number of activities” be completed first, including installation and testing of interim and supplemental ventilation, completion of safety documentation and safety management program development, management assessments, and operational readiness reviews.

 

Panel 7 will no longer require people to wear “additional” radiological protection equipment, yet it is and will remain posted as a “contamination area,” according to the release. “Periodic application of the water spray is necessary to minimize potential airborne contamination,” the release states. “Procedures for the handoff of waste from the uncontaminated controlled area to the contaminated area within Panel 7 will be developed and tested prior to commencing waste emplacement.”