For more than 20 years, the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project (AMWTP) at the DOE Idaho National Laboratory Site has sent shipments of defense transuranic (TRU) waste for disposal to EM’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico.
Office of Environmental Management
February 1, 2022
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IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – For more than 20 years, the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project (AMWTP) at the DOE Idaho National Laboratory Site has sent shipments of defense transuranic (TRU) waste for disposal to EM’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico. And one person has been involved in every shipment.
Shannon Flores began his career at AMWTP as a 22-year-old shipping operator and now manages the project’s shipping team as the packaging and shipping operations manager.
Flores said working in shipping has been a fulfilling experience.
“It’s been great,” he said. “We are the last defense before the shipment hits the road.”
The project’s shipping operations is responsible to ensure waste packaging is compliant and safe for transport of hazardous materials, and that materials are secure and compliant to ensure safety as shipments move over the road.
Flores spoke highly of his co-workers and their dedication.
“Most of the folks working in shipping have stayed in shipping,” he said. “I think that speaks volumes about the organization and what we do.”
Although he admits he can’t predict the future, Flores said he’s planning to support the TRU waste shipping mission until the last drum leaves Idaho, which may extend to the end of the decade.
The AMWTP packaging and shipping teams are dedicated to continuing high-quality performance in safely removing waste from Idaho and to protecting the public, environment and their co-workers as long as the work remains.
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