Layoffs coming at WIPP in Carlsbad

CARLSBAD, N.M. (KRQE) - Government stimulus funding is running out for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in Carlsbad, and that means dozens of employees will soon find themselves out of a job.

The Department Of Energy plant opened 12 years ago.  It stores plutonium-contaminated waste in underground ancient salt beds.

Earlier this year, 51 employees took advantage of a voluntary layoff option.

On Monday, Washington TRU Solutions, which is the plant's managing contractor, announced there will be even more layoffs.

"Now because of the Recovery Act coming to an end at the end of the month, and with the new fiscal year coming around, we're going to have to go to an involuntary, or phase two of this plan," explained Washington TRU Solutions representative Donavan Mager.

That means by next month, 65 more employees will lose their jobs.  An analysis will be done over the next two weeks to determine which employees will be out of work.

Officials said the job cuts could affect anyone from waste operators to secretaries.

"So I think there's some shock; the mood's a little down right now," explained Mager. "Obviously we've accomplished so much in the last 12 years.  It's been a huge success, so to have to go through this action, it's very hard on everybody."

Officials said this is the biggest layoff they've had to go through yet.

Plant officials emphasized this is a last resort and plan to help those who get laid off.

"Depending on the years of service, they'll receive some pay, and then of course there's unemployment benefits, but we're also going to work with other employers in the area to see what job openings they have that perhaps the skill level will match up," Mager said.

Although they're facing a tight budget, officials say the plant will stay open.

"It's a somber mood as you might guess," Mager continued.  "You know people are stressed out because it's a tough time, but we're going to try to stay focused on our mission here.  Employees are very professional here."

Mager said the company's goal of cleaning up 90 percent of transuranic waste by 2015 still stands.

So far it's cleaned up waste from 19 out of 32 sites.

"It's a very compelling job when you go to work here," Mager said.  "You're doing something great for the nation, and I think a lot of people take a lot of pride in it."