WORKERS AT NEW MEXICO'S WIPP SITE WERE NOT PREPARED FOR AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO A TRUCK FIRE THERE ON FEBRUARY 9TH … AND A RADIATION RELEASE NINE DAYS LATER. THAT'S THE CONCLUSION OF THE DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD WHICH HAS HAD STAFF AT THE FACILITY NEAR CARLSBAD SINCE THE TRUCK FIRE TO OVERSEE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES.
IN A LETTER TO NEW MEXICO SENATORS TOM UDALL AND MARTIN HEINRICH, THE BOARD'S CHAIRMAN CALLED THE TWO INCIDENTS 'NEAR MISSES.'
SEVENTEEN WORKERS WERE EXPOSED TO THE RADIATION RELEASED IN FEBRUARY.
