AN OPERATOR'S EXPERIENCE AND LESSONS LEARNED IN IMPLEMENTATION OF IAEA SAFEGUARDS

After seven IAEA inspections, considerable firsthand experience has been obtained in the implementation of IAEA safeguards in a U.S. bulk-handling facility. This paper reviews that experience, and examples of lessons learned will be presented. Paramount among the findings is the importance of good communication between the inspectors and the operator. A cooperative approach offers the best chance of minimizing the burden, as the inspectors will consider the operator's reasonable needs and suggestions to the extent possible without sacrificing their verification objectives. In fact, in certain cases, we found it necessary to go beyond a literal interpretation of regulatory requirements for an efficient verification. The unique window that the U.S. inspection effort provides should assist materially in a better understanding in the U.S. of the IAEA's capabilities. Furthermore, as the inspection effort shifts to other U.S. facilities, it is hoped that some of our experiences and learning can be helpful.