DOE 2000. - Waste Isolation Pilot Plant - U.S. Department of Energy

WIPP RH PSAR DOE/WIPP-03-3174 CHAPTER 4
the shield plug into the facility cask. The front shield valve is opened and the shield plug is pushed into
the hole (Figure 4.3-6).
The transfer mechanism is retracted, the facility cask shield valves are closed, the transfer carriage
retracted, and the facility cask removed from the emplacement machine. The emplacement machine is
now available for transfer to another location.
4.3.7 Process Interruption Modes
Process interruption modes fall into two categories, routine and emergency/abnormal.
4.3.7.1 Routine Interruptions
Routine interruptions are plant process interruptions, including scheduled maintenance, unscheduled
maintenance, and plant inspections during the life of the facility.
Actions taken during a routine interruption are conducted in accordance with established procedures, and
monitoring of the plant parameters during the interruption is continued to ensure that no radiological
problems are encountered. Any additional inspections that are necessary during the interruption are
specified in the procedures.
4.3.7.2 Emergency/Abnormal Interruptions
Emergency interruptions are those process interruptions in the plant due to accident conditions, which
include earthquakes, severe weather, and fires.
Earthquake - Normal plant operations may be suspended following an earthquake. If the earthquake is
of sufficient magnitude (i.e., seismic event of 0.015 g or greater acceleration), inspection of structures
and equipment will be required prior to resuming normal operations. The length of the interruption will
depend upon the results of the inspection and all plant recovery corrective actions will be directed toward
returning the plant to normal operation.
Severe Weather - Normal plant operations may be suspended during a tornado warning or a high wind
condition. A tornado warning or high wind condition will exist based on information provided by the
National Weather Service or a local observation. If a severe weather emergency condition occurs at the
WIPP facility, inspections of structures and equipment may be required prior to resuming normal
operations. The length of the interruption will depend on the results of the inspection, and all plant
recovery corrective actions will be directed toward returning the plant to normal operation.
Fires - Fire accidents, although not expected, may result in a process interruption. The occurrence of a
major fire requires the evacuation of personnel and response by appropriate emergency personnel. After
extinguishing the fire, the area will be surveyed, controls will be established to mitigate any problems,
and the area returned to normal operations.
Abnormal Interruptions are any unplanned and unexpected change in a process condition or variable
adversely affecting safety, security, environment, or health protection performance sufficient to require
termination (stopping or putting on hold) of an operating procedure related to the flow path of radioactive
waste processing for greater than four hours.
4.3-7 January 28, 2003