[DOE LETTERHEAD]
ALBUQUERQUE OPERATIONS OFFICE

April 13, 1999

The Honorable John T. Conway
Chairman
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
625 Indiana Avenue, N.W.
Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20004

Dear Mr. Chairman:

Consistent with DOE's efforts to enhance formality of nuclear explosive operations at Pantex, the W62 and W88 project plans have been approved. The attached project plans formalize the activities necessary for line management to authorize restart of nuclear explosive operations. These activities include implementation of process enhancements (as necessary), development and approval of a new authorization basis, internal and external readiness reviews, and an enhanced NESS Revalidation.

It is important to note that the W62 project plan is a first revision. The original plan was approved in November 1998 and is the first to pilot many of the activities necessary to reauthorize operations using a phased approach to SS-21 implementation. The W88 project has just been recently initiated and has incorporated many of the lessons-learned from the W62. Both projects when completed will greatly enhance DOE's ability to assure nuclear explosives operations are conducted in a safe and compliant manner at Pantex.

Please call me at (505) 845-6045 if you have any questions.

Richard E. Glass
Director,
Weapon Programs Division

Attachments

Cc: See Page 2

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