The DOE operates a nuclear waste disposal site about 30 miles from town. In a local office there is an exhibit explaining the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. Essentially they are disposing of low level nuclear waste in the middle of a salt deposit 2000 feet beneath the surface. Seems like a pretty safe way to stockpile the stuff to me. After a few years, the salt will collapse on itself and essentially encapsulate the waste. One interesting issue is how to mark the area for future generations to ensure whoever may find it understands not to dig the area up. Human nature is to explore the forbidden and no one knows what language may be recognizable so they are labeling the area with text in several languages and pictures showing a healthy person digging then becoming sick and dying. I can only imagine the committee and taxpayer dollars spent to dream up that warning label.
Found a local accountant and dropped off my tax information. Went back and picked up the trailer and stopped by the account’s office to finalize the paperwork.
Got on the road towards Roswell early afternoon, about the peak time for the daily spring winds. It wasn’t too far but I was ready to be off the road by the time we arrived. Got a setup and reviewed local, as well as bigger picture, trip options.
Took a quick drive around Roswell. Initial impressions are very similar to Carlsbad. Both are small cities in the middle of the windy, dusty desert with a small river passing through. Obviously the water source was the original reason for settlement of these areas. That's not enough to make it an appealing place to settle today...
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