CARLSBAD, New Mexico—Salado Isolation Mining Contractors (SIMCO) announces a Request for Grant Proposals. The SIMCO Employee Investment Advisory Committee is accepting proposals from nonprofit agencies within Eddy and Lea Counties (individual and non-charitable organizations are not eligible). Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for grants to enrich the lives of people in Southeast New Mexico.
The priorities for funding are:
Continued Education
Health & Human Services
Economic Sustainability
The mission of the SIMCO Employee Investment Advisory Grant Fund is to allocate company-funded grants, where the need is greatest, using the collective skills and knowledge of our employees to make a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. Our SIMCO Employee Investment Advisory Committee is representative of our diverse workforce and comprised of selected non-managerial employees who have been recognized for their leadership qualities by both their managers and peers. This innovative approach gives our employees direct influence where a portion of SIMCO charitable contributions are made, extending our funding across a wider array of regional nonprofit organizations.
Applications are available online at https://simco-llc.us/investment-advisory-committee/. Applications can be mailed or personally delivered and are due Friday September 15th, 2023 by 5:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Community Relations & Charitable Giving Coordinator Ekta Bhakta at 832.689.1049 or ekta.bhakta@wipp.ws.
CARLSBAD, N.M., July 11, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Carlsbad Field Office announced today that excavation crews recently attained a milestone in the construction of a new utility shaft at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).
They’ve reached an underground depth, known as station depth, that allows horizontal tunneling work to begin on connecting the shaft to the WIPP repository complex. The repository sits at 2,150 feet below ground level.
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) mining crews view progress in an ongoing mining tunnel, known as a drift, at the underground repository where a new utility shaft will eventually be connected. Excavation crews recently reached a milestone at the new utility shaft by reaching the depth necessary that allows horizontal tunneling work to begin on connecting the shaft to the WIPP underground complex.
“This is a hugely significant step in increasing airflow in the WIPP underground,” said Mark Bollinger, manager of DOE’s Carlsbad Field Office. “Congratulations to the crews, who have safely and compliantly worked around the clock to make continual progress on an important part of the new WIPP infrastructure.”
The utility shaft, WIPP’s largest at 26 feet in diameter when completed, will provide air to the Safety Significant Confinement Ventilation System (SSCVS), the largest safety-related ventilation system in the DOE complex. That system and the utility shaft are being built by Salado Isolation Mining Contractors (SIMCO), DOE’s management and operations contractor at WIPP.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our WIPP workforce,” said Ken Harrawood, SIMCO President and Program manager. “The new utility shaft is a key component of the SSCVS that, when online, will enhance WIPP’s capability to deliver the nation and New Mexico’s cleanup mission.”
The SSCVS will provide increased airflow that allows simultaneous mining, rock bolting, waste emplacement and maintenance operations. Bolting controls the movement of salt rock — known as salt creep — in the WIPP underground.
Reaching the station depth was a culmination of nearly three years of construction and mining work as crews overcame unique challenges. Work on the utility shaft started in late 2019, was paused in late 2020 for one year during the pandemic, and the State of New Mexico authorized a restart in November 2021.
Crews from Harrison Western-Shaft Sinkers Joint Partnership, SIMCO’s shaft subcontractor, work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They set charges to blast half of the shaft circle at a time, excavating and removing the debris to the surface, before repeating on the other side of the circle.
Work in the shaft is conducted from a Galloway, a five-story tall, multilevel platform. As it descended into the shaft, crews installed concrete liner of varying thickness down to 873 feet, where an ancient salt layer begins. From there to the final planned depth of the shaft bottom at 2,275 feet, crews will install rock bolts and metal mesh to control loose rock.
Located in southeast New Mexico about 26 miles from Carlsbad, WIPP was constructed in the 1980s for disposal of defense-generated transuranic (TRU) waste. The repository is carved out of a 2,000-foot-thick salt bed formed 250 million years ago. TRU waste is disposed of 2,150 feet underground in rooms mined from the salt bed.
A truck hauls excavated salt away from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant’s (WIPP) utility shaft project, marked by a large aboveground steel headframe. The shaft, key to WIPP’s new air ventilation project, has reached the depth necessary to allow horizontal tunneling work to begin on connecting the shaft to the WIPP underground repository complex. The repository is 2,150 feet below ground level.
SANTA FE, N.M., June 27, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Environmental Management announced today that a mutual agreement has been achieved on terms to renew the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Operating Permit.
The Permit renewal will allow WIPP to continue its safe and secure operations supporting the Department’s environmental cleanup and national security missions.
This was accomplished through a comprehensive public comment period followed by negotiation among NMED, DOE, New Mexico stakeholders, and WIPP’s operating contractor Salado Isolation Mining Contractors (SIMCO).
