CARLSBAD, N.M. ̶ The U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant had a safe and productive 2024. Watch the year-end accomplishments video.
Category: Press Releases
-
SIMCO awards $15,000 in Teacher STEM Mini-Grants
Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC (SIMCO) recently awarded 14 area teachers throughout Eddy and Lea counties with a total of $15,000 in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Teacher Mini-Grants. The awards are part of the company’s efforts to promote and coordinate STEM education, along with a broader focus of incorporating a ‘hands on’ approach in the classroom. Company selects fourteen teachers from Eddy and Lea counties
Carlsbad, N.M. — Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC (SIMCO) announced today the company recently awarded $15,000 in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Teacher Mini-Grants to 14 area teachers throughout Eddy and Lea counties as part of its continued commitment to the local community.
SIMCO’s Mini-Grant program encourages, promotes and coordinates STEM education, along with a broader focus of incorporating a ‘hands on’ approach in the classroom. Awards ranged from $750 to $1,500.
“We fully recognize the time and dedication our local area teachers invest in STEM education. A STEM focused education is something that benefits students throughout their lives, and we, as a company, are pleased to be able to present these teachers with mini-grants,” said Dr. Joy James-Foster, SIMCO’s Education Outreach lead.
STEM Teacher Mini-Grant awardees include:
Carlsbad Municipal Schools: Jana Callicoat, Lisa Chappa, Leah Clark, Charlin Hernandez, Rebecca Hicks, Elena Melvin, Danelle Middleton, Payton Reynolds, Janice Rodriguez, Michael Stokum, Brittany Valenzuela and Katelyn White.
Hobbs Municipal Schools: Latonya Brooks and Janneth Ong
-
$105,000 SIMCO donation caps off year of United Way giving and volunteering
SIMCO President and Program Manager Ken Harrawood, (center) presents United Way of Eddy and Lea counties with SIMCO’s $105,000 United Way campaign contribution. Pictured from left to right: United Way of Eddy County staff members Ada Beth Majerus, Rhonda Jones, Lexie Alvarez and Kyle Marksteiner; Ken Harrawood; United Way of Lea County’s Becca Titus and Brittany Embry; SIMCO’s Community Relations & Charitable Giving Lead Ekta Bhakta. CARLSBAD, NM – Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC (SIMCO) announced today its combined corporate and employee contributions to the United Way reached $105,000, underscoring the company’s dedication to building stronger, more resilient communities throughout Eddy and Lea counties.
“We are incredibly proud and thankful for our employees’ generosity, compassion, and commitment to making a meaningful impact in our community,” said Ryan Flynn, a SIMCO vice president and Environmental, Safety & Health manager. “Their generosity and volunteer spirit truly embodies SIMCO’s values.”
Flynn also serves on United Way of Eddy County’s Board of Directors.
SIMCO employees volunteer at the United Way Food Distribution Beyond monetary donations, SIMCO’s employees also volunteered at essential United Way initiatives throughout the year.
“The United Way of Eddy County sincerely appreciates the incredible dedication that SIMCO and its employees have for this community,” said Kyle Marksteiner, Executive Director of United Way of Eddy County. “Together, we are making an impact in serving the residents of our community.”
United Way Day of Caring at WHI Hobbs SIMCO’s employees participate monthly in food distributions with United Way of Eddy County working alongside its participating agencies and community partners. During United Way’s Day of Caring, SIMCO volunteers contributed by painting a fence for Affirming Heart Victim Services and packaging food bags for WHI Hobbs. During the summer, employees participated in United Way of Eddy County’s Stuff the Bus campaign, seeking school supplies. In a separate initiative, SIMCO volunteers supported United Way of Lea County’s Project Santa’s PJs by distributing 600 blankets to people in need.
Stuff the Bus campaign with United Way of Eddy County 
United Way of Lea County’s Project Santa’s PJs Becca Titus, Executive Director of United Way of Lea County explained, “Here at United Way of Lea County, we are thankful to have the opportunity to tell our story and the story of the local nonprofits we serve. We are grateful for SIMCO for being a part of our story by making a difference in their own communities as they give where they live. Each donation and contribution represents hope, support, and tangible assistance for our neighbors who need it most.”
United Way Day of Caring at Affirming Heart Victim Services About SIMCO
Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC (SIMCO) was formed to support the mission of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. SIMCO’s member is Bechtel National Inc. and its WIPP team includes Los Alamos Technical Associates as a teaming subcontractor.
