WIPP News:

The U.S. Department of Energy Laboratory Accreditation Program (DOELAP) recently conducted an assessment of the WIPP external dosimetry program.

The external dosimetry program is responsible for measuring and tracking external dose received from ionizing radiation. The purpose of the assessment was to assure routine practices comply with required criteria set forth by DOELAP. The three main kinds of ionizing radiation are alpha particles (internal hazard), beta particles and gamma rays.

The overall assessment resulted in no deficiencies, three concerns and four observations, with one of the observations identified as a noteworthy practice. [Deficiencies are defined as the most significant type of issue, concerns are defined as the next level of significance, and observations are defined as the least significant issues and include noteworthy practices.] All concerns and observations were immediately addressed and are now considered closed.

The manner and procedures used to conduct quarterly blind audit testing for performance was identified as a noteworthy practice, meaning it is considered above required standards.

Community Meetings Scheduled

Aug. 11 – The City of Carlsbad and DOE will co-host a town hall meeting featuring updates on WIPP recovery activities. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz will be in attendance. The meeting is 6:30 p.m., Monday at Leo Sweet Community Center, 1302 Mission Ave. Live streaming of the meeting can be seen at https:////new.livestream.com/rrv/.