[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 134 (Friday, July 13, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 38573]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-3431]



[[Page 38573]]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


DOE Response to Recommendation 2007-1 of the Defense Nuclear 
Facilities Safety Board, Safety-Related In Situ Nondestructive Assay of 
Radioactive Materials

AGENCY: Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Recommendation 
2007-1, concerning Safety-Related In Situ Nondestructive Assay of 
Radioactive Materials was published in the Federal Register on May 2, 
2007 (72 FR 24279). In accordance with section 315(b) of the Atomic 
Energy Act of 1954, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2286d(b), the Secretary 
transmitted the following response to the Defense Nuclear Facilities 
Safety Board on June 28, 2007.

DATES: Comments, data, views, or arguments concerning the Secretary's 
response are due on or before August 13, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Send comments, data, views, or arguments concerning the 
Secretary's response to: Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, 625 
Indiana Avenue, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James Heffner, Nuclear Engineer, 
Departmental Representative to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety 
Board, Office of Health, Safety and Security, U.S. Department of 
Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on July 10, 2007.
Mark B. Whitaker, Jr.,
Departmental Representative to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety 
Board, Office of Health, Safety and Security.

The Secretary of Energy

Washington, DC 20585

June 28, 2007
The Honorable A.J. Eggenberger, Chairman, Defense Nuclear Facilities 
Safety Board, 625 Indiana Avenue, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC 
20004-2901

    Dear Mr. Chairman: The Department of Energy acknowledges receipt 
of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board's Recommendation 
2007-1, Safety-Related In Situ Nondestructive Assay of Radioactive 
Materials, issued on April 25, 2007.
    The Department recognizes that continuous improvement in in situ 
nondestructive assay (NDA) is warranted to support nuclear safety in 
various activities carried out at Department defense nuclear 
facilities and, therefore, accepts Recommendation 2007-1. Using the 
following approach, the Department will develop an Implementation 
Plan consistent with Integrated Safety Management System principles:
     Evaluate the condition of in situ NDA programs against 
evaluation criteria, which will be developed;
     Identify state of the practice, both commercial as well 
as within the Department, in training and qualification, design 
requirements for new facilities and equipment, standards for 
conducting in situ NDA, implementation of standards, and oversight;
     Identify any relevant ongoing research and development 
activities;
     Identify what is needed and any resulting gaps in 
personnel capabilities and training, equipment capabilities, policy 
and directives, and oversight;
     Establish requirements, programs, and guidance, as 
needed; and
     Develop a prioritized plan for implementing the above 
criteria and requirements.
    I have assigned Mr. Richard Lagdon, Chief of Nuclear Safety, 
Office of the Under Secretary of Energy, as the Department's 
responsible manager for developing the Implementation Plan. He can 
be reached at (202) 586-9471.

 Sincerely,

Samuel W. Bodman
[FR Doc. 07-3431 Filed 7-12-07; 8:45 am]
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