POLICY ISSUE

INFORMATION

March 22, 2002 SECY-02-0051

FOR: The Commissioners

FROM: Janice Dunn Lee, Director

Office of International Programs

William D. Travers

Executive Director for Operations

SUBJECT: ANNUAL PAPER - NRC STAFF PARTICIPATION IN IAEA AND NEA

ACTIVITIES 

References: (1) Annette L. Vietti-Cook to Janice Dunn Lee and William D. Travers, “Staff

Requirements Memorandum M010312B,” dated April 24, 2001

(2) Annette L. Vietti-Cook to Janice Dunn Lee and William D. Travers, “Staff

Requirements Memorandum M010814,” dated September 4, 2001

(3) William D. Travers to Samuel J. Collins, Ashok C. Thadani, and

Martin J. Virgilio, “Procedures for International Interactions,” dated

August 29, 2001 

PURPOSE:

In Reference 1, the Commission directed the staff to submit an annual paper to the

Commission addressing NRC’s specific goals and objectives in various international fora

(particularly the IAEA and NEA) and strategies for accomplishing those goals and objectives. 

In Reference 2, the Commission reiterated its earlier direction and, further, asked the staff to

outline methods to involve the Commission early enough in the process to allow it to provide

policy guidance and influence the outcome of standards and guidance as they are developed. 

The Commission noted its particular interest in policy issues relating to the development of

standards and guidance for waste, orphan sources, clearance of radioactive material,

transportation, and standards that the NRC, by law, would have to adopt. This paper forwards

to the Commission the first annual paper responding to these requests. 

CONTACT: E. Doroshuk, OIP

415-2775
The Commissioners - 2 -

DISCUSSION:

In response to the Commission’s guidance in References 1 and 2, the staff has prepared the

information in the attachments to summarize NRC's primary ongoing and projected IAEA and

NEA activities and to identify areas where we would expect Commission engagement. It is

noted that there are other programs that are sponsored by OECD/NEA. For example, the

programs at the Halden Facility near Oslo are considered to be research programs, rather than

working group/committee activities, which are the focus of this paper.

Attachment 1 provides a summary of specific objectives for each area and identifies near-term

policy issues on which we would expect to involve the Commission at the appropriate time in

Calendar Year 2002. 

Attachment 2 is a more comprehensive documentation of staff activities in these fora for

Commission information. They are provided by program offices (NMSS, NRR, RES). For

each activity, the following information is provided: (1) a general description of each activity,

(2) link to NRC Goals and Strategies, (3) its relationship to other agency activities, (4) the longterm and short-term objectives and approaches for accomplishing the agency’s goals integral

to the activity, (5) NRC role in relation to that of any other U.S. agencies, (6) opportunities for

Commission involvement in the near-term, (7) opportunities for Commission involvement in the

longer term, (8) plans for Commission notification, (9) level of effort, and (10) the primary staff

contact(s).

The information in Attachment 2 is meant to present the essence of work in progress under the

activity, not to be an analysis of underlying policy and technical positions or of how they

compare with NRC policy and positions. For those issues that are of particular interest to the

Commission, the staff will make meeting agenda and draft papers available to the Commission

at the earliest opportunity and seek the Commission’s guidance, when appropriate, relative to

developing policy and technical positions. An example of the way in which the staff would

expect to inform the Commission and seek its guidance on an international activity where the

U.S. might be expected to comply with decisions reached is the way the staff has informed the

Commission and sought guidance through the body of correspondence on the Convention on

Nuclear Safety (CNS). 

Attachment 2 begins with an index listing the committees within which the ongoing IAEA and

NEA activities are being conducted, along with a reference to the corresponding page in

Attachment 2. Some of the IAEA and NEA activities in which NRC participates include

development of standards that NRC may have to consider adopting and high visibility policy

areas such as waste, orphan sources, clearance of radioactive material, and transportation. In

particular, the following IAEA and NEA activities involve these sensitive areas: the IAEA

Radiation, Waste and Transportation Standards Committees (RASSC, WASSC, and

TRANSSC), the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety

of Radioactive Waste Management, and the NEA Radioactive Waste Management Committee. 

The NMSS activity descriptions in Attachment 2 include identification of opportunities for

Commission engagement in these areas. Other activities that may be of particular interest to

the Commission include the following:
The Commissioners - 3 -

NEA Committee on the Safety of Nuclear Installations (CSNI) - Workshop on

Safety Issues for Advanced Reactor Designs in February 2002 (RES);

IAEA International Nuclear Safety Advisory Group (INSAG) Meeting in March

2002 (RES);

IAEA CNS - National Report Review Meeting in April 2002 (NRR/OIP);

IAEA Nuclear Safety Topical Meeting in September 2002 (NRR); 

IAEA Operational Safety Review Teams (OSARTs) and International Regulatory

Review Teams (IRRTs). As a follow-up to the January 2000 OSART mission to

the North Anna plant (the plant), IAEA will return from April 4 - 12, 2002, to

evaluate how the plant will implement IAEA recommendations. Additionally,

NRC Regional staff are supporting IRRTs in Armenia and Hungary in 2002. A

policy question is under review of whether to pursue an IRRT in the U.S. (NRR).

