Workers at the federal government’s underground nuclear waste dump in southern New Mexico will be able to signal officials above-ground in the event of an emergency thanks to a new wireless communication system.
The U.S. Department of Energy and the repository’s manager announced the installation of the system Thursday. It includes audible and flashing alarms and allows for two-way voice and text communication. The system also provides for real-time tracking of all personnel entering the underground facility.
The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant has adopted a host of changes aimed at improving safety in the wake of a radiation release in February 2014 that forced the closure of the repository. The release was caused by a container of waste that had been inappropriately packed and shipped from Los Alamos National Laboratory.
