Women Leading in High-Hazard Operations at Idaho’s AMWTP

Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project treatment facility team members include, from left, McKadee Mitchell, Maria Waddoups, Libby Moorman, Jana Hebdon, Stacey McCormick, Jordan Baldwin, Erial Birch and Susan Robinson.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The women at the helm of operations behind the scenes at the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project (AMWTP) at the Idaho Cleanup Project (ICP) perform critical, demanding work supporting the condensing, compacting and packaging of transuranic waste to ship to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant for permanent disposal.

Their daily efforts in controlled, high-hazard areas — like the treatment facility’s hot cells — ensure ICP continues to safely and effectively ship this waste inventory from Idaho. Transuranic waste is a radioactive byproduct of the nation's nuclear defense program. It consists of materials like rags, tools, and protective clothing contaminated with elements heavier than uranium, such as plutonium.

Inside the hot cells, which are heavily shielded concrete rooms that provide protection from radioactive material, crew members like Jordan Baldwin, Erial Birch, McKadee Mitchell, Libby Moorman and Maria Waddoups are at the forefront of hands-on fieldwork.

Their focus on facility cleanout activities and minor maintenance helps ensure the facility operates smoothly. In these challenging environments, workers don full bubble suits and supplied-air respirators to complete hot cell maintenance tasks.

Mitchell emphasizes that a high level of professionalism, great attention to detail and standards are necessary to remain safe and on schedule.

"Work inside the hot cells at AMWTP is both challenging and rewarding,” said Mitchell. “Maintaining the highest standards each day is not only important for worker safety but helps us ensure we responsibly handle this waste inventory and ship it out of Idaho."

AMWTP operations are not only physically demanding, but also require strict procedural discipline, strong communication and deep understanding of hazards and workplace controls. Behind this work is a support structure that ensures hazards are understood, requirements are met and operations are coordinated effectively.

Jana Hebdon, Susan Robinson and Stacey McCormick, who is currently training to become a utility operator, provide operational planning and coordination support, laying the groundwork for successful maintenance operations.

In addition to the specialized personal protective equipment, this work requires technical proficiency and disciplined execution. Hebdon described how their efforts bridge the gap between preparation and action.

"Behind every successful operation is careful planning and coordination,” said Hebdon. “Our role at AMWTP is to support the team by making sure we’re prepared for high-hazard maintenance activities, reinforcing expectations and helping strengthen the safety culture that protects every team member."

At AMWTP, ICP and contractor Idaho Environmental Coalition (IEC) meet commitments to the state of Idaho by treating transuranic waste and shipping it out of state.

IEC Treatment Facility Operations Manager Don Barnett recognizes the importance of the mission-critical work these women perform and how their efforts ensure the equipment and people at AMWTP work safely and successfully.

“Jordan, Erial, McKadee, Libby, Maria, Jana, Susan and Stacey represent a workforce that is capable, prepared and mission focused," Barnett said. "Their contributions strengthen not just today’s operations, but the culture of safety and excellence that AMWTP depends on.”

-Contributor: Carter Harrison