• SIMCO seeks grant submittals from Eddy and Lea counties’ non-profits

    CARLSBAD, NEW MEXICO — Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC (SIMCO) announced today the company is now accepting grant proposals from non-profit agencies throughout Eddy and Lea Counties for its 2025 Employee Investment Advisory Committee program. The program is now in its third year.

    In 2024, the program awarded $75,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations to enrich the lives of people in Southeast New Mexico.

    The program’s 2025 funding priorities are:

    • Food Security
    • Literacy
    • Health & Human Services
    • STEM Education

    The online application is available at https://simco-llc.us/investment-advisory-committee/. Applications can be mailed, or hand delivered, and are due Friday, July 11, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. mountain time.

    For questions, please contact Ekta Bhakta, SIMCO Community Relations & Charitable Giving at 832.689.1049 or ekta.bhakta@wipp.ws.

    About the SIMCO Employee Investment Advisory Committee

    The Employee Investment Advisory Grant Fund mission is to allocate company-funded grants, where the need is greatest, using the collective skills and knowledge of SIMCO’s employees to make a positive impact in the communities where they live and work.

    The Employee Investment Advisory Committee is representative of SIMCO’s 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 SIMCO’s employees direct influence where a portion of the company’s charitable contributions are made, extending funding across a wider array of regional nonprofit organizations.

    About SIMCO

    SIMCO is the management and operations contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). SIMCO’s member is Bechtel National Inc., and our WIPP team includes Los Alamos Technical Associates as a New Mexico-based teaming subcontractor. As a major employer, SIMCO understands the importance of investing in the region’s near- and long-term success by being a positive, proactive member of the community; participating in socioeconomic development; and making investments in social and philanthropic programs for the betterment of the residents of Southeastern New Mexico.

  • SIMCO awards $21,000 in local scholarships to high school seniors

    SIMCO awards $21,000 in local scholarships to high school seniors

    CARLSBAD, N.M., May 14, 2025

    Salado Isolation Mining Contractors (SIMCO) demonstrated its commitment to education with the recent award of $21,000 in scholarships to 21 high school seniors in Eddy and Lea counties. “SIMCO is committed to investing in our students’ post-secondary education. A college education can have a lasting impact on their lives and we’re proud to play a small part in that journey. SIMCO scholarships are just one way we’re supporting our students and investing in their futures,” said SIMCO Education Outreach Lead, Dr. Joy James-Foster.

    Students from Artesia, Carlsbad, Hobbs, and Loving received scholarships. Recipients include:

    Carlsbad High School
    Evan Antiporda, Chistina Pia Bicol, Sean Casey, Rubye Chappa, Hailey Digby, Abbey Dugan, Jesse Fuentes, Kalion Fuentes, Jorge Gonzalez, Aubrey Hernandez, Alyssa Munoz, Emmie Navarette, Taylor Onsurez, Kason Perez, Alexander Sanchez and Gabby Sanchez Artesia High School Morgan Kay Love

    Hobbs High School
    Brock Beaty, Mc Kenzie Porter and Trinity Vasquez

    Loving High School
    Joslynn Abernathy

    SIMCO also provided funding for the Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund, the Carlsbad Class Act Scholarship Fund, the Hobbs Bash Graduation Night Fund and the Falcon Fest Scholarship Fund.

    To be considered for a SIMCO scholarship, students must plan to attend an accredited college or university.

    Photographs of scholarship award recipients are available upon request.

    SIMCO is the management and operations contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) near Carlsbad. WIPP, the nation’s only permanent geologic repository for defense transuranic nuclear waste, began disposal operations in 1999.
  • SIMCO Education Outreach recently partnered with Dessert Willow Elementary for a fantastic STEM and Career event!

    SIMCO Education Outreach recently partnered with Dessert Willow Elementary for a fantastic STEM and Career event!

    During the event, participants enjoyed an engaging engineering lesson that showcased the power of creativity using recycled items found at home. Additionally, they had the opportunity to delve into fun and educational math games that are simple to create.

    It was a wonderful experience bringing together learning, innovation, and fun all in one event!

  • WIPP Announces Winners of Inaugural Regional Science Bowl

    WIPP Announces Winners of Inaugural Regional Science Bowl

    CARLSBAD, N.M., March 1, 2025 – After hours of intense academic competition on Saturday, March 1, student teams proved their knowledge at the second annual Southeastern New Mexico Regional Science Bowl hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

    The team from the New Mexico Military Institute was crowned the champion of this year’s competition and will represent the SE New Mexico region at the National Science Bowl in Washington D.C. on April 25, 2025.

    Carlsbad hosted the regional competition at Southeast New Mexico College, where 10 teams from Carlsbad Early College, New Mexico Military Institute, Carlsbad and Hobbs high schools participated, with the winner moving on to compete nationally.

    Launched in 1991, the National Science Bowl® is a competitive science education and academic event including teams of students who compete in a fast-paced verbal forum to solve technical problems and answer questions in all branches of science and math. Each team is composed of four students, one alternate student and a coach.

    Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC (SIMCO), WIPP’s management and operations contractor, was the regional event’s primary sponsor and organizer. SIMCO supports the mission of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and is a member of Bechtel National Inc.

  • $1000 Scholarships Available for Eddy and Lea County Graduating Seniors

    CARLSBAD, NM – Beginning February 13, 2025, until March 13, 2025, 5 p.m. – Salado Isolation Mining

    Contractors LLC (SIMCO) is offering college scholarships for Eddy and Lea County graduating seniors.

    A limited number of one-time $1,000 scholarships are available to qualified 2025 graduating seniors selected from Carlsbad, Hobbs and Loving schools. Completed scholarship applications must be receive by Thursday, March 13, 2025.

    The online application, along with information about proposal and evaluation criteria, is available at https://form.jotform.com/250414973636158 or apply here.

    SIMCO will accept applications online from February 13, 2025, until 5 p.m. on March 13, 2025.

    Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Winners will be notified no later than March 25, 2025.

    For more information about the SIMCO Education Scholarships Program, contact Dr. Joy James-Foster, SIMCO Communications, at (575) 234-7512 or joy.james-foster@wipp.doe.gov

  • WIPP 2024 Year In Review

    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.

  • 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

    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.

  • $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

    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