The IAEA is developing a proposed expanded program in the effort to combat terrorism. This

expanded program, once approved, may require additional technical support from the NRC. 

Some of the IAEA activities identified in Attachment 2 reflect activities that are, or may be,

affected by these efforts; for example,

Radiation Safety Standards Committee (RASSC) addressing orphan sources

and clearance issues - It is anticipated that higher priority and urgency will be

placed on the action plan for control of radiation sources and, possibly, additional

activities may be pursued as a result of decisions made concerning proposals for

expanded IAEA activities to address perceived vulnerabilities to a terrorist threat.

International Physical Protection Advisory Service Missions (IPPAS) - It is

anticipated that there will be an increase in these missions with a likely increase

in requests for NRC support.

Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) - It is

anticipated that there may be competing impacts. For example, a desire for

expedited consideration of the amendment to the Convention is anticipated but,

at the same time, there will be a need to address interests to broaden the scope

of the amendment (which could cause serious delays if not indefinite

postponement). 
The Commissioners - 4 -

NEXT STEPS:

This is the first Annual Report in response to the Commission request and the staff has

learned from the preparation of this report. We believe the information provided to the

Commission and the Commission’s guidance to the staff would be improved by taking a

number of additional steps in the future. In the fall of each year, the International Council (IC)

will review the inventory of activities focusing on what has been accomplished in the prior year

to meet NRC objectives and what we would like to achieve in the year ahead. At that time, the

IC will identify, on the basis of available information, the need for Commission involvement in

significant policy matters and items of interest. That review will help shape the next Annual

Report and the staff’s engagement with the IAEA and the NEA in the year ahead.

In Reference 3, the EDO directed the staff to immediately implement certain principles and

procedures for improving the conduct of international interactions. Additional guidance, in four

separate areas, is being developed at the office level to address office-specific types of

interactions and needs for improving the conduct of NRC’s international activities: (1) fuller

and more consistent reporting of the results of foreign travel, (2) prompt notification of the

Commission in advance of planned interactions involving sensitive issues, (3) establishment of

prioritizing and resource-allocating processes for international activities, and (4) more effective

coordination and communication in the conduct of NRC’s international activities. The staff

intends to provide the Commission with an assessment of the effectiveness of the procedures

in June 2002. 

COORDINATION:

The Office of the General Counsel has reviewed this paper and has no legal objection.

CONCLUSION:

The attachments provide a summary of NRC’s specific goals and objectives for IAEA and NEA

activities and strategies for accomplishing those goals and objectives. This is the first step in

the continuing process of bringing better and more timely information in these areas to the

Commission. It is intended to provide a compendium of the primary international organization

activities, including lead contacts and upcoming meetings, in which the staff is engaged. As

the year progresses, further developments regarding policy issues will be brought to the

attention of the Commission. Emerging issues, as they arise, will also be brought to the

attention of the Commission and we will identify those matters on which the staff will be

seeking the Commission’s guidance and input. 
The Commissioners - 5 -

It should also be noted that, although OIP activities in support of the IAEA and the NEA are not 

detailed in the attachments, OIP plays a central role in coordinating, facilitating, and providing

policy guidance to the overall management through its participation in the IAEA Board

Meetings and NEA Steering Committee Meetings.

/RA/

Janice Dunn Lee, Director

Office of International Programs

/RA/

William D. Travers

Executive Director for Operations

Attachments:

As stated

cc w/attachments:

SECY

OGC

CFO

OPA

RES

OCA

OIG 

NRR

NMSS

IRO

Regional Administrators
The Commissioners - 5 -

It should also be noted that, although OIP activities in support of the IAEA and the NEA are not 

detailed in the attachments, OIP plays a central role in coordinating, facilitating, and providing

policy guidance to the overall management through its participation in the IAEA Board

Meetings and NEA Steering Committee Meetings.

