Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Wipp topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DOE official outlines temporary WIPP truck route through Hobbs; commissioners press for safety details
Summary
A Department of Energy official told the Hobbs City Commission that WIPP is proposing a temporary routing of shipments through Hobbs while construction affects the regular corridor; commissioners sought additional safety information and alternatives such as use of a bypass.
James Mason, institutional affairs manager with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), told the Hobbs City Commission on April 6 that WIPP is proposing a temporary routing of radioactive waste shipments through the Hobbs area while construction is under way on the usual corridor.
Mason said the plan would use U.S. 62/180 through Hobbs for WIPP trucks for roughly a 40‑week shipping season, amounting to “about 60 shipments a year over a 40 week period.” He emphasized WIPP’s transport safety record and inspection regimen, saying the program has completed “about 14,700 shipments, 17,500,000 miles, no incidents” and that shipments undergo stringent “level 6” inspections.
The presentation framed the proposal as temporary and focused on logistics and safety. Mason said WIPP prefers four‑lane highways when possible, tries to avoid rush hours, and would work with local public safety for exercises and training: “I’d like to have a full scale WIPP transportation exercise,” he said, noting exercises take about a year to prepare and can include neighboring jurisdictions.
Commissioners acknowledged the benefit of local coordination but repeatedly pressed on safety and routing alternatives. Commissioner Laren Fields said safety was a primary concern, especially since some proposed routing would pass near residential areas and schools. Other commissioners suggested the agency examine routing that would connect to the city’s bypass to avoid driving straight through populated stretches.
Mason said DOE/WIPP seeks local consent as part of its permit process and that the New Mexico Transportation Commission expects WIPP to work with affected communities: “We prefer to actually work with our communities. We consider them partners,” he told the commission. He invited city staff to request additional materials and to visit WIPP for more briefings.
Mayor Jonathan Senna said he would not oppose a temporary routing “if it's safe, legal, and ethical,” while stressing the city wants additional information on timing, exact routing through town, and public‑safety preparation. The commission did not take formal action at the meeting; Mason said he planned to present the option to the State Transportation Commission on the 16th of the month and encouraged Hobbs officials to be involved in that process.
What happens next: Mason offered to supply safety materials and to coordinate public‑safety training and exercises; commissioners asked staff to continue gathering information and to follow the State Transportation Commission agenda for next steps.
