Underground clear except for panel where radiation leak occurred

Jul 24 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Zack Ponce Carlsbad Current-Argus, N.M.

July 24--CARLSBAD -- The Department of Energy (DOE) continues to clear hurdles in its underground cleanup at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), located 26 miles southeast of Carlsbad.

Crews finished replacing all high-efficiency particulate air filters -- or HEPA filters -- last week and employees returned to the salt mines 2,150 feet below ground on July 18 for the first time since June.

During the entry on July 18, WIPP crews conducted radiological surveys and evaluated ground control conditions to ensure the continued safety of future entry teams, according to a news release by the DOE on Tuesday. They also tested a localized power unit and substation, identifying the reasons for its failure.

The DOE also said the Accident Investigation Board for the February radiation leak had completed its examination in all of the underground areas of WIPP except for Room 7, Panel 7 where it is hypothesized that a chemical reaction inside a nuclear waste drum caused trace amounts of americium and plutonium to make its way into the outside air.

The Current-Argus spoke with a DOE spokesperson on Wednesday but the federal agency declined to issue further comment or clarification into the matter.

The City of Carlsbad and the DOE will co-host another WIPP town hall meeting tonight at 5:30 p.m. inside the Carlsbad City Council Chambers. Live streaming of the meeting can be seen at http://new.livestream.com/rrv/.

Reporter Zack Ponce can be reached at (575) 689-7402.

www.currentargus.com

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