DOE has indicated that no nuclear explosive operations are planned for these bays after the W-69 dismantlements, although this decision may be reconsidered at a later date. Regardless, these bays will likely continue to be used for staging weapons in protected configurations and for nonweapon activities, such as pit repackaging. These are the oldest bays used for nuclear explosive operations in the DOE complex, and they have known safety and operational deficiencies. A crack monitoring program is also being considered. Although the staff does not agree with every conclusion drawn in recent reports, some conclusions are evident and are discussed below.
Some cracks extend to anchor points for lights and appurtenances over weapon work areas.
Visual inspections from the floor were completed at the end of April 1998. The reinforcing detail for the moment-carrying joints along two of the four walls is faulty, resulting in significantly less capacity than would have been achieved by a proper detailing. The other two walls are not tied to the roof and provide no moment capacity. The existing detail was a change from design made in the field to simplify construction. Some bays are larger than others, and some have more overburden than others of similar design, essentially providing a load test.