[DNFSB LETTER HEAD]
July 8, 2008
The Honorable Thomas P. D’ Agostino
Administrator
National Nuclear Security Administration
U. S. Department of Energy
Dear Mr. D'Agostino:
The staff of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Board) recently conducted a review of the design, functionality, and maintenance of selected safety systems at the Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12). In general, the staff found that the systems reviewed at Y-12 had adequately defined safety functions that were supported by appropriate system design calculations, instrument calibrations, system surveillances, and maintenance activities.
The review, which is documented in the enclosed report, included an assessment of system test, surveillance, and maintenance activities to determine whether the acceptance criteria specified by these activities were adequately supported by design calculations or other engineering documents. The review also included an assessment of the systems' normal and emergency operations to determine whether those operations were governed by approved operating procedures and were consistent with the design basis. Although the systems reviewed met their defined safety functions, the staff notes (1) a number of deficiencies and weaknesses that warrant additional attention and (2) several opportunities for improvement to ensure the proper design, function, and maintenance of safety at Y-12. In addition, the staff believes a support system for a fire suppression system warrants further review with respect to its safety classification.
The results of the staff’s review are provided for your information and use as appropriate.
Sincerely,
A.J. Eggenberger
Chairman
c: Mr. Theodore D. Sherry
Mr. Mark B. Whitaker, Jr.
Mr. Robert J. McMorland