Non-Intrusive Long-Term Monitoring Approaches

In order to promote international confidence that the U.S. and Russia are disarming per their commitments under Article VI of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, an international verification regime may be applied to U.S. and Russian excess fissile materials. Initially, it is envisioned that this verification regime would be applied at storage facilities; however, it should be anticipated that the verification regime would continue throughout any material disposition activities, should such activities be pursued. Once the materials are accepted into the verification regime, it is assumed that long term monitoring will be used to maintain continuity of knowledge. The requirements for long term storage monitoring include unattended operation for extended periods of time, minimal intrusiveness on the host nation’s safety and security activities, data collection incorporating data authentication, and monitoring redundancy to allow resolution of anomalies and to continue coverage in the event of equipment failures. Additional requirements include effective data review and analysis processes, operation during storage facility loading, procedure for removal of inventory items for safety-related surveillance, and low cost, reliable equipment. A monitoring system might include both continuous monitoring of storage containers and continuous area monitoring. These would be complemented with periodic on-site inspections. A fissile material storage facility is not a static operation. Our initial studies have shown there are a number of valid reasons why a host nation may need to remove material from the storage facility. A practical monitoring system must be able to accommodate necessary material movements.