DNFSB Uncovers Issues With DOE Radioactive Waste Packaging Software

A Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board review has found significant issues with the Department of Energy’s software used to determine radioactive transportation packages, according to a March 16 DNFSB letter released late last week. The DNFSB staff identified deficiencies with oversight, maintenance and use of the software, called “Radcalc,”which is used across the complex. “These deficiencies could result in vulnerabilities in Radcalc’s calculation of decay heat, radioactivity, and/or hydrogen gas generation, which could result in serious consequences for workers and the public in the event of a transportation accident,” the letter states. “It is not clear to the Board how the risk associated with the use of Radcalc is being managed.” It adds that DOE’s Office of Transportation and Packaging has not “conducted federal oversight of Radcalc consistent with requirements.” The Board has requested a DOE report within 90 days documenting DOE federal oversight activities to date related to the software.