[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 4, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-10649]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: May 4, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

 

Comparative Study of Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Transportation 
Alternatives; Availability

AGENCY: Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Energy has issued a study comparing the 
transportation alternatives for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) 
transuranic waste shipping campaign in support of the disposal phase at 
the WIPP facility. The study compares truck and train transport, 
including the use of dedicated trains. The study includes a 
consideration of the following elements in association with each 
transportation mode: occupational and public risks and exposures, other 
environmental impacts, emergency response capabilities, and an 
estimation of comparative costs. The report is available upon request.

ADDRESSES: The report is available at the Public Reading Room (Room 
1E190), U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20585, Monday-Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Copies 
of the report have also been placed in the following WIPP reading 
rooms: WIPP Public Reading Room, National Atomic Museum, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Albuquerque Operations Office, P.O. Box 5400, 
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87115; Thomas Brannigan Memorial Library, 200 
E. Picacho, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005; New Mexico State Library, 325 
Don Gaspar, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503; Pannell Library, New Mexico 
Junior College, 5317 Lovington Highway, Hobbs, New Mexico 88240; 
Carlsbad Public Library, 101 S. Halagueno, Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220; 
Zimmerman Library, Government Publications Department, University of 
New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87138; and Martin Speare Memorial 
Library, New Mexico Tech, Campus Station, Socorro, New Mexico 87801.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Pat Sallani, Carlsbad Area Office, U.S. Department of Energy, Post 
Office Box 3090, Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220-3090, at (505) 234-7313.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: WIPP is a research and development facility 
located in Southeastern New Mexico with the mission to demonstrate the 
safe disposal of transuranic radioactive wastes resulting from defense 
activities and programs of the United States. The study describes 
relevant transportation requirements and responsibilities of the U.S. 
Department of Energy, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the 
U.S. Department of Transportation. Responsibilities of States, local 
governments, and Indian tribes are also included. The proposed 
transportation system is discussed which includes: The shipping 
containers to be used, the transportation fleet, shipment options, 
waste volumes, training, and the transportation tracking system. Risk 
analysis data is represented in the study in terms of occupational 
health and public exposure risks, as well as environmental impacts 
associated with the proposed WIPP shipping campaign. Emergency response 
capabilities for accidents involving radioactive materials for the 
states through which transuranic waste will be transported during the 
disposal phase are outlined. Finally, cost comparative data is 
presented for transportation by truck, regular train, and dedicated 
train.
Thomas P. Grumbly,
Assistant Secretary for Environmental Restoration and Waste Management.
[FR Doc. 94-10649 Filed 5-3-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-M