WIPP Increases Capacity for Underground Workers

The number of workers allowed underground at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant rose from 75 to 98 last week because a new fire-free zone has been built there, the Carlsbad (N.M.) Current-Argus reported on July 11. Jim Blankenhorn, Nuclear Waste Partnership Recovery manager, said at Thursday’s town hall meeting in Carlsbad that the compustible-free zone gives workers a safe evacuation area if another underground fire occurs, according to the article. "We are trying to ensure that we are creating the safest environment that we can, especially in the event of another fire," the article quoted Blankenhorn as saying. Blankenhorn said along with the fire-free zone, many other safety measures may eventually lead to as many as 149 workers allowed underground, the article stated.