Nuclear Weapons: Safety, Technical, and Manpower Issues Slow DOE's Disassembly Efforts
RCED-94-9
Published: Oct 20, 1993. Publicly Released: Nov 26, 1993.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Department of Energy's (DOE) disassembly of large numbers of retired nuclear weapons, focusing on: (1) DOE success in meeting the disassembly schedule and the causes for shortfalls; (2) issues that could affect DOE ability to meet the disassembly schedule in the future; and (3) incomplete safety analysis reports at disassembly facilities.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | Because manpower, technical, safety, and environmental issues could affect Pantex's ability to meet disassembly goals, the Secretary of Energy should reevaluate Pantex's disassembly schedule . This reevaluation should ensure that the schedule for the number of weapons disassembled is at a level that allows for the resolution of safety problems. |
Closed – Implemented
In 1994, DOE initiated a program that will include reevaluating its weapon disassembly schedule. As part of that program, DOE considered the views of GAO and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Since issuance of the report, the disassembly schedule has been revised for fiscal year 1995.
|
Full Report
Office of Public Affairs
Topics
Atomic energy defense activitiesEnvironmental impact statementsHazardous substancesNuclear facility safetyNuclear weaponsNuclear weapons plant safetyOccupational health standardsRadiation exposure hazardsSafety standardsWorking conditionsPlutonium