-
Apply now for SIMCO’s 2024 STEM Education Mini-Grants Program
Carlsbad, NM., October 21, 2024 – Salado Isolation Mining Contractors is now accepting applications for our STEM Education Mini- grants. Teachers in K-12 schools in Eddy and Lea counties are eligible to submit applications for support of classroom science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) projects.
Teachers submitting applications should focus on STEM relevance. In addition to traditional STEM projects, a related arts teacher might apply for a grant for students to explore the lives of scientists, mathematicians, etc., or for materials to develop problem-solving or other critical thinking skills. The online application, along with information about proposal and evaluation criteria, is available at https://form.jotform.com/230515696966065
Grants are available in three levels:
- Single classroom: $750
- Multiple classrooms: $1,000
- Entire school: $1,500
SIMCO will accept applications online until 5 p.m. on November 18, 2024. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Winners will be notified no later than December 2, 2024.
For more information about the SIMCO STEM Education Mini-Grants Program, contact Dr. Joy James-Foster, SIMCO Communications, at (575) 234-7512 or joy.james-foster@wipp.ws
-
Nuclear Waste Transportation Exceeds 17 Million Safe Miles
CARLSBAD, N.M. October 16, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) recently announced a major accomplishment in safely delivering nuclear waste over 17 million miles.
“The safety of our nuclear waste shipments is paramount,” said Mark Bollinger, manager for the DOE’s Carlsbad Field Office. “WIPP’s 17 million safe miles is extremely impressive and highlights the dedication of the men and women who transport these shipments on our nation’s roadways — they deserve our gratitude.”
CAST Specialty Transportation is the contractor hauling waste shipments from DOE sites to the WIPP. Drivers must meet stringent driving and background requirements. WIPP drivers receive about 200 hours of training before transporting their first waste shipment. Training includes use of package securement devices, radiation detection equipment and emergency management procedures.
Since beginning operations in 1999, WIPP has received over 14,170 TRU waste shipments from 22 DOE sites across the country. TRU waste is comprised of gloves, clothing, residue, soil, and other items contaminated with radioactive elements — largely plutonium — that have numbers greater than uranium on the periodic table.
TRU waste is transported to WIPP in specially designed casks, certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. These casks are known as “type B containers” and must pass rigorous safety requirements prior to receiving this certification, including drop, burn, puncture and pressure testing.
Located in southeast New Mexico about 26 miles from Carlsbad, the WIPP repository is 2,150 feet underground and carved out of an ancient sea salt bed formed over 250 million years ago.
Three casks containing TRU waste enroute to U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant -
Company awards $75,000 during investment grants reception : SIMCO employee committee chooses 10 non-profits from Eddy, Lea counties
CARLSBAD, N.M. ̶ Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC (SIMCO) announced it has awarded $75,000 in grants to 10 community non-profit organizations, as part of the company’s Employee Investment Advisory Committee grants program. The award recipients were selected by the committee, which is composed of 10 employees, who chose Eddy and Lea counties’ food security, literacy, and public health and safety as focus areas for the year.
In its second year, the SIMCO Employee Investment Advisory Committee’s mission is to allocate company-funded grants where the need is greatest, using the collective skills and knowledge of the employees to make a positive impact in the communities where they live and work. The committee members were nominated by SIMCO managers and were selected for exemplifying the company’s core values, delivery of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) mission and commitment to community.
The 10 grant recipients are: Carlsbad Battered Families Shelter, Carlsbad Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition, Carlsbad Literacy Program, Isaiah’s Soup Kitchen, My Power, New Mexico Community Lawn Care & Services, Packs for Hunger, Southeast New Mexico Community Action Corporation, United Way of Eddy County and Weekend Hunger Initiative (WHI) Hobbs.
-
DOE Selects NextEra Energy for a Large-Scale Solar Project at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
DOE selects solar-powered project at Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, furthering the effort of clean electricity generation on DOE-owned land and helping to reach the nation’s ambitious climate goals
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected NextEra Energy Resources Development, LLC, to enter realty negotiations for a carbon-pollution-free electricity generation project at DOE’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) as part of the Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative.
NextEra Energy Resources Development, LLC will have the opportunity to negotiate a realty agreement to deploy at least 150 megawatts of carbon pollution-free electricity to the grid with a 100 MW storage system on up to 1,800 acres of land at WIPP.
