An Operator's Experience and Lessons Learned in Implementation of IAEA Safeguards

After 18 months and seven IAEA inspections, considerable first-hand experience has been obtained in the implementation of IAEA safeguards in a U.S. bulk-handling facility. This paper reviews the experience in the Exxon Nuclear fuel fabrication plant and presents examples of lessons learned. Two important conclusions can be made at this time. First, IAEA safeguards in a low-enriched fuel fabrication plant are not overly burdensome to the plant operator. Second, inventory verification by Agency inspectors can be made to an adequate degree of exactness with a minimum random sample size using largely state-of-the-art measurements. Of high importance among the reasons for those above results is good communication between the inspectors and the operator. A cooperative, non-adversarial approach is found to offer the best chance of minimizing the burden and improving the efficiency. The inspectors have been willing to consider our needs and suggestions, and we have found the inspectors to be reasonable in their requests. The unique window that the U.S. inspection effort provides should also assist materially in a better understanding in the U.S. of the IAEA's capabilities and the true burden of international safeguards. As the inspection effort shifts to other U.S. facilities, it is hoped that some of our experiences and learning can be helpful.