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

WIPP RH PSAR DOE/WIPP-03-3174 CHAPTER 4
4.3.8.1 72B RH TRU Waste Identification
The identification number of each 72B RH TRU waste canister is verified against the container data
while the canister is in the Transfer Cell and just before it is loaded into the facility cask.
4.3.8.2 10-160B RH TRU Waste Identification
The identification number of each 10-160B RH TRU waste drum is verified against the container data
while the drum is in the Hot Cell after it is unloaded from the road cask.
4.3.9 Underground Mining Operations
4.3.9.1 Mining Method
Mining is performed by continuous mining machines. Prior to mining in virgin areas, probe holes are
drilled to relieve any pressure that may be present. After mining, vertical pressure relief holes are drilled
up at the main intersections of drifts and crosscuts.
One type of continuous mining machine is a roadheader or boom type continuous miner operating a
milling head. The milling head rotates in line with the axis of the cutter boom, mining the salt from the
face. The mined salt is picked up from the floor by the loading apron. The muck (mined salt) is pulled
through the miner on a chain conveyor, through a slewing conveyor, and then loaded in one of the haul
vehicles.
Another type of continuous mining machine is a drum miner operating with a head that rotates
perpendicular to the axis of the cutter boom, and cuts the salt away from the working face. The muck is
pulled through the miner on a chain conveyor and then loaded in one of the haul vehicles.
During and immediately after mining, a sounding survey of the roofs of drifts is made to identify areas of
drummy or slabby rock, which might represent safety or stability problems. A comprehensive
underground safety and maintenance program has been established and can be found in procedure
WP 04-AU1007, Underground Openings Inspections. 3
Remedial work, including hand scaling of thin drummy areas, removal of larger drummy areas up to 18
in thick with the continuous miners, or rock bolting, is accomplished immediately after soundings in any
areas identified as potentially unstable. Additional scaling is performed, as required, using a mechanical
scaler, improving the safety of this operation.
Rock bolts are used extensively throughout the underground openings for remedial work and for safety.
In addition, roofs in the first waste disposal panel and high traffic areas are pattern bolted for extra safety.
Both resin and mechanical bolts are used in most ground control activities. Only certified bolts are used
at the WIPP; the specifications in WP 04-AU1007 3 and 30 CFR 57, Safety and Health Standards -
Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines 4 are used in defining bolting requirements for the underground.
The WIPP engineering staff is responsible for ensuring that ground control systems comply with all rules
and regulations.
4.3-9 January 28, 2003