An employee with Waste Control Specialists examines modular concrete casks, similar to those that are being used to overpack waste containers from LANL. Courtesy/WIPP

WIPP News:

Waste Control Specialists (WCS) in Andrews, Texas, continues implementing precautionary measures this week to ensure the safety of the public, environment and workers.

WCS is loading standard waste boxes from the suspect waste stream originating from the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) into modular concrete casks.

Prior to loading, thermal readings are taken of each  standard waste box container to verify the external temperature. Once the box  is loaded into the modular concrete cask, the cask is then filled with gravel.

Typically, two boxes are loaded in each cylindrical cask. Each cask is also equipped with an internal thermocouple to monitor internal temperatures on a daily basis.

Additionally, cameras monitor the area where the waste is being stored. As of Tuesday, three of the 73 standard waste boxes originating from LANL remain to be loaded into modular concrete casks.

The City of Carlsbad and DOE host weekly meetings that can be seen through live streaming here.