Recommendations to Address Air Sampling Issues at WIPP

摘要

The purpose of the New Mexico Environmental Evaluation Group (EEG) is to conductan independent technical evaluation of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Project to ensure the protection of the public health and safety and the environment. The WIPP Project, located in southeastern New Mexico, became operational in March 1999 for the disposal of transuranic (TRU) radioactive wastes generated by the national defense programs. EEG performs independent technical analyses of the building of the proposed site; the design of the repository, its operation, and it long-term integrity; suitability and safety of the transportation systems; suitability of the Waste Acceptance Criteria and the compliance of the generator sites with them; and related subjects. These analyses include assessments of reports issued by the DOE and its contractors, other federal agencies and organizations, as they relate to the potential health, safety and environmental impacts from WIPP. Another important function of EEG is the independent environmental monitoring of radioactivity in air, water, and soil, both on-site and off-site.