DIRECTOR, NAVAL REACTORS

 

June 1, 2006

 

Dear Mr. Chairman,

 

Enclosed are the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program's latest reports on environmental monitoring and radiological waste disposal, worker radiation exposure, and occupational safety and health, as well as a report providing an overview of the Program.  These reports, issued annually, continue to show that (a) naval nuclear-powered ships and their support facilities have had no radiological impact on public health or the environment; (b) no Program personnel exceeded Federal radiation exposure limits; (c) the average occupational radiation exposure was much less than the yearly background exposure received by the average U.S. citizen; and (d) these facilities are consistently and substantially effective at promoting worker safety and health.

 

The enclosed reports recognize the Program's continued commitment to maintaining a high standard for protecting the environment and the workforce, while employing an unforgiving, complex, and challenging technology.  These widely distributed annual reports have long been a matter of public record.  As in the past, this year's reports demonstrate the results of our strict control of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program and our strong centralized oversight that continues to ensure the safe and effective operation of our nuclear-powered warships.

 

Sincerely,

 

K. H. DONALD

Admiral, U.S. Navy

 

A. J. Eggenberger, Ph.D., Chairman

Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board

625 Indiana Avenue NW, Suite 700

Washington DC 20004-2901

 

Enclosures