The DOE issued a statement: “The updated permit terms reflect our shared priorities for the continued safe operation of the WIPP site, the continued prioritization of New Mexico waste for disposal, and strong public and stakeholder engagement. Importantly, this permit lays the groundwork for a full and open discussion regarding the future plans for WIPP and transuranic waste from generator sites across the country. Reaching agreement on this important and complex permit renewal was only possible because of the commitment and collaboration by all parties involved.”
Mark Bollinger, Manager of DOE’s Carlsbad Field Office at WIPP, added, “Our goal is to operate WIPP safely and transparently. The agreement supports WIPP’s ability to serve our environmental clean-up and national security missions. The Department is pleased with the outcome of the negotiations and we look forward to continued dialogue and cooperation between New Mexico, DOE and all stakeholders.”
Located in southeast New Mexico about 26 miles from Carlsbad, WIPP was constructed in the 1980s for disposal of defense-generated transuranic (TRU) waste. The repository is carved out of a 2,000-foot-thick salt bed formed 250 million years ago. TRU waste is disposed of 2,150 feet underground in rooms mined from the salt bed.
SIMCO Awards $20,000 in Scholarships in Eddy and Lea Counties
CARLSBAD, New Mexico — Salado Isolation Mining Contractors (SIMCO) announced today the company has awarded $20,000 in scholarships to 20 area high school seniors throughout Eddy and Lea counties as part of its commitment to continuing education.
SIMCO’s scholarship program focuses on students pursuing a degree through an accredited technical program. Each student is receiving a one-time, $1,000 scholarship.
“We recognize the time and dedication our local area students have invested throughout their years in school. An education is something that will benefit these students throughout their lives, and we, as a company, are pleased to be able to present them with these scholarships,” said Dr. Joy James-Foster, SIMCO’s Senior Education Outreach lead.
SIMCO also provided funding for the Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund, and the Falcon Fest Scholarship Fund.
Artesia High School: Ethan Ramirez
Carlsbad High School: Faith Aragon, Miguel Beltran, Leonela Calanche, Sophia Corder, Arika Cordova, Isabella Fuentes, Syra Jasso, Joy Lasco, Justyn Nevarez, Cruz Otto, Mia Peacock, Ryan St. John, and Aiselynn Whitzel
Loving High School: Paige Davis, Eboney Florez, Calista Torres and Kathryn Montoya
Hobbs High School: Falyn Lackey and Ryan Middleton
SIMCO is the management and operating contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). SIMCO is a single-purpose entity comprised of Bechtel National, Inc. SIMCO utilizes Los Alamos Technical Associates as a New Mexico-based small business teaming subcontractor.
SIMCO awarded scholarships during the April 24, 2023 Carlsbad Municipal School District Scholarship Awards Ceremony.SIMCO awarded a scholarship during the May 23, 2023 Artesia High School Scholarship Awards Ceremony.SIMCO awarded scholarships during the April 26, 2023 Loving Municipal Schools Scholarship Awards Ceremony.
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WIPP was an active participant in the national Mine Safety and Health Administration’s Stand Down to Save a Life day on Wednesday, intended to help reduce injuries in the mining community, which has seen 16 fatalities already this year.
Eight short stand-down meetings were held at WIPP throughout the day, led at the site by SIMCO Environmental Safety & Health Manager Ryan Flynn. In each meeting, mining and a wide variety of other personnel provided safety shares, which got discussions going about why safety is important on a personal level and ideas on ways to look out for each other.
MSHA representatives were on site and participated in the first session of the day, encouraging employees on topics from use of self-rescuers to keeping your eyes open for small risks.
SIMCO Mining/Underground Operations Manager Mike Marksberry said mining is a tough industry but the work can get done and done safely. He applauded employees for their efforts on recent corrective actions after an injury and encouraged more proactive actions so that injuries can be prevented.
Flynn and Marksberry assured employees that safety will always be prioritized at WIPP, with a focus on solving problems, not assigning blame. Employees were encouraged to not only report issues but consider how they might be addressed expeditiously.
Many who shared talked about the impact every employee has on those around them and how to talk to each other about risks, illustrating that safety starts and ends with people. Avoiding distractions and complacency were also discussed, along with some of the many reasons to value safety, like family members.
That morning also included breakfast burritos, which were handed out to say thank you for the important role each person plays in WIPP’s mission and safety culture.
SIMCO sponsored a Permian Road Safety Coalition (PRSC) Road Safety Luncheon on May 16 at the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts & Exhibition Center in Carlsbad, with Bobby St. John (Public Affairs) speaking on “Road Safety and Transuranic Waste.” It was the largest turnout to date for a PRSC Carlsbad meeting.
