WIPP News:

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) site successfully demonstrated to independent auditors that the WIPP Environmental Management System (EMS) meets all the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard.

After a recent three days of reviewing the 17 elements of ISO 14001, the auditors concluded the EMS program and procedures properly manage the environmental aspects and impacts of WIPP operations to meet the standard’s requirements. As a result, the certification of the WIPP EMS will continue for three years.

ISO 14001 is an international standard for the development of effective environmental management systems that could have a direct impact on the environment.

The practices and goals that are managed through the EMS include: energy efficiency, reduction in greenhouse gases, use of renewable energy, reduced water consumption intensity, acquisition of green products and services, pollution prevention (P2) (cost-effective waste prevention, recycling, diversion of solid wastes), sustainable design/high performance buildings, reduction in petroleum consumption, and electronics stewardship (based on DOE Order 436.1, Departmental Sustainability).

The employees of WIPP are dedicated to protecting human health and the environment and continue to seek ways to improve on current processes and procedures.

The City of Carlsbad and DOE will co-host its Town Hall meeting featuring updates on WIPP recovery activities. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4 at the  Carlsbad City Council Chambers, 101 N. Halagueno St.

Live streaming of the meeting can be seen at http://new.livestream.com/rrv/.