WIPP has been disposing of legacy transuranic (TRU) waste since 1999,
cleaning up 22 generator sites nationwide.
WIPP was constructed for disposal of defense-generated TRU waste from DOE sites around the country. TRU waste consists of clothing, tools, rags, residues, debris, soil and other items contaminated with small amounts of plutonium and other man-made radioactive elements. The waste is permanently disposed of in rooms mined in an underground salt bed layer over 2000 feet from the surface.
Latest News
WIPP Reaches Another Milestone
CARLSBAD, N.M. - Just before midnight on June 27, EM's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) received its 12,500th transuranic (TRU) waste shipment since operations began at WIPP in 1999. The shipment originated from the Idaho National Laboratory, which has sent WIPP the most TRU waste shipments (6,500 and counting) over the past 20 years.
[July 08, 2019]
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Workers Make Headway on New Ventilation System to Increase WIPP Airflow
CARLSBAD, N.M. - Progress continues on a new $135 million ventilation system at EM's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Workers have installed construction and crane roads on the construction site for the new Safety Significant Confinement Ventilation System (SSCVS).
[May 24, 2018]
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Early Career Professional Believes WIPP is Right Place for Career Growth
CARLSBAD, N.M., Forrest Queen has advanced his career quickly, going from Washington State University graduate to ventilation engineering manager at EM's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in just four years.
[May 01, 2019]
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THE WIPP Visitor EXPERIENCE
Visitors to Carlsbad, N.M. are encouraged to visit the WIPP Experience Exhibit. While public tours of WIPP are not available, the exhibit at our in-town office building features a brief documentary on the project and numerous displays. Friendly staff are available to answer questions about this one-of-a-kind facility.
Groups larger than four people are asked to call in advance for special showings in the auditorium.
The WIPP Experience Exhibit
U.S. Department of Energy
4021 National Parks Highway, Carlsbad, New Mexico
1-800-336-WIPP
Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.