As early as 1943, Los Alamos National Laboratory began disposing of its hazardous
waste in pits, trenches, shafts, and landfills. In March 2005, the Laboratory, the New
Mexico Environment Department, and the Department of Energy signed a Consent Order
to address the potential release of contamination from this waste. The Consent Order
provides requirements and a timetable for environmental cleanup. The Department's
Office of Environmental Management funds the work necessary to meet Consent Order
requirements. The National Nuclear Security Administration is responsible, through its
laboratory contractor, Los Alamos National Security, LLC, for managing and performing
the work.
