Pearce Statement on Milestone at WIPP

Statement

Today, Congressman Pearce responded to the Department of Energy (DOE) and the New Mexico Environmental Department's announcement regarding isolation of all waste containers responsible for last year's radiological release and the temporary closure of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP):

"Today's announcement by the DOE and NMED marks another step forward on the important pathway to recovery for WIPP," stated Pearce.

"The objective has always been to reopen when all safety measures were completed. This successful step shows that WIPP is making progress toward that goal. It also clears the way for the critical work to implement new, permanent safety standards that will protect WIPP's irreplaceable employees and the community."

Pearce continued: "WIPP's mission is vital to the environment and to national security. As I've said, the community acceptance of the site is a national treasure. I am pleased to see that DOE and the contractor are working responsibly with the State to cure the problem and to keep their commitment to the Carlsbad community. This is good news, especially for the plant's hard-working employees and their families."

"I look forward to continuing to work with DOE, the contractor, the state, and the community to ensure that WIPP resumes operations as safely and as soon as possible," he concluded.

Temporary closure of the affected areas fulfills a significant state requirement for full recovery and the restart of plant operations.

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