National Laboratory

WIPP Update: Underground Ventilation System Worked as Designed

May 4, 2014 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

The WIPP Underground Ventilation System ensures proper air flow is provided during mining and waste handling activities. It also is designed to automatically switch to Filtration Mode if radioactive contamination is detected in the underground. Courtesy/WIPP

WIPP News:

Since February, there has been considerable coverage about the WIPP Underground Ventilation System. On Feb. 14, the ventilation system worked as designed, protecting human health and the environment.

In normal exhaust mode, the ventilation system provides a continuous flow of fresh air to the underground tunnels Read More

WIPP Clarifies Reports on Magnesium Oxide Usage

May 3, 2014 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

WIPP personnel place ‘super sacks’ of magnesium oxide on the top of waste columns during underground waste disposal operations. Courtesy/WIPP

WIPP News:

Due to some confusion in recent news reports, here is a more detailed explanation of the use of magnesium oxide (MgO) at WIPP. The magnesium oxide, a dry chemical, is not used to weigh down waste containers in the WIPP underground as one news outlet reported. The material is used as an engineered barrier to prevent radioactive material from releasing into the environment over a 10,000-year period, as required by the U.S. Environmental Read More

Kim Budil Appointed to LLNS, LANS Boards of Governors

May 1, 2014 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

Kimberly Budil

LLNS/LANS News:

Norman J. Pattiz, chairman of the Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (LLNS) and Los Alamos National Security, LLC (LANS) Boards of Governors, has announced that Kimberly Budil has been appointed by the University of California (UC) as vice president for Laboratory Management in the UC Office of the President and as an executive committee governor on the LANS and LLNS Boards of Governors.

Her appointment takes effect today, May 1. Budil will chair the LLCs’ Nominations and Compensation Committee. She replaces Glenn Mara, who retires from the university Read More

Public Notice of Comment Period for Alternative Compliance Request

April 30, 2014 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

Sandia Canyon Wetlands in the early morning looking north. Courtesy/LANL

LANL PUBLIC NOTICE:

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Los Alamos National Security, LLC (LANS) submitted an alternative compliance request for Site 50-006(d) in M-SMA-7.9 to EPA on April 21, 2014. The alternative compliance request provides a detailed demonstration of why the permittees are unable to certify completion of corrective action under Parts I.E.2(a) through I.E.2(d) individually or collectively and outlines proposed corrective actions.

The Permit contains nonnumeric technology-based Read More

Los Alamos Field Office Security Team Member Recognized as Employee of the Year

April 29, 2014 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

Dan Krivitsky

NNSA News:

Dan Krivitsky’s success in facilitating work between federal agencies and his efforts in counter-terrorism initiatives and Intelligence Work For Others earned him Employee of the Year for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Los Alamos Field Office.

Krivitsky of Los Ranchos, near Albuquerque, is a member of the field office’s Security Operations Team.

He and federal employees from around the state were recognized Thursday at a banquet sponsored by the New Mexico Federal Executive Board. The board is comprised of 94 Federal agencies which Read More

LANL, Veteran-owned Business Sign Mentor-Protégé Agreement

April 29, 2014 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

LANL News:

Announcement at veterans business expo, job fair

Los Alamos National Laboratory and RG Construction of Rio Rancho will be signing a mentor-protégé agreement May 7 at the New Mexico Veterans Business Expo and Job Fair at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

This working arrangement between LANL and RG Construction will promote economic and technological growth, promote and foster the establishment of long term business relationships, and provide opportunities for the protégé (RG Construction) to gain visibility within the Department of Energy complex.

WIPP Preparing For Future Entries

April 29, 2014 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

WIPP News:

Last week, Department of Energy and Nuclear Waste Partnership teams evaluated the initial photos from Wednesday’s entry into Room 7 of Panel 7. The entry confirmed that the radiation source was in Room 7, but the cause of the release was not evident.

This week, teams are finalizing safety basis documents and planning future entries to conduct additional investigations in Room 7. During the next entry, teams will have a longer stay-time, and workers are bringing equipment that allows better visibility. With telescopic extensions for cameras, employees can possibly get visuals Read More

Bradbury Science Museum Exhibits Attract Visitors

April 29, 2014 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

Maria E. Montgomery from Los Angeles, Calif., is visiting Los Alamos this week and stopped in to tour the Bradbury Science Museum Monday. ‘The exhibits are mind-boggling,’ she said. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Locals and tourists alike visited the Bradbury Science Museum Monday. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More

Colorado Groups Tour Los Alamos

April 29, 2014 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

Members of the Pillar Institute for Lifelong Learning and the Women’s Educational Society of Colorado College visited Los Alamos Monday. Seen here dining at the Manhattan Project Bar & Grill in the early evening with lecturer Henry Hertzman of Colorado Springs, center, the group is on an eight day bus tour through New Mexico. The Pillar Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization offering enrichment through lifelong learning. There is no age requirement for the life enriching educational opportunities available to its members. People of all ages are welcome to attend Read More

The Science of WIPP

April 26, 2014 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

WIPP News:

In recent weeks, there have been many questions about the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and why southeastern New Mexico was selected as the location for the world’s only repository for transuranic waste disposal.

Government officials and scientists chose the WIPP site through a selection process that started in the 1950s. At that time, the National Academy of Sciences conducted a nationwide search for geological formations stable enough to contain radioactive wastes for thousands of years. In 1955, after extensive study, salt deposits were recommended as a promising medium Read More