Recommendation 237: Recommendations on Above Ground Storage at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

The EM SSAB Chairs believe that DOE’s submittal of a modification to its Class 3 Hazardous Waste Disposal Permit with the New Mexico Department (NMED), proposing the construction of an above-ground storage facility at the WIPP site has the potential to be the right answer for addressing the current inefficiencies in operations.

The EM SSAB recommends seeking further efficiencies in the WIPP TRU program in order to streamline, expand and accelerate TRU waste disposition. It also recommends that DOE prepare for public review, information on the expected benefits and costs of this proposed addition to the WIPP facility in terms of more efficient operation of WIPP, an overall reduction of risk around the DOE complex from an increased rate of disposal of TRU
waste, and the impact of the cost of this facility on other DOE facilities.