President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14057 in December 2021, which calls on agencies to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2030 and directs them to authorize use of their real property assets, including land for the development of new clean electricity generation and storage through leases, grants, permits or other mechanisms. As the leading federal agency on clean energy research and development, DOE has both a unique opportunity and a clear responsibility to lead by example and identify creative solutions to achieve the President’s goal.
Since announcing the Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative in July last year, DOE has issued six requests for qualifications to lease land at the SRS in South Carolina; Hanford Site in Washington; Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico; Nevada National Security Site in Nevada; and Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho.
As of today, DOE has announced the developer selection at all Cleanup to Clean Energy sites.
“President Biden directed the federal government to use its scale and procurement power, as the nation’s largest energy consumer and land manager, to support the growth of America’s clean energy industry and clean energy jobs and do so in ways that are good for our taxpayers and our communities,” said Andrew Mayock, federal chief sustainability officer in the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “Through DOE’s Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative, we will spur new clean electricity production, which is good for our climate, our economy and our national security.”
The DOE Office of Environmental Management (EM) is committed to supporting the nation’s climate goals and combating climate change through clean energy production on its sites, according to EM Senior Advisor Candice Robertson.
“We are excited about this large-scale solar and energy storage project moving forward at the WIPP site. This project will help the site achieve its sustainability goals and will bring jobs and innovation to the state of New Mexico,” Carlsbad Field Office Site Manager Mark Bollinger said.
DOE will continue to engage and partner with industry, Tribal Nations, communities, stakeholders, regulators and others to implement a process for further development of clean energy projects on DOE-owned land.
More information on Cleanup to Clean Energy can be found here.
-
WIPP 14,000 Shipments Marks Milestone
CARLSBAD, N.M. — The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Environmental Management announced that a major milestone has been reached at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, NM. On June 14, the 14,000th shipment of defense-generated transuranic (TRU) nuclear waste was delivered to WIPP and emplaced in the underground repository.
“This marks an important milestone in our mission to clean up the country’s legacy waste dating back to World War II and Cold War eras. Achieving 14,000 shipments is the result of the hard work and dedication of the WIPP employees, as well as the staff at all the cleanup sites,” said Mark Bollinger, DOE’s Carlsbad Field Office manager. “It also reflects DOE’s continued focus on safely and compliantly cleaning up the environment for future generations.”
DOE has successfully cleaned up TRU waste from 22 nuclear production sites across the U.S. reducing risk for millions of Americans and the environment. TRU waste, a byproduct of the nation’s nuclear defense program, consists of materials like clothing, rags, tools, gloves, debris and residue leftover from handling items with radioactive properties. At the generator sites, these items are packaged and then secured inside TRUPACT containers, which are solid, shielded vaults. The waste is then transported to the WIPP underground repository and emplaced in perpetuity.
Every WIPP shipment meets all U.S. Department of Transportation requirements, and must pass a Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Level VI inspection. This inspection ensures the shipment is 100% defect free when it departs the generator site. WIPP’s driver teams are highly trained and must meet stringent requirements prior to transporting a shipment. Shipment protocols were developed through cooperative efforts with states, tribal governments and the U.S. Department of Energy. All shipments are monitored and tracked using a satellite tracking system. To date, WIPP drivers have logged more than 16.5 million safe loaded miles.
“The employees who transport these shipments from the generator sites to WIPP deserve a lot of credit,” said Tammy Hobbes, vice president and operations/National TRU Program manager with Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, WIPP’s management and operations contractor. “Their attention to detail and focus on safety has a direct correlation to the success of WIPP.”
About WIPP
WIPP remains the United States’ only deep geological repository for nuclear waste. It’s a system of disposal rooms mined out of an ancient salt bed 2,150 feet underground. It has operated since 1999, celebrating its 25th anniversary of accepting transuranic waste from DOE cleanup sites across the U.S. The waste consists of items contaminated with small amounts of plutonium and other human-made radioactive elements. The waste has been accumulating since the 1940s as part of the nation’s nuclear defense program dating back to the Manhattan Project. To learn more about the WIPP project, please visit wipp.energy.gov or follow us on:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WIPPNews
X (formerly Twitter) – https://x.com/WIPPNEWS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wippnews -
SIMCO contributes $11,000 to STEM education
CARLSBAD, New Mexico — Salado Isolation Mining Contractors (SIMCO) recently presented an $11,000 donation to the Inspired by Science organization as part of its community commitment to support local STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education at the elementary school level. Through its contribution, SIMCO continues as an Inspired by Science ‘Community Lab Partner’ which enables the purchase of new science equipment and materials that are critical to providing a quality experience for ‘young scientists’.
