Waste isolation pilot plant (WIPP). EPA's regulatory approach

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) will contain transuranic (TRU) waste that has resulted from the United States' nuclear weapons programs. As independent regulator of the WIPP, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has the responsibilities of promulgating public health and environmental standards, determining if the WIPP meets the standards, certifying compliance of the WIPP, and periodically, re-evaluating the WIPP to assure continued compliance for meeting these standards. EPA has been successful in finalizing the Radioactive Waste Disposal Standards, proposing the Compliance Criteria, and implementing a process for achieving acceptance through the public participation process in the WIPP rulemaking. EPA has incorporated four guiding principles that are implemented in the regulatory process: the principles of protection, good science, consultation, and commitment. EPA will continue to regulate the WIPP efficiently and effectively to always protect the public health and the environment. (author)