[DNFSB LETTERHEAD]

 

December 31, 2003

 

The Honorable Everet H. Beckner

Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs

National Nuclear Security Administration

U.S. Department of Energy

1000 Independence Avenue, S W

Washington, DC 20585-0104

 

Dear Dr. Beckner:

 

The Y-12 National Security Complex is in the final stages of starting up the Oxide Conversion Facility in Building 9212. The current schedule indicates that this facility will be started up in summer 2004. The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Board) has been overseeing the safety enhancement activities for this operation for several years, and is pleased to observe some significant improvements.

 

However, the Board’s staff observed that there are several areas in which additional focus is warranted to ensure adequate protection of the public and workers. The potential for errors in the functional classification of safety controls is of particular concern to the Board because many sites show weaknesses performing this function. Other issues include uncertainties regarding weld quality and an unanalyzed criticality safety scenario. The enclosed report provides staff observations in these and other areas.

 

The Board requests to be kept informed of the progress made to address the issues identified in the enclosed report.

 

Sincerely,

 

John T. Conway

Chairman

 

c: Mr. William J. Brumley

Mr. Mark B. Whitaker, Jr.

 

Enclosure