The PRSC brings together private sector companies, government agencies, researchers and concerned citizens to collaborate on improving road safety and infrastructure across Southeast New Mexico and West Texas.
Members of our Mine Rescue Team recently put their life-saving skills into action, possibly saving a young woman’s life, as they were returning from a mine rescue competition in Ruidoso.
While the team was returning to Carlsbad last month, they witnessed a severe automobile accident that involved a young woman who was ejected from a vehicle after it hit a rock wall. Mine rescue team members Fabian Muñoz, Misty Long, Matt Ridgway, Terry Grube, and Mark Long immediately sprang into action. They were joined by members of the Intrepid mine rescue team — also returning from the competition.
Without hesitation, they grabbed first aid supplies from their mine rescue trailer and used the first responder training that they routinely practice and test.
“I want to commend the quick thinking and actions exhibited by our WIPP Mine Rescue Team and individuals from the Mosaic Mine Rescue Team,” said Ken Harrawood, SIMCO program manager. “These men and women train extensively to respond in the event we have an emergency in the WIPP underground. It just so happened they were in the right place at the right time to provide medical attention to this young lady.”
Thanks to the training they received, the mine rescue team members were able to use the first aid supplies effectively. They knew exactly what supplies were needed and how to use them properly, which allowed them to provide the necessary first aid quickly and efficiently. Their quick thinking and decisive actions likely saved the young woman’s life.
The young woman was airlifted to a Lubbock, Texas, hospital and survived.
Ken presented each team member with a SIMCO President’s Life Saving Award to commend them for their bravery, their quick thinking, and the vital role they play in their community.
SIMCO presented a $50,000 donation to the City of Carlsbad on Tuesday to support the construction of a splash pad that will be open to all children, including those with cognitive or physical disabilities.
For example, the unique design will allow children in wheelchairs to reach splash pad features. Because of SIMCO’s donation, the city will be able to move forward with the first phases of construction.
The new splash pad will be constructed near Friendship Park, a playground designed to accommodate children with disabilities, which is located in the northern portion of the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area.
The Special Olympics is a global organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization aims to build inclusive communities and bring hope to Special Olympics athletes locally and globally.
One of the significant events organized by the Special Olympics is the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which is a series of relay runs that take place around the world to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics. Law enforcement officers, known as the Guardians of the Flame, carry the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” from the four corners of the state to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The annual New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics for Eddy County began today at 6 am and will travel from the Southeast New Mexico College- Formerly NMSU Carlsbad to Artesia.
Organizations like SIMCO (Salado Isolation Mining Contractors) understand the importance of supporting local communities. The Special Olympics is a worthy cause that brings people of all backgrounds together and fosters a sense of inclusivity. At SIMCO, we are proud to support the Special Olympics and their mission to create a world where every person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of their abilities. We encourage everyone to show their support for this incredible organization and help build more inclusive communities. Let’s stand by the Special Olympics athletes and the Guardians of the Flame as they carry the “Flame of Hope” across New Mexico.
A transuranic waste shipment consisting of three Transuranic Package Transporter Model-II casks safely arrives at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Drivers at WIPP recently marked a milestone after they exceeded 16 million safe miles without a serious accident or injury, equivalent to 33 roundtrips to the moon or more than 642 trips around the world.
CARLSBAD, N.M. – The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) recently marked a milestone after its drivers exceeded 16 million safe miles without a serious accident or injury, equivalent to 33 roundtrips to the moon or more than 642 trips around the world.
“The safety of our shipments and operations at WIPP is our top priority,” said Mark Bollinger, acting manager for the DOE’s Carlsbad Field Office. “What is really impressive is if you include the miles driven without waste shipments, it is over 32 million safe miles. The credit goes to the men and women who transport these shipments on a daily basis; they are the best in the business.”
Since beginning operations in 1999, WIPP has received over 13,400 transuranic (TRU) waste shipments from 22 DOE sites across the country. TRU waste is comprised of debris, residues, soil, and other items contaminated with radioactive elements — largely plutonium — that have atomic numbers greater than uranium.
CAST Specialty Transportation is the current transportation contractor transporting TRU waste shipments to the underground waste repository. WIPP drivers receive almost 200 hours of training before they transport their first shipment of TRU waste.
They also must meet extensive driving and background requirements before being considered for employment. Prior to transporting a shipment of TRU waste, they receive specific training related to these shipments. This includes use of package securement devices, radiation detection equipment, and emergency management procedures.
Located in southeast New Mexico about 26 miles from Carlsbad, WIPP was constructed in the 1980s for disposal of defense-generated TRU waste. The repository is carved out of a 2,000-foot-thick salt bed formed 250 million years ago. TRU waste is disposed of 2,150 feet underground in rooms mined from the salt bed.
