Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP):
The WIPP, which is under development by the Department of Energy, is a potential geologic disposal facility for transuranic (TRU) radioactive waste generated as by-products from DOE's nuclear weapons production. The WIPP is located underground in excavated, natural salt formations, near Carlsbad, New Mexico. Before DOE can dispose of waste at the WIPP, it must demonstrate that the WIPP complies with EPA's radioactive waste disposal standards. DOE must submit a "compliance application" to EPA showing how the WIPP facility will meet the standards. The WIPP facility is scheduled to begin operation in the Spring of 1998, subject to EPA approval of DOE's compliance application. Also, DOE plans to submit a petition to EPA, to demonstrate that Mixed TRU (MTRU) disposal at the WIPP will not migrate beyond the WIPP unit boundary, and therefore the waste would not need to be treated to meet RCRA Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR). At present, DOE is required to treat all MTRU to meet the appropriate LDR's.
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