An Ominous Sign for Safety at DOE Sites? US Department of Energy for the First Time Rejects a Recommendation of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, Related to Safety of Tritium Facilities – to Support Nuclear Weapons – at Savannah River Site
DNFSB Raised Concerns about an “Energetic Accident” Resulting in Exposure to Radioactive Tritium; DOE deems its Actions are “Adequate” to Protect Workers, the Public and Environment
Columbia, South Carolina – In an unprecedented move, the U.S. Department of Energy has for the first time rejected a recommendation by a highly respected DOE safety oversight board.
In a September 11, 2019 letter to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB), DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration said it “does not accept” Recommendation 2019-2, Safety of the Savannah River Site Tritium Facilities, dated June 11, 2019.
“It is troubling to see that DOE has for the first time rejected a recommendation by a key oversight agency as it may indicate a growing unwillingness by DOE to accept safety board recommendations and properly respond to them,” said Tom Clements, director of Savannah River Site Watch. “The DNFSB provides a valuable role in protecting worker and public health and safety at DOE sites and the recommendation concerning risks at Tritium Facilities at SRS merits acceptance and adequate response,” added Clements.
Full news release linked here: News on DNFSB and tritium safety at SRS Sep 24 2019
SRS Watch news release on EIN Presswire: https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/497289628/doe-for-first-time-rejects-defense-nuclear-facilities-safety-board-recommendation-on-safety-of-srs-tritium-facilities