DOE EM / COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County and the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Service (DOE EM) jointly released late this afternoon the following statement:

From DOE EM:

“On July 8, the DOE contractor, N3B, discovered an intact 500-milliliter amber glass bottle containing liquid during pothole excavation at the Middle DP Road Site. As part of required procedures, N3B contacted the Emergency Operations Support Center (EOSC).

“Out of an abundance of caution, the EOSC instructed N3B to engage the Los Alamos County Fire Department for HazMat support and assistance. The Los Alamos County Fire Department placed the bottle in a secure drum and secured it at an onsite location, while it awaits waste characterization sampling.

“Work has now resumed on the Middle DP Road Site. The safety of our workforce, the environment, and the surrounding community remains our highest priority as we continue to adhere to strict safety procedures. We will continue to provide up-to-date information to our local stakeholders.”

From Los Alamos County, Anne Laurent, who is Acting County Manager today (Steve Lynne is out of the office):

“I appreciate the quick response by the Fire Department’s Haz Mat team yesterday. At this time, we do not believe that the liquid found poses a health or safety concern. It has been placed in a secure container for further examination. More information will be made available when known.”