The Nuclear Weapons Complex: Management for Health, Safety and the Environment

x, 146 p. In this volume, the National Research Council examines problems arising throughout government-owned, contractor-operated facilities in the United States engaged in activities to build nuclear weapons. The book draws conclusions about and makes recommendations for the health and safety of the nuclear weapons complex and addresses pressing environmental concerns. In addition, the book examines the future of the complex and offers suggestions for its modernization. Several explanatory appendixes provide useful background information on the functioning of the complex, criticality safety, plutonium chemistry, and weapons physics. In the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station, the Department of energy (DOE) asked the National Research Council to examine possible implications of the accident for the large reactors operated by the Department. The reactors included those then operating at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina and at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in the state of Washington. In response, the National Research Council issued reports in 1987 and 1988 that focused on a variety of safety, management, and technical issues. In the meantime, concerns developed with regard to the other, nonreactor facilities in the nuclear weapons complex. As a result of these concerns, Congress directed the Secretary of Energy to request that the National Research Concil report its conclusions and recommendations concerning health, safety, and environmental issues arising throughout the complex and steps that would enhance the safety of operations at the facilties. This report fulfills the Secretary's request. Very good. No dust jacket as issued. References. Abbreviations.…