DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD

December 24, 1996

Mr. Ogg is on leave this week. Mr. Gubanc will be on leave Wednesday through Friday but will be available to respond on-site if required.

A. Tank Farm Flammable Gas Controls: On November 26, Lockheed Martin (LMHC) requested DOE-RL approval to modify the flammable gas controls for tank farms. Until these changes are approved, tank intrusive activities (e.g., sampling) are shut down. DOE-RL approved these changes on December 20. Due to scheduled maintenance, worker retraining and the holidays, tank sampling is expected to resume by January 2, 1997. Copies of the modified controls have been requested and will be forwarded to DNFSB-HQ when received.

B. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Reorganization: PNNL last week announced a realignment of responsibilities aimed at better integration of activities Battelle-wide. Of particular interest to the DNFSB:

1. The PNNL ES&H Director, Mr. Ken Brog, has been assigned two new responsibilities:
   1. The 341 Battelle staff supporting Mason & Hanger at the Pantex plant will now report to Mr. Brog. He is actively searching for safety analysis expertise to respond to recent criticisms in this area.
   2. Mr. Brog will serve as the corporate ES&H officer for Battelle although he will continue to reside in the Tri-Cities.
2. Site-wide dosimetry and radiological instrument calibration services are currently provided by PNNL. The realignment has not found a permanent "home" for these duties as this work is being considered for privatization. A decision is expected by February 1, 1997.
3. Battelle is looking to better position itself to bid on the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) contract which is expected to be recompeted in two years.

cc: Board Members