[DNFSB
LETTERHEAD]
April 5, 2004
Mr. [Dr.] David H. Crandall
Assistant Deputy Administrator for
Research, Development, and Simulation
National Nuclear Security Administration
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20585-0104
Dear Mr. [Dr.] Crandall:
The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
(Board) was pleased to receive your letter of February 13, 2004, forwarding the
Department of Energy’s (DOE) first annual report regarding nuclear criticality
safety: Status of the Department of Energy Nuclear Criticality Safety Program
for Calendar Year 2003. The report
represents a step in the right direction, and the first intimation of the
efforts DOE will undertake to maintain and build upon the gains brought about
by the successful implementation of the Board’s Recommendation 97-2, Continuation of Criticality Safety at
Defense Nuclear Facilities in the Department of Energy. The Board considers it particularly important
that DOE has been able to stabilize funding and direction for the program.
At the same time, however, the Board notes
that in several areas, the report indicates the need for further effort on the
part of DOE in the coming year. Specifically:
These factors should be considered in the
activities of DOE’s program managers, as well as those of the Nuclear
Criticality Safety Support Group, in the coming year. DOE should also stress also the importance of
assessments in the field, keyed to both the adequacy and the implementation of
standards.
The Board also remains keenly interested in
the crucial decisions regarding the future of DOE’s criticality experiment
capability, which will be required in the coming year.
Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 2286b(d), the Board
requests that next year’s annual report on nuclear criticality safety address
the above-discussed issues and improvements.
Sincerely,
John T. Conway
Chairman
c: The
Honorable Linton Brooks
The Honorable
Beverly Ann Cook
The Honorable
Jessie Hill Roberson
Mr. Mark B.
Whitaker, Jr.