[DNFSB LETTERHEAD]

 

January 18, 2007

 

The Honorable Samuel W. Bodman

Secretary of Energy

1000 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20585-1000

 

Dear Secretary Bodman:

 

The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Board) received your letter dated November 22, 2006, enclosing the Department of Energy’s revision to the Implementation Plan for the Board’s Recommendation 2005-1, Nuclear Material Packaging.  The Board is aware that the original schedule of commitments to implement the Recommendation did not anticipate protracted delays in resolving Board comments on the draft Nuclear Material Packaging Manual and the associated repackaging prioritization methodology.  The Board’s staff has continued to stay in close contact with the responsible manager for the implementation of Recommendation 2005-1, and indications are that substantive progress is being made toward resolving the comments raised in the Board’s letters of April 24 and May 1, 2006.  The Board therefore accepts the revised schedule of deliverables.  The Board notes, however, that events caused by improper packaging continue to jeopardize worker safety.  The Board believes that any further delays are not in the interest of increased nuclear safety.

 

Sincerely,

 

A. J. Eggenberger

Chairman

 

c:  Mr. Mark B. Whitaker, Jr.