Skip to main content

Nuclear Health and Safety: Better Earthquake Protection Needed at DOE's Savannah River Site

RCED-90-24 Published: Dec 26, 1989. Publicly Released: Mar 06, 1990.
Jump To:
Skip to Highlights

Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO examined the Department of Energy's (DOE) ability to ensure employee and public safety in the event of a major earthquake at its Savannah River site.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Energy To help ensure employee and public safety in the event of a major Savannah River site earthquake, the Secretary of Energy should establish a comprehensive, systematic seismic program for the reactors and other high-risk nuclear facilities at Savannah River. The program should include updating of seismic criteria and site engineering standards as necessary, as well as appropriate ongoing independent oversight to help ensure its adequacy and timely implementation.
Closed – Implemented
DOE has developed and is implementing an overall seismic program for the site's reactors and other high-risk facilities. The program includes updating of criteria as well as peer review and oversight.
Department of Energy Because earthquake potential exists at other locations, the Secretary of Energy should conduct an examination to determine the need to upgrade seismic programs at DOE locations with high-risk nuclear facilities.
Closed – Implemented
In the course of facility modifications at several sites, DOE has conducted seismic program assessments and suggested upgrades. Criteria and engineering standards have been updated.

Full Report

Office of Public Affairs

Topics

Atomic energy defense activitiesBuilding codesBuilding inspectionEarth sciences researchEmergency preparednessNuclear powerplant safetyNuclear reactorsRadiation exposure hazardsRadiation safetySafety standardsEarthquakes