Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, or WIPP, is an underground repository, that handles the permanent and safe disposal of transuranic radioactive waste that is left from the production of nuclear weapons. It is located near Carlsbad, New Mexico. Waste is placed in rooms excavated in salt 2,150 feet underground in a 2,000-foot thick salt formation that has been stable for more than 200 million years. Salt was chosen because it is somewhat plastic and will flow to seal any cracks that develop.
Waste that is to be stored at the location must meet certain specified criteria.
WIPP is unsuited for high level radioactive waste as its high heat attracts water which would lead to rapid corrosion of the waste packages, and the dissolution of the waste into the salty water. The containers can also only contain a limited amount of liquids.
Related Topics
Stored Waste Examination Pilot Plant
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