Nation

WIPP Ventilation Fan Restarted

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WIPP News:

Tuesday evening, workers at WIPP successfully restarted the 860A fan that is part of the mine ventilation and filtration system currently operating at the site.

The 860A fan was started Feb. 14, when continuous air monitors (CAM) in the WIPP underground facility detected elevated levels of radioactive contamination and shifted the underground ventilation system into filtration mode, forcing all air exiting the facility through High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. The WIPP underground facility has remained in filtration mode since the event occurred.

The 860A Read More

Heinrich Promotes Conservation And Water Initiatives In Columbine Hondo

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Sen. Martin Heinrich and U.S. Forest Service Ranger Eric Garner during a hike in the Columbine-Hondo Wildernes Study Area. Courtesy photo

U.S. SENATE News:

TAOS – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, highlighted conservation and water initiatives and growing the outdoor recreation economy during a hike in the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Study Area with the U.S. Forest Service, regional stakeholders and local officials.

Heinrich also marked the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act at a campfire celebration and emphasized Read More

First Liquid Fueled Vehicle Returned To Service In WIPP Underground

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WIPP News:

The first piece of diesel-powered equipment has been returned to service in the WIPP underground facility.

Last week, workers inspected the four-ton forklift and performed preventative maintenance so that it could be returned to service. The forklift will support various activities over the next several weeks, including resumption of bolting activities, final waste hoist inspections, and moving equipment associated with project REACH.

Preventative maintenance activities and inspections are also being performed on the roof bolting machine and the mobile vehicle that Read More

Region 6 States Receive More Than $1.1 Million In FEMA

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FEMA News:

DENTON, Texas — Agencies in five Region 6 states – Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas –have been awarded more than $1.1 million in non-disaster hazard mitigation funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

These grants are part of FEMA’s Community Assistance Program – State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE). The CAP-SSSE grants provide funding for technical assistance to communities in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and to evaluate community performance in implementing NFIP floodplain management activities.

The agencies Read More

EM Chief Visits WIPP For First Underground Tour Since February Incidents

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CBFO Manager Joe Franco, left, points to a location on a map of the WIPP underground as EM Acting Assistant Secretary Mark Whitney looks on. Courtesy/WIPP

WIPP News:

Acting Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management Mark Whitney visited WIPP Thursday and became the first non‐WIPP employee to tour the underground facility since a truck fire and unrelated radiological release temporarily closed the facility in February.

“EM, and the greater DOE, is committed to reopening WIPP to support the important mission of cleaning up the nation’s legacy of nuclear waste,” Whitney Read More

Purple Pinkie Day Coming To Los Alamos!

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ROTARY News:

 As world health officials struggle to respond to the Ebola epidemic, Pakistan has passed a grim milestone in its efforts to combat another major global health crisis: the fight against polio. 

Los Alamos Public Schools has generously agreed to support Rotary’s effort to raise awareness and funds to counter polio. Hopefully, the community and its children will wish to participate and wear their “purple pinkie” as a badge of honor for saving the life of another child.

To support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, The Rotary Read More

CDC ‘Rethinking’ Ebola Strategy

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Image Courtesy/CDC

HSNW News:

U.S. federal health officials have urged hospitals to think Ebola as officials in Texas are anxiously trying to identify all staff involved in the care of Americas patient zero following the news that a nurse — Nina Pham, 26 — who was involved in his care is the first person to contract the disease in the United States.

“We have to rethink the way we address Ebola infection and control because even a single infection is unacceptable,” Tom Frieden, director of the CDC, said on Monday.

CDC officials are now watching the Dallas hospital personnel Read More

Heinrich Discusses High-Tech Manufacturing, Job Creation At Albuquerque Photonics Facility

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Sen. Heinrich with OptiSource staff Oct. 10 in Albuquerque. Courtesy photo

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., toured OptiSource, a photonics manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, to discuss its latest projects and how research and development can help spur innovation and job creation.

Optisource, a local photonics business, manufacturers wave plates, mirrors, prisms, and laser beamsplitters for purchase by industry and research and development groups at universities and laboratories. 

“Photonics manufacturing facilities Read More

Los Alamos Named 2014 Google eCity For New Mexico

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BUSINESS News:

Los Alamos has been named the 2014 Google eCity of New Mexico. The eCity Awards recognize the strongest online business community in each state – the digital capitals of America.

These cities’ businesses are embracing the web to find new customers, connect with existing clients and fuel their local economies. Los Alamos joins the ranks of America’s leading cities in the digital economy. 

Google will recognize the Los Alamos’ innovative businesses by holding a community celebration with the Los Alamos Commerce & Development Corporation at 10 a.m. Friday, Read More

Dr. Donald J. Dudziak Honored With Rockwell Lifetime Achievement Award

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American Nuclear Society honors Alamos National Laboratory Fellow Emeritus Dr. Donald J. Dudziak. Courtesy photo

ANS News:

LA GRANGE PARK, Ill. – For his 50 years of service, the American Nuclear Society (ANS) has awarded Dr. Donald J. Dudziak the Rockwell Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award recognizes Dr. Dudziak’s half-century of contributions to research, development, education and mentoring related to radiation shielding and protection.

“Outstanding professionals such as Dr. Dudziak enhance the nuclear community and bring an incredible amount of expertise and knowledge to Read More