Nuclear health and safety

In 1886 an earthquake measuring about seven on the Richter scale devastated Charleston, South Carolina. GAO examined whether today DOE, in the event of a major earthquake at its Savannah River site, can ensure the safety of its employees and the public. The Savannah River site is about 80 miles east of Charleston. GAO found that only in 1988 and 1989 did DOE begin to systematically correct seismic problems that have existed at Savannah River for years. Many structures now at the reactor site might not withstand a major earthquake, thereby threatening employees and the public with releases of radiation. While DOE has begun a comprehensive seismic program for the reactors and other facilities at Savannah River, it will take years to adequately protect the site form earthquakes. This report recommends that DOE establish a comprehensive, systematic seismic program for the reactors and high-risk nuclear facilities at Savannah River. Because of the potential for earthquakes elsewhere, it also recommends that DOE look at upgrading seismic programs at DOE locations with high-risk nuclear facilities