Excessive radiation levels detected at New Mexico waste site –’We’re in shutdown mode.’ – DOE spokesman
16 Feb 2014 Underground sensors have detected excessive radiation levels inside a nuclear waste storage site deep below New Mexico’s desert. The facility, located in southeastern New Mexico near Carlsbad, is designed as a repository for so-called transuranic waste, which includes discarded machinery, clothing and other materials contaminated with plutonium or other radioisotopes heavier than uranium. Just a few dozen essential personnel, including security officers, remained at the site over the weekend. Inbound waste shipments had already been suspended at the plant since a truck caught fire there earlier this month in an accident that left several workers suffering smoke inhalation.
Radiation leak detected at WIPP near Carlsbad –Unclear ‘how much radiation was released’
16 Feb 2014 Authorities were investigating a possible radiation leak at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad, N.M. An air monitor detected radiation near the plant Friday night, KRQE-TV, Albuquerque, reported. However, it was unclear exactly how much radiation has been released from the WIPP.