WIPP News:

The waste hoist, which is the largest and primary conveyance into the WIPP underground facility, is undergoing the final inspections necessary to return to operation.

The conveyance consists of a large enclosed platform, similar to an elevator, that transports people, equipment and waste containers from the surface to the WIPP underground facility.

The waste hoist has not been operated since the Feb. 5 fire event because of soot that accumulated on electrical components. These components were carefully cleaned and an electrical transformer was recently replaced to make the unit operational. Visual and video inspections were also performed this week, which indicated there were no obstructions or other issues that would prevent safe movement of the waste hoist.

Additional preventative maintenance activities that require the hoist to be operated and lowered into the WIPP underground facility can now be completed, including inspection of the braided steel ropes that support the hoist. Once all remaining preventative maintenance activities have been successfully completed, the hoist and conveyance will returned to normal service, significantly enhancing the ability to perform recovery work in the underground facility.

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 in Carlsbad City Council Chambers, 101 N. Halagueno Street. Live streaming of the meeting can be seen here.