Nuclear Weapons Safety Concerns Raised At Pantex

[Joanne98]

By George Lobsenz The Energy Department's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is deviating from its normal safety review process for nuclear weapons assembly operations to accommodate an unusually accelerated production schedule for a modified new...

http://www.defensedaily.com/publications/dd/3812.html

[Joanne98]

1. Pantex

Pantex Plant, located 17 miles northeast of Amarillo, Texas, in Carson County, is charged with maintaining the safety, security and reliability of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. The facility is managed and operated by B&W Pantex for the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration.

Work performed at Pantex includes support of the life extension programs, weapon dismantlement, the development, testing and fabrication of high explosive components and interim storage and surveillance of plutonium pits.

All work at Pantex is carried out under these overarching priorities: the security of weapons and information, the safety and health of workers and the public, and the protection of the environment.

http://www.pantex.com/