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Conference Spotlight
2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
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WIPP: Lessons in transportation safety
As part of a future consent-based approach by the federal government to site new deep geologic repositories for nuclear waste, local communities and states that are considering hosting such facilities are sure to have many questions. Currently, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico is the only example of such a repository in operation, and it offers the opportunity for state and local officials to visit and judge for themselves the risks and benefits of hosting a similar facility. But its history can also provide lessons for these officials, particularly the political process leading up to the opening of WIPP, the safety of WIPP operations and transportation of waste from generator facilities to the site, and the economic impacts the project has had on the local area of Carlsbad, as well as the rest of the state of New Mexico.
Technical Session|Panel|Panels
Tuesday, October 8, 2024|3:15–5:00PM MDT|Room 3
Session Chair:
Mackenzie L. Gorham (Idaho State)
Session Organizer:
In response to a growing need for Engineering Technicians in the energy sector, the College of Technology at Idaho State University has established the Energy Systems Technology and Education Center (ESTEC) on the Idaho State University campus in Pocatello, Idaho. ESTEC offers one Basic Technical Certificate, two Intermediate Technical Certificate, and six Associate of Applied Science degrees. ESTEC provides a unique approach to educating students by providing the specific knowledge and skills needed in energy production. The skills requirements have been developed in partnership with energy utilities and vendors to assure that program graduates enter the workforce with the precise skills required by the energy industry in a broad spectrum of electrical, nuclear, coal, gas, renewable technologies. and allied manufacturing sectors. Students learn through traditional classroom experience as well as through extensive laboratory exercises. The panel will consist of current staff, students, graduates, and employers, and the discussion will facilitate commentary on operations and maintenance workforce needs and development, and how partnering closely with technical colleges and universities can provide a needed hiring pipeline of qualified and competent entry-level technicians.
Michael Ruddell
INL NRAD
Jimmy Spells
Idaho Environmental Coalition
Michael Stevenson
INL MFC
Kevin Smith
INL ATR
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