WIPP Transportation Safety Program: A Model Framework for Collaboration among States and Agencies in the Transportation of Radioactive Waste

The Western Governors and the State of New Mexico have developed a comprehensive program to assure the safe and uneventful transport of transuranic waste to the U.S. Department of Energy's (USDOE) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). New Mexico established the Radioactive Waste Consultation Task Force. Its primary responsibility has evolved into advising the Governor on all policy issues regarding the transportation of radioactive waste through New Mexico. Membership includes the State Fire Marshal and the cabinet secretaries for Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources, Environment, Health, Transportation, Public Safety, and soon to be added Homeland Security and Emergency Management. It also includes two non-voting advisory members, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the New Mexico Joint Interim Legislative Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Committee. New Mexico’s Role as the host state for WIPP is large, dynamic, and challenging. New Mexico’s governor has traditionally been the Western Governors' Association’s (WGA) co-chair on radioactive waste transportation issues along with the governor of Idaho. Collaboration on the details of radioactive waste transportation is handled through the WGA WIPP Transportation Technical Advisory Group (TAG). Over a twenty-year period, the TAG and the USDOE, through negotiation & cooperation, have developed, refined, and maintained transportation safety protocols and procedures that are detailed in the WIPP Transportation Safety Program Implementation Guide (Guide) [1]. The requirements specified in the Guide include: High quality drivers and carrier compliance Independent driver, vehicle and cask Inspection Safe parking during abnormal conditions Advance Notice of WIPP shipments/tracking/etc Medical Preparedness Bad weather protocols It is the continued partnership between twelve western states, other US regional organizations like the WGA, and the USDOE that ensures that the needs and concerns of all affected populations continue to be assessed and addressed. Through the combined influence of states joining in regional organizations, individual states gain the strength they need to stand up for states’ rights in the transportation of radioactive waste.