Analysis of a Radioactive Release in a Nuclear Waste Disposal Facility
- Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- Dept. of Energy, Carlsbad, NM (United States)
- Nuclear Waste Partners, Carlsbad, NM (United States)
The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is a 655-meter deep mine near Carlsbad, New Mexico, used to dispose the nation’s defense transuranic waste. Limited airborne radioactivity was released from a container of radioactive waste in WIPP on 14 February, 2014. As designed, a mine ventilation filtration system prevented the large scale release of contamination from the underground. However, isolation dampers leaked, which allowed the release of low levels of contaminants after the event until they were sealed. None of the exposed individuals received any recordable dose. While surface contamination was limited, contamination in the ventilation system and portions of the underground was substantial. High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in the operating ventilation system ensure continued containment during recovery and resumption of disposal operations. However, ventilation flow is restricted since the incident, with all exhaust air directed through the filters. Decontamination and natural fixation by the hygroscopic nature of the salt host rock has reduced the likelihood of further contamination spread. Contamination control and ventilation system operability are crucial for resumption of operations. This article provides an operational assessment and evaluation of these two key areas.
- Research Organization:
- USDOE Office of Environmental Management (EM), Washington, DC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Environmental Management (EM)
- OSTI ID:
- 1373268
- Report Number(s):
- DOE-EM--4.21-02
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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