UCNI

 

[DOE LETTERHEAD]

 

National Nuclear Security Administration

 

July 6, 2004

 

The Honorable John T. Conway

Chairman

Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board

625 Indiana Avenue, NW.

Suite 700

Washington, D.C. 20004

 

Dear Mr. Chairman:

 

In a letter from the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Board) dated May 13, 2002,

regarding fire protection in the Building 9212 B-1 Wing at the Y-12 Plant, you expressed the belief that the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) should consider installation of a fixed fire suppression system to protect the structure and its workers. 

During the ensuing 2 years the Y-12 Site Office (YSO), BWXT Y-12 and NNSA senior management have maintained both formal and informal dialogues with the Board and its staff on the resolution of the Board’s concerns.  In my September 23, 2003, letter I advised you of our pending evaluation of various alternatives, including shrouds to channel combustible liquids to the first floor where fires could be suppressed by a sprinkler system.

 

The shrouds were found to be unsatisfactory.  We have, however, determined that installing sprinklers only on the first floor and modification to critical equipment addresses the Board’s concerns.  The enclosed letter from the YSO Manager forwards this solution and its supporting documentation.  Work has started and is scheduled to complete in fiscal year (FY) 2005.  We concur with the YSO Manager and fully support his actions.

 

If you have any questions, please contact me or have your staff contact Jeff Underwood at (301) 903-8303.

 

Sincerely,

 

Everet H. Beckner

Deputy Administrator

  for Defense Programs

 

Enclosures

as stated

cc w/enclosures:

M. Whitaker, DR-1

 

 

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