[DNFSB LETTERHEAD]

January 22, 1996

The Honorable Thomas P. Grumbly
Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management
Department of Energy
Washington, DC 20585-0113

Dear Mr. Grumbly:

The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board's (Board) staff visited the Hanford Site on November 6-8, 1995, and focused on watch list tanks and the authorization basis for the high-level waste tank farms. The Board understands that you have retained approval authority for the tank farms Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR) because of questions regarding the technical capability of the Department of Energy Richland Field Office (DOE-RL). However, you have delegated to DOE-RL authority to approve changes to the existing Interim Safety Basis (ISB) pending development of the FSAR. The Board believes that questions regarding DOE-RL's technical capability also apply to maintaining and upgrading the ISB, and encourages you to exercise careful oversight of DOE-RL's use of this authority.

The enclosed report is a synopsis of the observations made during the November 6-8, 1995, Board's staff review and is forwarded for your consideration. Mr. Ralph Arcaro or Mr. Richard Tontodonato of the Board's staff will be available to provide any additional information you may require.

Sincerely,

John T. Conway
Chairman

Enclosure