U.S. Energy Dept selects Bechtel in a $3 bn deal to manage nuclear waste

Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad, New Mexico.
A shipment of radioactive waste arrives at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad, New Mexico. The waste will be entombed in rooms mined from an ancient salt formation more than 2,000 feet underground. (U.S. Department of Energy photo)

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected a Bechtel company to manage and operate the nation’s only underground repository for nuclear waste: the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

The work scope is valued at up to $3 billion over 10 years if all options are exercised.

“The mission to dispose of defense-related nuclear waste is vitally important for protecting people and the planet,” said Dena Volovar, Bechtel National executive vice president.

Bechtel National, the U.S government services arm of Bechtel, has 44 years of experience managing Department of Energy sites in Washington, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Carolina.