[SOE LETTERHEAD]

 

July 11, 2005

 

The Honorable A. J. Eggenberger

Acting Chairman

Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board

625 Indiana Avenue, NW, Suite 700

Washington, D.C. 20004 – 2901

 

Dear Dr. Eggenberger:

 

On March 18, 2005, the Department of Energy (Department) accepted the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Board) Recommendation 2004-2, Active Confinement Systems.  Progress is being made towards developing an implementation plan that is mutually acceptable to the Board and to the Department.  However, due to the technical complexity of this issue, the diversity of facilities to which the implementation plan will apply, and the need to carefully consider potential confinement system upgrades, the Department requires additional time to complete the implementation plan.

 

In accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 2286d(e), this letter provides notification that the Department will need an additional 45 days to complete the implementation plan.  The implementation plan will be provided no later than August 25, 2005.

 

Sincerely,

 

Samuel W. Bodman