WIPP Labs Meet Stringent National Institute of Standards and Technology Requirements

CARLSBAD, N.M. – EM’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) laboratories were recently notified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that their latest round of sample testing data meets stringent criteria established to operate under the DOE Laboratory Accreditation Program (DOELAP).

“One of the requirements for DOELAP is that the WIPP laboratories must demonstrate annually their ability to analyze blind bioassay samples under a rigid set of criteria to maintain NIST compliance,” said Ginny Jones, manager of the WIPP laboratories.

WIPP laboratories analyze environmental samples such as water, air, soil and vegetation, as well as bioassay samples, such as urine. These samples are analyzed for all isotopes that may be present in transuranic waste sent to WIPP for disposal. Isotopes include plutonium, americium, uranium, cesium, cobalt and strontium.

In the latest bioassay samples, WIPP laboratories identified all isotopes of interest to WIPP and their associated activity levels. Essentially, this means the accuracy of the data produced by WIPP laboratories meets the stringent NIST requirements.

“Having the ability to analyze various isotopes at extremely low levels of activity helps WIPP demonstrate that our radiation protection protocols are working,” Jones said.

DOELAP accreditation is reviewed every three years by the DOE Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security Office of Worker Safety and Health Policy. The process of submission for the program begins with the submittal of an application by a DOE facility that must be approved through the DOELAP committee.

The next accreditation opportunity will be spring 2022, which will mark WIPP’s seventh consecutive time to apply for the DOELAP. WIPP laboratories have maintained accreditation since 2000 and are among only a handful of laboratories in the country that maintain DOE’s lab bioassay accreditation.