Cleaning up a name
DOI: 10.1063/1.3431339
I take issue with a title over the inset on page 24 of the January 2010 issue of Physics Today. It reads “Nuclear Waste Dump Doubles as Low-Radiation Site for Science,” and the story is written by Toni Feder. The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is not a “dump,” a term that carries the connotation of carelessness. Calling it such demonstrates a lack of understanding regarding the development, permitting, and successful operation of the facility. A review of the information on the website (http://www.wipp.energy.gov ) might help.
A thoroughly studied, properly licensed and permitted, and well-documented disposal facility, WIPP is operated with every care given to safety. The contents and location of every waste container are well documented.
More about the authors
Michael T. Ryan, (hpeditor@burkinc.com) Health Physics Lexington, South Carolina, US .
