ECA publishes letter to DOE regarding new policy on DNFSB ECA Staff | 8/29/2018
ECA sent a letter to the Secretary of Energy on August 28, 2018 regarding DOE's new Order 140.1, asking the Department to pause implementation of the Order until after the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB), local
governments, other stakeholders, and the public have an opportunity to comment. DOE Order 140.1 is the policy that governs DOE's interface with the DNFSB. During a public hearing on August 28, DNFSB noted that the Order contains several fundamental changes when compared to DOE's old policies, including: (1) DOE’s new definition of “public health and safety” to include only individuals beyond the site boundaries; (2) DOE’s new restriction on access to information for Hazard Category 3 and radiological defense nuclear facilities; (3) DOE’s
new restrictions on access to deliberative documents, pre-decisional documents, or deliberative meetings; and (4) DOE’s new requirements for contractors to refer all requests for information or access related to defense nuclear facilities to a Departmental Site Liaison for determinations regarding response and to only respond when formally tasked by the Departmental Site Liaison.
In the letter, ECA critiques Order 140.1, stating that it's implementation may lead to a decrease in the timely reporting of information to the DNFSB, limit DNFSB access to information on DOE activities or key DOE personnel, and silence the diversity of opinions that may exist between DOE and its contractors related to critical safety issues.
ECA believes that the DNFSB is an important third party that performs necessary oversight of DOE activities, and adds needed trust and safety to the important work of DOE and NNSA concerning high-hazard and nuclear operations.
To view the full letter, visit here. CONTRACTING & ACQUISITION
NUCLEAR SECURITY |
Sept 30 End of Fiscal Year 2018
Oct 1 Start of Fiscal Year 2019
|
|
|
|
