The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety (DNSB) is an independent agency providing invaluable oversight of DOE operations. A recent report on recommendations by the board points out numerous shortcomings by DOE in its operations.
The DNFSB finds the following SRS facilities to be in age-related degraded condition: Tritium Facilities, H-Canyon, Tank Farms, A-and K-Area, Building 235-F
Comments by the DNFSB on December 4, 2020 concerning how DOE conducts its business:
> DOE defense nuclear facilities have grown older and more complex since the rule was issued, but DOE is relaxing rather than reinforcing its regulatory framework.
> DOE is not incorporating key concepts and important lessons learned from the past twenty years.
> The Board concludes the revised rule is part of a broader erosion in DOE’s nuclear safety framework.
> DOE lacks a formal, complex-wide regulatory structure for identifying, prioritizing, and performing upgrades necessary for the adequate protection of public and workers.
> The Board’s concern remains. DOE lacks a formal, complex-wide regulatory structure for identifying, prioritizing, and performing upgrades necessary for the adequate protection of public and workers.
Link to DNFSB document of December 4, 2020: – “RECOMMENDATION 2020-1 PUBLIC MEETING: Recommendation Overview” –