NEI Seeks Changes to Security of Category 1 and 2 Quantities of Radioactive Material

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has received a petition for rulemaking from the Nuclear Energy Institute concerning the physical protection of Category 1 and Category 2 quantities of radioactive material, according to a post in the Federal Register yesterday. NEI is arguing that the rulemaking is needed to “remove unnecessary and burdensome requirements on licensees with established physical security programs” put in during the Commission’s Part 37 rulemaking to protect against theft or diversion.

 

The changes would enable licensees to take credit for robust security measures already in place, as needed in 10 CFR Part 72, and avoid unnecessary requirements providing little or no commensurate safety or security benefits. “The industry is not seeking to lessen the protection of radioactive materials, it is seeking recognition of already established security programs applicable at certain sites,” NEI Senior Project Manager for Security Raymond Landis said. “NEI offers this petition as a means to provide a long-term fix to the deficiencies in the current rule [10 CFR Part 37] while still ensuring licensees adequately protect byproduct materials.” NRC is currently seeking public comment on the petition for rulemaking, and responses are due by Jan. 12.