Nation

WIPP: Tests Begin in Preparation for Filter Change Out

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WIPP News:

Workers began Friday the process to test underground ventilation fans to verify that airflow can be safely reduced during the filter replacement process. New filters are required to replace those that have been capturing material since the Feb. 5 fire and Feb. 14 radiation event.

Workers are replacing the filters in phases so that exhaust air leaving the underground facility will continue to be filtered during the activity. This is the first filter replacement to be done at WIPP, and workers will be assisted by experts from the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site. Replacement Read More

Heinrich Statement on VA Secretary’s Resignation

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Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C – Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. released the following statement after the resignation of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki:

“With more than 38 years of military service, two purple hearts, and an unwavering commitment to our veterans, General Shinseki has served our nation with honor and courage. But now is the time for new leadership at the VA that will make immediate reforms to aggressively tackle the mismanagement and systemic problems at its medical facilities nationwide.  Read More

VA Secretary Eric Shinseki Has Resigned

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VA Secretary Eric Shinseki

NATIONAL News:

In the midst of growing outcry over reported failings in the VA system, especially the prevalence of wait lists for veterans needing medical care, today VA Secretary Eric Shinseki resigned.

Shinseki headed the VA, which operates the nation’s largest integrated health care system, with more than 1,700 hospitals, clinics, community living centers, domiciliaries, readjustment counseling centers, and other facilities. Stories have been emerging of veterans waiting fo months, some since 2012 for appointments, with some of those Read More

DOE Issues Update On WIPP Repairs

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WIPP personnel conduct visual inspections of the underground facilities at WIPP. Courtesy/DOE

DOE News:

The Department of Energy Field Office in Carlsbad has announced that on May 28, WIPP workers entered the underground facility to adjust the ventilation system. While underground, they adjusted a regulator on a bulkhead door and closed and taped doors at another underground location to allow more air flow through Panel 7 and better ventilation control in preparation for the planned filter change.

Geotechnical experts also conducted underground inspections at several locations to Read More

Heinrich Calls for VA Secretary Shinseki To Resign

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Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. Senate News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. issued the following statement Thursday calling for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki to step down as head of the VA after a preliminary report released by the agency’s office of inspector general. The report found that at least 1,700 veterans waiting for health care services at the Phoenix VA medical facility were not included on the facility’s wait list, and patients there waited an average of 115 days for their first appointments.

The interim report also found Read More

Udall Calls on VA Secretary Shinseki to Resign

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U.S. SENATE News:

ALBUQUERQUE – Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., issued the following statement today calling for VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to step down:

“Independent investigators at the VA are now confirming what I have been saying for weeks: that the problems at the VA are systemic and rooted in a culture that has rewarded cover-ups and cheating to the point of risking the health of our veterans. What I have heard from New Mexico veterans and read in the OIG report is a betrayal of the heroes who fought for our freedom. It’s clear to me that Secretary Shinseki must step down to Read More

Valles Caldera Board of Trustees Names New Executive Director

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Jorge Silva-Bañuelos

VCNP News:

JEMEZ SPRINGS – The Valles Caldera Trust (Trust) today announced the appointment of Jorge Silva-Bañuelos to the position of executive director. Silva-Bañuelos was selected from a competitive field of 24 applicants to fill the position vacated when Dennis Trujillo retired in January.

“Jorge has extensive experience in natural resource policy, management and leadership of government agencies,” said Kent Salazar, chairman of the Valles Caldera Trust Board of Trustees. “His experience working with a broad citizen constituency on public Read More

WIPP: Waste Control Specialists Continues Precautionary Measures

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An employee with Waste Control Specialists examines modular concrete casks, similar to those that are being used to overpack waste containers from LANL. Courtesy/WIPP

WIPP News:

Waste Control Specialists (WCS) in Andrews, Texas, continues implementing precautionary measures this week to ensure the safety of the public, environment and workers.

WCS is loading standard waste boxes from the suspect waste stream originating from the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) into modular concrete casks.

Prior to loading, thermal readings are taken of each  standard waste box container Read More

Scenes From Memorial Day Ceremony at Guaje Pines

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The flag is at half staff at Monday’s Memorial Day Ceremony at Guaje Pines Cemetery. Photo by Leland Lehman/ladailypost.com 

Democratic House Dist. 43 Rep. Stephaine Garcia Richard and Los Alamos County Council Chair Geoff Rodgers bow their head as Father Glenn Jones gives the Invocation at Monday’s ceremony. Photo by Leland Lehman/ladailypost.com 

Staff Report

The Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Donald A. Larson Assembly 0688 of Los Alamos organized Monday’s annual Memorial Day Celebration at Guaje Pines Cemetery.

The event, “The Courage to Serve Read More

Udall: We Mourn Them, Remember Them, and on Memorial Day, We Pause to Reflect on their Commitment and Courage

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U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M.
 
U.S. SENATE News:
 
ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Sen. Tom Udall issued the following statement in memory of the men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation:
 
“Our state has a proud tradition of military service. Whenever our nation has called, New Mexico has answered. Some of those brave men and women have not come home — they gave everything so that we may have the privilege of being safe and free. We mourn them, remember them, and on Memorial Day, we pause to reflect on their commitment and courage.
 
“This Memorial Day, as with every
Read More