New DOE Investigation Launched into WIPP Incidents

The Department of Energy’s Office of Independent Enterprise Assessments is launching an investigation into the February incidents at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, according to a notification sent to WIPP contractor Nuclear Waste Partnership this week. The Office of Enforcement will look into “the facts and circumstances associated with potential programmatic deficiencies in the nuclear safety, radiation protection, emergency management, quality assurance, and worker safety and health programs revealed by the February 2014 fire and radiation release at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant,” states the June 16 letter from the Office of Independent Enterprise Assessments to URS-led NWP. DOE so far has completed two Accident Investigation Board reports into the fire underground and the Feb.14 radiation release. Those found that the fire and radiation release was “preventable” and detailed numerous issues, including a lack of proper maintenance and an inadequate response, that contributed to the fire.