[DNFSB LETTERHEAD]

 

December 13, 2004

 

The Honorable Linton Brooks

Administrator

National Nuclear Security Administration

U.S. Department of Energy

1000 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20585-0701

 

Dear Ambassador Brooks:

 

The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Board) has received a letter dated November 22, 2004, from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in response to the Board’s request of September 27, 2004, for a report and briefing on the adequacy of safety bases at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico.  NNSA requests an extension of 30 days to satisfy the Board’s request.

 

The Board is aware of the actions that the NNSA Sandia Site Office (SSO) is taking to investigate the concerns that the Board has raised, and of the complication caused by the tragic death of William (Bill) Mullen, the SSO Technical Director having responsibility for safety bases.  In view of these considerations, the Board agrees to a 30-day extension of the due date for the requested report and briefing.

 

Sincerely,

 

John T. Conway

Chairman

 

c:  Mr. Mark B. Whitaker, Jr.