Statement On Radiation At Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich issued the following statement after an air monitor detected higher than usual radiation levels at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, New Mexico:

"We are in close contact with officials at the Department of Energy and WIPP, and we will continue to monitor the situation as more information becomes available. The safety of WIPP personnel and the surrounding community is of the utmost importance."

The U.S. Department of Energy has activated the Joint Information Center (JIC) at WIPP to provide public information. For updated information, members of the public may call (575) 234-7380. The media telephone number is (575) 234-7305.