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Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)
BACKGROUND
The WIPP is a DOE facility proposed for the disposal of transuranic mixed waste (combined hazardous and radioactive waste) in a geological repository (salt beds 2,150 feet below the land surface). The facility is located 26 miles east of Carlsbad, New Mexico (P.O. Box 3090; Carlsbad, New Mexico 88221), in Eddy County.
Prior to waste disposal, the facility will require:
- Approval of a Compliance Certification Application (40 CFR Parts 191 and 194) for radioactive waste from the EPA's Office of Radiation and Indoor Air; and
- A Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Permit (40 CFR Parts 264 and 270) for hazardous wastes from the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED).
FEDERAL AND STATE CONTACTS
Radiation Compliance Certification Application, Federal Contact:
- Mr. Nick Stone (Coordinator, EPA Environmental Engineer)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1445 Ross Avenue (6PD-N)
Dallas, Texas 75202-2733
Telephone Number: (214) 665-7226
FAX (214) 665-7263
E-Mail Address: stone.nick@epamail.epa.gov
Hazardous Waste (RCRA) Permit Application, State Contact:
- Mr. James Bearzi, Bureau Chief
Hazardous Waste Bureau
New Mexico Environment Department
P.O. Box 26110
Santa Fe, NM 87502
Telephone Number: (505) 827-1567
FAX (505)-827-1544
E-Mail Address: james_bearzi@nmenv.state.nm.us
Other Sources of Information
Additional information is available from the EPA Headquarters Home Pages at: http://www.epa.gov/radiation/wipp/index.htmlA keyword search from the EPA Headquarter Office of Air and Radiation is available at: http://www.epa.gov/oar/keywords/w.html
The EPA's electronic bulletin board, the Technology Transfer Network (TTN), provides on-line information regarding EPA's WIPP oversight program. Using computer equipment, anyone may access WIPP documents through this network. The TTN can be accessed for the cost of a long distance phone call, using telecommunications software and a modem, at (919) 541-5742. The TTN bulletin board may be reached via Telnet at: ttnbbs.rtpnc.epa.gov. For assistance in accessing the network, call the Help Desk at (919) 541-5384 between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST, or leave a message on the toll-free WIPP Information Line at (800) 331-WIPP.
The WIPP Information Line (800) 331-WIPP contains recorded messages about upcoming EPA WIPP activities such as meeting, hearings, publications, and other important items. Callers can request a WIPP publication or ask a question of EPA Staff (which will be answered by phone). Messages are available in English or Spanish. Callers can also add their names to the WIPP Mailing List.