700-C Ventilation Short Duration Test Scheduled

January 08, 2021

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) intends to begin conducting initial short duration testing of the 700-C fan located at the WIPP site the week of Jan. 11. The testing will last approximately four hours.

The test is dependent upon very-specific weather conditions, so delays may occur. Out of an abundance of caution, additional work activities will be curtailed during the test, which will also include reducing the number of employees working at the WIPP site during the testing.

As previously communicated, the restart of the 700-C fan will help WIPP provide additional airflow in the underground. Additionally, the increased airflow will provide added comfort to the underground workers and better support DOE’s operational mission. The 700-C fan has been thoroughly inspected and tested to ensure its operational safety.

WIPP contractor Nuclear Waste Partnership has developed a monitoring plan for testing and initial start-up of the 700-C Fan System. The Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring and Research Center, an independent organization managed by New Mexico State University-Carlsbad, and WIPP will conduct routine air monitoring activities during the restart of the 700-C fan.

After the test is completed, data will be posted to the 700-C web page as soon as it is available. In addition, a virtual town hall meeting will be held to discuss test results and next steps to return the 700-C ventilation fan to full operation.

For additional information about the 700-C fan, please click here.