Environment, Safety, and Health: Environment and Workers Could Be Better Protected at Ohio Defense Plants
RCED-86-61
Published: Dec 13, 1985. Publicly Released: Dec 13, 1985.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Department of Energy's (DOE) effectiveness in protecting its workers, the community, and the environment at three of its defense production facilities in Ohio.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | The Secretary of Energy should require that radiological monitoring guides be mandatory for all DOE facilities. |
The issuance of mandatory monitoring requirements in DOE 5400.1 and DOE 5400.5, the issuance of the Regulatory Guide, and the implementation of environmental monitoring plans by each DOE facility incorporating the requirements of DOE 5400.1, DOE 5400.5, and the Regulatory Guide closes out this recommendation.
|
| Department of Energy | The Secretary of Energy should develop a coordinated DOE/state/contractor system to verify contractor-reported data. |
DOE Order 5400.1 has been revised since this recommendation was made. The extant version of the order requires that all DOE sites have monitoring programs for radiological and non-radiological contaminants and that sample analyses be independently verified according to an approved data verification plan. In addition, all major DOE sites are now under compliance agreements monitored by EPA and the states.
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Environmental impact statementsEnvironmental monitoringNoncomplianceNuclear facility safetyOccupational safetyPollution controlRadiation monitoringRadioactive wastesSafety regulationSafety standards