ENHANCING THE USEFULNESS OF VITAL AREA ANALYSES FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

A framework has been developed for the utilization of data base applications programs on a personal computer to enhance the usefulness of current vital area analysis (VAA) results for commercial nuclear power plants. By computerizing component and plant information with the aid of a data base program and using graphics software to develop the associated plant layout drawings, the ability of safeguards analysts to interpret and/or modify plant VAAs is greatly improved. Relationships between plant areas, systems, components, support systems, and sabotage modes of components can be readily determined by the analyst using relatively simple sorts of the data base. This type of data is ordinarily available only after extensive research in existing VAAs and supplementary references. The data base information can provide a user with a powerful tool for understanding a VAA and then determining safeguards options and evaluating safeguards alternatives. To further enhance the usefulness of the VAA results, graphic data files of simplified plant layout drawings can be developed. These files would allow the analyst to \"point\" to a room of interest and call up needed data. In addition, a technique has been developed for performing sensitivity studies on the VAA results based on assumed threat capabilities. This technique relies on encoding plant area identifiers with indicators associated with required adversary actions for completion of component sabotage within the identified area. A detailed VAA of a nuclear plant was recently completed using three new techniques that enhance the usefulness of the VAA. These techniques are the following: 1) the development of a plant component data base to support understanding and interpretation of VAA results, 2) the encoding of plant area identifiers with codes reflecting required adversary actions to sabotage equipment within the area, and 3) usage of a graphic data base for displaying plant vital areas and corresponding security system components. This paper discusses the application and demonstrated usefulness of these techniques in the context of the recently completed VAA.