An Unclassified Digest of a Classified Report Entitled 'Safety and Transportation Safeguards at Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant'

Gao ID: EMD-77-9a January 11, 1977

Offsite releases of radioactive materials at the Energy Research and Development Administration's (ERDA) Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant in Colorado have aroused public concern.

Plutonium and enriched uranium shipments are made in approved containers and are relatively free of radiation. The agency continuously reviews its safeguards system, including provisions for additional security and the use of more escort vehicles and couriers. The Albuquerque Operations Office, however, is not reviewing shipments in accordance with agency requirements. The 22 buildings where plutonium is handled either do not meet design criteria to withstand disasters or their capability has not been determined. Although radiation releases from normal operations have declined and have not exceeded established exposure standards, public confidence can be increased. Recent accidents can be partly attributed to a lack of adequate or complete operating procedures.

Recommendations

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