NEW MEXICO WITHDRAWS WIPP PERMIT MODS IN WAKE OF INCIDENTS

The New Mexico Environment Department on Friday notified the Department of Energy that the state has withdrawn the pending draft permit modification for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in the wake of the fire and subsequent radiological release at the site.  “NMED cannot move forward on the WIPP’s request to open additional underground storage panels and for the other requested permit modifications until more information is known about the recent events at the WIPP,” said Environment Secretary Ryan Flynn. “Just as NMED needs more information to make informed decisions on permit modifications, the public also needs more information about the radiation release in order to provide informed input during the public comment period. Once NMED has all of our questions answered, we will proceed with consideration of a revised draft Permit.”

 

The Department of Energy requested the permit modification in March 2013. “NMED may issue a revised draft when it is appropriate, but no timetable has been set for a possible reissuance due to the WIPP shutdown and ongoing incident investigation. In such a case, a revised draft Permit will be issued for public comment and a new public comment period will begin in accordance with the regulations.”