Sandia National Laboratories

Vol. 51, No. 7

April 9, 1999

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-0165 || Livermore, California 94550-0969
Tonopah, Nevada; Nevada Test Site; Amarillo, Texas

Will Wendell Weart -- "Mr. WIPP" -- retire?

By John German

Back to main WIPP story

Longtime WIPP program manager and Sandia Fellow Wendell Weart's understanding of the relevant technical, regulatory, and political issues has made him WIPP's chief scientist, top spokesperson, and most convincing advocate.

He has testified before at least 10 Congressional committees; hosted three Energy Secretaries at the WIPP site; appeared on CNN, CBS, PBS, and various other local and national media; and directed the scientific interaction about WIPP with review panels such as the National Academy of Sciences, the New Mexico Environmental Evaluation Group, and numerous DOE oversight panels. In short, opening WIPP has been Wendell's singular professional goal for 25 years. So will Wendell retire now that WIPP is open?

His words: "I'll be here for a while. I'm still engaged in supporting the Yucca Mountain team -- but [he's quick to add] I'm not going to promise to stick around until that one opens. I said I wanted to stay until WIPP opened. But I haven't yet considered a date I might leave."

Last modified: April 7, 1999

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