Publication Laka-library:
Vol II, Appendix B, Part 1: Rocky Flats, Site Assessment (1994)
| Author | Plutonium Working Gr US DoE |
| Date | September 1994 |
| Classification | 3.01.5.30/22 (UNITED STATES - GENERAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS PLANTS + CLEAN UP) |
| Front | 
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From the publication:
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The most important vulnerability on a frequency basis is that liquids containing plutonium are stored in containers that are being attacked by the solutions. These containers are presently failing on a random basis. The most important vulnerability on a material at risk basis is that solid plutonium is packaged for short-term storage. These conditions are presently degrading the containers, potentially to failure, which allows release of the material in the building. This assessment comprehensively evaluated environmental, safety and health vulnerabilities resulting from the storage and handling of plutonium at the Rocky Flats Plant. The term "ES&H vulnerability," for the purpose of this assessment, means any condition, other than diversion of material, that could lead to unnecessary or increased exposure of workers and the public to radiation or to the release of radioactive materials to the environment. Scope The assessment was performed in accordance with the methodology provided by the Secretary of Energy in her direction to perform the assessment. Section IV "Assessment Methodology" clarifies how this direction was applied at Rocky Flats. This vulnerability assessment encompasses forms of plutonium categorized as Special Nuclear Material (SNM), residues, wastes, process hold-up or as sources. Waste is excluded from the assessment except in cases where plutonium and plutonium waste are co-located in the same building at Rocky Flats. Each building was evaluated to determine the building release paths. The release paths were from: 1) vaults, 2) gloveboxes in rooms, 3) material in rooms or halls. Packaging configurations were evaluated against these groupings. Methods The Site Assessment Team at Rocky Flats was composed of representatives from numerous groups, including Plutonium Operations, Safety Analysis Engineering, Special Nuclear Materials Management, Engineering and Project Management, and Special Nuclear Material Management & Storage. The team evaluated inventory data with respect to location of plutonium, its associated packaging, and age of that packaging. Discussions were held with building personnel, on the building-specific plutonium inventory, to identify possible adverse conditions concerning plutonium in its current packaging configuration. Also identified were any compensatory measures currently in place to prevent or reduce the consequences of adverse conditions during handling or continued storage of the fissile material. Sitewide Conclusions Numerous vulnerabilities were identified for the seven plutonium-containing buildings at Rocky Flats. These vulnerabilities, if left unmitigated, result In 11 events that were evaluated. These events have been identified by building in Section III.
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