The reboot highlights a dire problem for the country's nuclear program. Japan is running out of space to store spent nuclear fuel and lacks plans for radioactive waste disposal.
The agency noted that earlier staffing shortages led to "cost overruns, schedule delays, and accidents, including fires and radiation spills.”
'Manhole covers'
The report found that the cleanup office “struggles to maintain complete documentation and reconcile data discrepancies,” noting that key project documents are “not consistently accessible for headquarters review in DOE’s project management database.”
State environmental regulators will also fine the Energy Department up to $16 million for exceeding safe groundwater standards near the nuclear lab.