[DOE LETTERHEAD]

 

March 15, 2007

 

The Honorable A. J. Eggenberger

Chairman

Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board

625 Indiana Avenue, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20004-2941

 

Dear Mr. Chairman:

 

On November 10, 2004, the Department of Energy (DOE) provided the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) with a schedule to revise four DOE Technical Standards for High Efficiency Air Particulate (HEPA) filters.  One of these standards, DOE-STD-3020-2005, Specification for HEPA Filters Used by DOE Contractors, was revised in December 2005.  Another standard, DOE-STD-3025-2007, Quality Assurance Inspection and Testing of HEPA Filters (enclosed), was revised in February 2007.  The Office of Corporate Safety Analysis used a standards writing group of HEPA filter technical experts to prepare the revised standards.  Additionally, the DNFSB staff provided valuable input.

 

In 2005, DOE privatized its quality assurance inspection and testing of HEPA filters and now contracts for these services.  The standards working group reviewed DOE-STD-3022-98, DOE HEPA Filter Test Program, and DOE-STD-3026-99, Filter Test Facility Quality Program Plan, and determined that:

 

• DOE-STD-3022-98 addresses filter test facility (FTF) operations including services to be provided, and other aspects of inspection and testing which are now covered in DOE-STD-3025-2007.
• DOE-STD-3026-99 addresses the requirements to be included in an FTF quality program plan, which are now covered in DOE-STD-3025-2007 under the quality assurance program with reference to ASME NQA-1, Quality Assurance Requirements for Nuclear Facility Applications, and DOE O 414.1C, Quality Assurance.

 

As a result, DOE-STD-3022-98 and DOE-STD-3026-99 are no longer required and are in the process of being cancelled.  We will continue to actively involve your staff in the directive revision process.  Questions concerning this commitment may be directed to me at (301) 903-3777 or Patrice Bubar, Director, Office of Corporate Safety Analysis, at (301) 903-8008.

 

Sincerely,

 

Glenn S. Podonsky

Chief Health, Safety and Security Officer

Office of Health, Safety and Security

 

Enclosure