[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 218 (Wednesday, November 12, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 60694]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-29740]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


Department of Energy (DOE) Notification of a 45-Day Extension in 
Providing the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) an 
Implementation Plan for Recommendation 97-2

AGENCY: Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board published 
Recommendation 97-2, concerning Criticality Safety at Defense Nuclear 
Facilities in the DOE Complex, on May 29, 1997 (62 FR 2918). Section 
315(e) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 
2286d(e), requires the Department of Energy to transmit an 
implementation plan to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board by 
October 28, 1997, or submit a notification of extension for an 
additional 45 days. The Secretary's notification of extension for an 
additional 45 days follows.

DATES: Comments, data, views, or arguments concerning the Secretary's 
response are due on or before December 12, 1997.

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: Dr. Robin Staffin, Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Research and Development, Office of Defense Programs, 
Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20585

    Issued in Washington, DC, on November 5, 1997.
Mark B. Whitaker, Jr.,
Departmental Representative to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety 
Board.

The Secretary of Energy
Washington, DC 20585
October 28, 1997.
The Honorable John T. Conway,
Chairman, Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, 625 Indiana 
Avenue, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20004

    Dear Mr. Chairman: This is to notify you, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 
2286d(e), that the Department of Energy requires an additional 45 
days to transmit the Implementation Plan for addressing the issues 
described in the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board's 
Recommendation 97-2 concerning criticality safety. A Department 
response team developed a draft Implementation Plan which outlines 
specific actions to improve the effectiveness of criticality safety 
practices and programs. Technical issues raised by your staff 
concerning the draft Implementation Plan have been resolved. 
However, the Department requires more time to develop an equitable, 
lasting funding arrangement that takes into account the crosscutting 
nature of the criticality safety program.
    We will continue to work closely with your staff to develop a 
fully funded, mutually acceptable Implementation Plan. The 
Department will make every effort to provide the Implementation Plan 
to the Board within the next two weeks, but no later than December 
12, 1997.
    Sincerely,
Federico Pena
[FR Doc. 97-29740 Filed 11-10-97; 8:45 am]
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