NW New Mexico News

This week, the Carlsbad Department of Development and the City’s Nuclear Task Force have been participating in a very important discussion that will have a tremendous impact the future of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant.

 

In December, the New Mexico Environment Department proposed a series of changes to WIPP’s Hazardous Waste Facility Permit. Many members of our community believe some of the initial suggested changes introduced elements that, if implemented as originally proposed, could seriously hamper WIPP’s important mission and possibly result in the premature loss of thousands of jobs.

 

This past week, a negotiation process has been going on involving the state, WIPP, and a variety of community stakeholders, including both some members of our own community and some members of anti nuclear groups from Santa Fe and Albuquerque.  Following this discussion, a hearing, if needed, may take place later this year.

 

We appreciate the NMED’s willingness to allow the members of our community itself to have a place at the negotiating table. We also appreciate employees with the Department of Energy and SIMCO, for their role in representing WIPP. Finally, we are thankful for the members of our community who drove across the state to represent Carlsbad in this process.

 

Over the past few years, some members of anti nuclear groups have attempted to change the story and proclaim themselves as the primary stakeholders when it comes to WIPP. Their argument is that WIPP trucks use NM 599, which goes around the western portion of Santa Fe.

 

NM 599 was originally funded to allow WIPP trucks a route around central Santa Fe. Thanks in part due to the presence of this highway, Santa Fe has expanded in this area over the past 20 years. Carlsbad has also expanded a great deal over the past 20 years, and there are now neighborhoods in close proximity to the George Shoup Relief Route, which is also used for WIPP trucks passing near Carlsbad.

 

Thankfully, neither the residents who live along NM 599 nor the residents who live along the George Shoup Relief Route have anything to worry about, since WIPP’s transportation process is the safest in the world.  Carlsbad’s residents also live near WIPP, and, most importantly, work at WIPP, and we understand and respect that the process is being carried out safely.

 

The residents of Southeastern New Mexico are the most important stakeholders when it comes to WIPP, by any reasonable way of evaluation. We appreciate being included in the ongoing permit discussions and in all future discussions related to WIPP.

Sincerely, Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway

Original source can be found here.