NRC SAFEGUARDS - AN EVOLVING POLICY

The responsibilities of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) related to the safeguarding of nuclear material derive from a number of legislative enactments which include The Energy Reorganization Act, The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act and The Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Anti-Terrorism Act. The development of NRC material control and accounting requirements over the years has resulted in a number of refinements in system capabilities. A recent rule amendment w i ll provide for more timely analysis of accounting data to enhance anomaly detection and resolution and thus provide for earlier detection of possible theft or diversion. This, along with present initiatives in physical protection program areas, combine to provide increased assurance in capabilities to adequately protect special nuclear materials. Among the physical protection measures now under consideration are revised requirements for security force training and the establishment of a formal requirement for tactical response exercises to evaluate security system effectiveness. In the international arena, full cooperation with the IAEA continues to be regarded as an important function. A recommendation in this area is to reconvene an international committee to review IAEA programs for physical protection (INFCIRC 225). NRC activities in support of these goals include the establishment of improving safeguards capabilities, requiring the reduction of enrichments used in nonpower reactor, the reduction of inventories of highly enriched uranium to levels actually needed for nonpower reactor operations, the maintenance of comparable levels of protection for weapons usable materials under Department of Energy and NRC programs, and continued support of IAEA initiatives and objectives.