Although production activities were terminated in 1989 and the site's mission has changed to environmental restoration and waste management, the hazards continue as activities are carried out to clean up, safely store, and ultimately dispose of radioactive and hazardous materials. A predominant hazard is the large inventory of plutonium left in forms and conditions not appropriate for long term storage. Associated with the Department's Plutonium Storage , identified Rocky Flats as having two of the Department's most vulnerable facilities with respect to environment, safety, and health considerations. Numerous studies have shown that the essential characteristic of successful programs and projects is the understanding and appreciation of the need for an effective management system that will ensure adequate control over all aspects of the program or project. In 1994, the Secretary of Energy forwarded to the Congress and to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board the principles and criteria that the Department deemed necessary for an effective safety management program.
Comprehensive requirements exist, are executed, and are appropriate.
Competence is commensurate with responsibilities. These principles and their associated criteria served as the basis for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the safety management program at Rocky Flats. The Rocky Flats inspection reviewed implementation of environment, safety, and health activities at several selected facilities. Nevertheless, the facilities and activities selected for evaluation represent a diverse cross section of the environment, safety, and health program at Rocky Flats, and therefore the results can provide useful insights into the effectiveness of the overall Rocky Flats safety management program. The management emphasis applied to the environmental protection program has significantly improved performance.