Waste Isolation Pilot Plant contractor Nuclear Waste Partnership is addressing issues after an investigation found that a fire last month at the facility was preventable. An accident investigation released late last week into the Feb. 5 salt truck fire noted that a lack of proper maintenance, an inadequate fire suppression system and an inadequate response contributed to the incident. “Nuclear Waste Partnership makes safety its top priority, and we appreciate the opportunity to review the report issued by the Accident Investigation Board (AIB),” NWP spokesman Donavan Mager said in a written response. “We will commence our review process immediately and will promptly address all of AIB’s recommendations with an eye towards protecting worker health, public health and the environment. Our team is working closely with the U.S. Department of Energy to execute our Integrated Recovery Plan, restore operations at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and resume waste disposal operations in a safe, systematic manner.”
Last week, URS demoted NWP President Farok Sharif to project manager of the TRU Waste Program and named Bob McQuinn as the new head of the site contractor. The move was part of the company’s response to recent incidents at WIPP. However, when asked whether the management change was linked to the results of the accident investigation URS has not responded to request for comment.
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