The Idaho Cleanup Project has successfully resumed shipments of remote-handled transuranic waste to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in Carlsbad, New Mexico, for permanent disposal for the first time since 2014. May 12, 2026
Office of Environmental Management
May 12, 2026
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Idaho Cleanup Project sends first remote-handled waste shipment to Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in over a decade
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The Idaho Cleanup Project (ICP) has successfully resumed shipments of remote-handled transuranic waste to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, New Mexico, for permanent disposal for the first time since 2014.
The first of the shipments departed this spring, marking an important milestone in the safe disposal of legacy waste and the continued fulfillment of commitments under the Idaho Settlement Agreement.
“The shipment represents a significant step forward in advancing the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Environmental Management mission, emphasizing the remediation of contaminated sites and the safe, permanent disposal of transuranic waste,” said Nick Balsmeier, acting ICP manager. “These efforts align with DOE’s vision of sustainability while safeguarding the environment for future generations.”
While cleanup crews at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Site routinely ship contact-handled transuranic waste to the underground repository, this marks the first time in over 10 years they will ship remote-handled transuranic waste there. Transuranic waste consists of manufactured radioactive elements heavier than uranium on the periodic table. The remote-handled waste has higher radioactivity levels than the contact-handled waste. Click here to learn more about this waste.
The latest achievement reflects months of careful readiness by ICP contractor Idaho Environmental Coalition (IEC). Crews safely prepared, loaded and transported the waste in compliance with regulatory and safety standards, ensuring protection of workers, the public and the environment. They developed a mock-up to demonstrate the process they will follow to safely package and ship the waste. The mock-up allowed them to gain proficiency in loading waste drums into protective shielded overpacks compliant with safe shipping and disposal requirements.
“This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the Idaho Cleanup Project,” said Dan Coyne, IEC president. “Resuming remote-handled transuranic waste shipments is about more than safely moving waste — it’s about fulfilling our promises to the state of Idaho, reducing risks to the environment and demonstrating progress that matters to the community and the nation. It’s a proud moment for our team and a step forward in building a cleaner, safer future.”
The resumption of remote-handled transuranic waste shipments reflects ICP’s steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship, measurable results and accountability to taxpayers. As cleanup continues, the focus remains on protecting communities and ecosystems while tackling the complex challenges of the nation’s nuclear legacy and unlocking opportunities for a sustainable future.
-Contributor: Ryan Christensen
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