From NMED:

• • • • • State oversight ensures safety during weekend venting procedure

LOS ALAMOS — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) will actively monitor Los Alamos National Laboratory’s controlled capture of tritium scheduled for this weekend, with strict safeguards and oversight in place to ensure public safety.

The tritium operation, which falls under the regulatory authority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is implemented by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), involves venting and capture of tritium from four flanged containers.

NMED staff will be onsite at Los Alamos National Laboratory while NNSA personnel perform during the procedure to ensure compliance with the approved work plan and provide updates via social media outlets.

Ted Wyka of NNSA has advised that public guidance will be provided today covering:

• Practical steps residents can take during active venting.
• Special guidance for vulnerable groups, including nearby farmers.
• Process for notifying the public in the event of an unforeseen incident.
• Public contact information for questions or concerns.

Contact information for questions:

• Ted Wyka – National Nuclear Security Administration theodore.wyka@nnsa.doe.gov
• Michael Feldman – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6 Section Supervisor – Air and Radiation Division feldman.michael@epa.gov | 214-970-3082
• George P. Brozowski – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6 Senior Regional Health Physicist borozwski.george@epa.gov | 214-755-1530
• Robert Gallegos – National Nuclear Security Administration Regulatory Compliance Programs Manager – Los Alamos Field Office robert.gallegos@nnsa.doe.gov | 505-901-3824

The Environment Department’s mission is to protect and restore the environment and to foster a healthy and prosperous New Mexico for present and future generations.