The Challenge Now: Completion of the Legacy TRU Waste Mission 20 Years Early
The Department of Energy's (DOE) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) opened on March 26, 1999, becoming the nation's first deep geologic repository for the permanent disposal of defense generated transuranic (TRU) waste. This waste is currently retrievably stored at 27 sites across the country. Since its opening, approximately 10,000 m3 of TRU waste have been safely characterized, transported, and disposed in the WIPP. The DOE has achieved and surpassed the original goal of sending 17 waste shipments per week to WIPP. The National TRU Program (NTP) has implemented significant operational efficiencies, regulatory changes, and management initiatives, but the program cannot rest on its past achievements. The initial program schedule shows completion of TRU waste disposal in 2034 at an estimated life-cycle cost of $16 billion. The Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) and the 27 TRU waste generator sites have developed a comprehensive plan that will allow completion of the legacy TRU waste mission 20 years ahead of the initial schedule.
- Research Organization:
- U. S. Department of Energy, Carlsbad Field Office, Carlsbad, NM (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 825978
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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