Overview of the Program
The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) located near Carlsbad, New Mexico, serves as the nation’s primary facility for the safe disposal of transuranic radioactive waste generated by defense-related activities and programs across the United States.
Under federal public law, the United States Secretary of Energy is mandated to consult and cooperate with the State of New Mexico to ensure the health and safety of its residents. To support this objective, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides dedicated funding to the State of New Mexico to manage offsite safety programs. These programs enhance the state’s readiness to identify, prevent, and respond to potentially hazardous waste spills or incidents involving shipments traveling to the facility.
Our Mission and State Collaborations
The New Mexico Environment Department’s (NMED) Radiation Control Bureau (RCB) administers these federally funded oversight and preparedness activities within the Community & Safety Oversight Section of the bureau. The WIPP Emergency Preparedness Program works directly with emergency responders across the state to prepare them for transport-related incidents.
Protecting the public requires a unified state response. The WIPP Emergency Preparedness Program actively collaborates with multiple state agencies to coordinate safety efforts, including:
- Department of Health (DOH)
- Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)
- New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT)
- New Mexico Department of Public Safety (State Police)
Emergency Personnel Training and Response Goals
Waste shipments traveling to WIPP originate primarily from five major DOE sites across the country, alongside smaller quantities from minor defense-related entities. Because these shipments traverse New Mexico roadways, local readiness is paramount.
The primary goal of the NMED WIPP Emergency Preparedness Program is to equip first responders with the skills and tools necessary to manage radiological incidents safely. The program provides comprehensive, hands-on training for essential personnel, including police, firefighters, and hospital staff.
Through these training programs, personnel practice:
- Utilizing specialized equipment to measure and monitor radiation levels accurately.
- Implementing safety protocols to protect themselves and the general public during an active event.
- Executing coordinated, effective steps to manage and mitigate emergency responses in transit corridors.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding training schedules, agency coordination, or radiological emergency protocols, please contact the NMED Radiation Control Bureau as follows:
WIPP Program Coordinator/Sr. Environmental Specialist: Bobby Lopez
Email: Bobby.Lopez@env.nm.gov
Cell: (505) 469-0773
Mailing Address: 4359 Jager Dr. NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144