Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Safety
Cal OES coordinates with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), other state agencies and local governments regarding the transportation of radioactive wastes from defense-related facilities that conduct research, development and production of nuclear weapons. The wastes from these facilities consist of such items as laboratory clothing, tools, glove boxes, rubber gloves, glassware and air filters. These wastes are contaminated with small amounts of radioactive materials such as plutonium, americium or small amounts of hazardous chemicals.
DOE arranges for transportation of these wastes to a deep geologic disposal facility called the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) located 2,150 feet underground in southern New Mexico, 25 miles east of Carlsbad. Congress authorized construction of the WIPP in 1979 and DOE completed construction of the facility in the late 1980’s.
All WIPP waste shipments use extremely sturdy shipping casks that can hold the wastes in 55-gallon steel drums or boxes. The shipping casks have been constructed to withstand severe accidents without releasing their contents.
The DOE imposes rigorous driver and carrier performance requirements to ensure that only highly trained drivers and specially-equipped trucks are used for WIPP shipments. WIPP safety protocols include the use of trained drivers, truck and cask inspections, shipment tracking using satellite-based technology and communication systems, weather and road condition checks prior to departure, identification of safe parking areas on the route, route selection protocols, training for state and local emergency responders, and emergency response plans.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) inspects all shipments originating in California and escorts these shipments while in California. Prior to departure, trucks and casks must pass a rigorous vehicle safety inspection by highway patrol inspectors and DOE.
Emergency response training and radiological detection instruments have been provided to public safety personnel in counties along the WIPP-transit routes. Shipments are scheduled to avoid holidays and peak tourist events along routes.