“SIMCO is proud to continue partnering with Inspired by Science and its founder and CEO, Deena Antiporda,” to provide opportunities for critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, said Dr. Joy James-Foster, SIMCO Education Outreach Lead.
Inspired by Science was established in 2013 by Deena and Mike Antiporda with their three young sons, and it has thrived with the help of many dedicated volunteers who help make the organization successful. Its purpose is to promote STEM education at the elementary school level through hands-on science experiences that are both educational and fun in hopes of inspiring students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields.
Deena was inspired to create this program because of the extreme interest her son had in science at a very young age.
“He asked me to do science experiments with him starting in the second grade, and his love of science was so contagious that I found myself looking for more experiments to do,” she said. “It occurred to me that we could create a program that would provide opportunities for our community’s youth to do hands-on STEM activities and learn so much from them. This program is near and dear to my heart because it started as an organization run by my family in our kitchen and has grown to become a 501(c)(3) organization supported by a team of 30 people.”
Inspired by Science’s main event is a summer STEM camp, which is held every year on the campus of Southeast New Mexico College during the first week of June. Volunteers train and prepare for a variety of science activities and ensure that the young scientists have a safe, educational, and fun-filled experience.
The partnership between SIMCO and Inspired by Science helps the young scientists to participate in Inspired by Science events.
-
WIPP Marks Pivotal Milestone by Completing Construction of Ventilation System
CARLSBAD, N.M. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) has achieved a significant milestone by completing construction of the Safety Significant Confinement Ventilation System (SSCVS) facility — a new, state-of-the-art, large-scale ventilation system at its Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).
This milestone marks the delivery of the SSCVS facilities and systems necessary to move forward with the full testing and commissioning phase to bring the facility online and operational in 2026.
“Finishing the Safety Significant Confinement Ventilation System construction phase marks a momentous investment in WIPP’s operational infrastructure,” said Mark Bollinger, EM’s Carlsbad Field Office manager. “When fully online, the SSCVS will greatly increase the quality of airflow to the underground repository and enhance WIPP’s ability to reliably deliver on DOE’s national security and environmental cleanup missions.”
Salado Isolation Mining Contractors (SIMCO), WIPP’s management and operations contractor, began SSCVS commissioning phase work in early fall 2023 as construction crews began turning over initial portions of the facility and systems to startup and commissioning teams.
“Completing SSCVS construction allows us to pivot our focus to testing and commissioning the remaining SSCVS systems,” said Ken Harrawood, SIMCO’s president and program manager at WIPP. “We will take a measured and methodical — people, plant, paper — approach to safely bring the SSCVS fully online.”
Testing and commissioning includes testing systems, integration, developing operational procedures and guidelines, training and qualifying staff. After all testing is completed, the facility is handed over to trained WIPP operations personnel to bring the new facility online. The SSCVS commissioning phase is currently 85% complete.
When fully online, the SSCVS facility will significantly increase airflow through the WIPP underground. Air exiting the underground will be able to pass through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system made up of 22 filtration units.
The SSCVS will work in tandem with WIPP’s new utility shaft, which will provide a new entry point for air into the WIPP underground repository. The SSCVS pulls air through the repository, removes salt and can send the air through the HEPA filtration units before it’s released to the environment. When fully online, the new ventilation will increase underground airflow from 170,000 cubic feet per minute up to 540,000 cubic feet per minute.
The SSCVS includes two primary buildings. The Salt Reduction Building pre-filters salt-laden air coming from the WIPP underground, while the New Filter Building has fans and HEPA filtration to further clean the air.
A control panel undergoes testing at the newly constructed Safety Significant Confinement Ventilation System facility at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, WIPP’s prime management and operations contractor, is testing and commissioning to safely integrate the new ventilation system into daily operations. About WIPP
WIPP remains the United States’ only deep geological repository for nuclear waste. It’s a system of disposal rooms mined out of an ancient salt bed 2,150 feet underground. It has operated since 1999, celebrating its 25th anniversary of accepting transuranic waste from DOE cleanup sites across the U.S. The waste consists of items contaminated with small amounts of plutonium and other human-made radioactive elements. The waste has been accumulating since the 1940s as part of the nation’s nuclear defense program dating back to the Manhattan Project.