GAO's Analysis of Alleged Health and Safety Violations at the Navy's Nuclear Power Training Unit at Windsor, Connecticut

The Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit at Windsor, Connecticut, one of eight naval prototype nuclear propulsion facilities in the country, is used exclusively for training purposes. Two former instructors assigned to the Windsor facility made 17 specific allegations of radiation and industrial safety and health violations at the facility. These allegations dealt with matters such as (1) valves which leaked radioactive water and steam, (2) personnel exposure to asbestos dust, (3) frequent malfunctions that caused unplanned facility shutdowns, and (4) improper disposal of contaminated materials. GAO was requested to conduct an investigation into these allegations.