It’s Back: WIPP

The EPA will consider a Proposed Change Request (PCR) from the Dept. of Energy (DoE) that will allow the use of two new storage panels to replace the storage capacity that was closed after the radiation leak in 2014. This would be a significant change to the facility as presented for recertification in 2019. Recertification review was due every five years, but the 2024 review was moved to November 2026. Watchdog groups are concerned that the EPA will considered the proposed changes by internal review rather than the formal rule-making process. Further concerning is the following from (https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-03/24-0168-wipp-pcr-panels-letter-enclosures.pdf):

The DOE has shared with the EPA (August 12,2021, Letter to EPA) that the two replacement
panels will not provide sufficient capacity to hold the 6.2 million cubic feet of TRU waste
authorized by the Land Withdrawal Act (LWA). The timing for the need of additional panels,
beyond replacement Panels 11 and 12, will require further analyses. The DOE will submit a
separate PCR for additional panels, when further analysis are completed and a future request is
finalized.

There will be public meetings next week in New Mexico regarding the PCR.

Monday, August 26, 2024 – Carlsbad, New Mexico
U.S. Department of Energy, Carlsbad Field Office
Skeen-Whitlock Building, Main Auditorium
4021 National Parks Highway
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (MDT)

Register on Zoom: https://usepa.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsdeiqrTwpHUkjZ1z_djiz7fqgYMDqcc8

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 – Santa Fe, New Mexico
Hilton Santa Fe-Historic Plaza
100 Sandoval Street, Canyon Ballroom
Santa Fe, NM 87501
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (MDT) (Technical/Scientific)

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (MDT) (General Public Comment)

Register on Zoom (1pm session): https://usepa.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsdOyqqjosG2w3uwOoOk4UNSxZwyXxE2s

(6pm session): https://usepa.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsdumqrzIvHZWmhyQ_Jh7EBe1EcgTmi5Y

Public comment closes on September 16, 2024. Submit written comments: https://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OAR-2024-0309-0001.