/RA/

Janice Dunn Lee, Director

Office of International Programs

/RA/

William D. Travers

Executive Director for Operations

Attachments:

As stated

cc w/attachments:

SECY

OGC

CFO

OPA

RES

OCA

OIG 

NRR

NMSS

IRO

Regional Administrators

DISTRIBUTION:

ADAMS OIP r/f EDoroshuk DChaney SCollins MCullingford

AThadani ASzukiewicz MVirgilio TSherr TRothschild WTravers

JCraig JDunnLee ISchoenfeld EDO r/f

ACCESSION NO.: ML020100058 *See previous concurrence

OFFICE OIP/A OIP/ADD NRR/D RES/D

NAME EDoroshuk DChaney* SCollins* AThadani*

DATE 3/20/02 3/13/02 3/1/02 2/29/02

OFFICE NMSS/D OGC EDO EDO OIP/D

NAME MVirgilio TRothschild* JCraig WTravers DChaney for JDunn Lee*

DATE 3/13/02-via email 3/4/02 3/18/02 3/1/02

OFFICIAL RECORD COPY
Attachment 1 - Page 1

Near-Term Policy Issues Associated with IAEA and NEA Activities for Calendar Year 2002

Anticipated near-term policy issues associated with NRC staff participation in IAEA and NEA

activities are identified below. They are grouped under the four broad activity categories used

in SECY-01-0209, “Framework for International Activities.”

Area of Activity/ Near-Term Policy Issue: Int’l Forum 

 

A. Carry out export licensing, international safeguards and international

reporting and consultative activities mandated by U.S. law,

international treaties or international conventions, or required

pursuant to Commission-approved agreements or policy directives.

Near-Term Policy Issues:

 Provision of robust NRC participation in the CNS Review Meeting in

April 2002

 Monitoring of and participation in amendments to the CPPNM

 Monitoring of U.S. ratification of the Waste Convention

 Monitoring of proposals to develop international instruments for

research reactors and radioactive sources (Code of Conduct)

 Facilitation of IAEA inspections at the BWXT Downblending Facility

 Monitoring of and participation in U.S. ratification of the Additional

Protocol

 Monitoring of and participation in U.S.-IAEA-Russia development of a 

new international verification agreement 

 Evaluation of international safeguards for the Rokkasho

Reprocessing Plant

IAEA

B. Obtain and use non-U.S. safety and safeguards information that will

alert the NRC to potential safety and security problems and threats,

help identify potential accident precursors, and provide

accident/incident analyses, including lessons learned, directly

applicable to the safety of U.S. nuclear power plants and other

facilities, and the use of nuclear materials.

Near-Term Policy Issues:

 PBMR development and licensing

 Control of export of significant sources 

 Waste safety regulatory approaches

 Elimination of unnecessary duplication of effort by IAEA and NEA on

societal issues

 Protection of information by the IAEA

IAEA

NEA
Attachment 1 - Page 2

C. Assist other countries to prevent accidents, radiological sabotage,

and the loss or diversion of sensitive nuclear materials, and to

develop or improve associated foreign regulatory capabilities,

regulatory independence, and nuclear safety/safeguards cultures.

Near-Term Policy Issues:

 Development of the Action Plan for Protection of Patients

 Development of the Action Plan for Occupational Exposure of

Workers

 Revision of Action Plan for Control of Sources to address security

issues

 Terrorism: Address IAEA and NEA proposals to respond to terrorism

threats to nuclear materials and facilities and other radioactive

material, and ensure that they are compatible with U.S. views and

concerns

 Life extension of Soviet-designed reactors

 Coordination of support to the Russian regulator Gosatomnadzor

(GAN) and to other countries’ regulatory agencies, as appropriate

IAEA

NEA

D. Influence international safeguards and nuclear safety regulatory

standards, policies and practices.

Near-Term Policy Issues:

 Waste: Development of international standards on High-Level

Waste (HLW) repositories

 Radiation Safety: Development of international standards for scope

of control of radioactive material (clearance)

 Transport: Completion of the latest revision to the international

standards

 Terrorism: Development of international standards for material

control and accounting, physical protection, and detection of illicit

trafficking of nuclear materials

 Safeguards: Evaluation of the framework, guidance, and proposals 

for implementing IAEA integrated safeguards

 Safeguards: Development of IAEA safeguards for geological

repositories

IAEA
ATTACHMENT 2 INDEX

Activity NRC

Office

Int.

Org.

Page

#

Radiation Safety Standards Committee (RASSC) NMSS IAEA 1

Waste Safety Standards Committee (WASSC) NMSS IAEA 4

Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and

on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management (Joint

Convention)

NMSS IAEA 7

Transportation Safety Standards Committee (TRANSSC) NMSS IAEA 10

Nuclear Safety Standards Committee (NUSSC) - Fuel Cycle

Facility Safety Standards Subgroup NMSS IAEA 14

Strengthening International Safeguards NMSS IAEA 16

Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material

(CPPNM) NMSS IAEA 20

International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) NMSS IAEA 22

Radioactive Waste Management Committee (RWMC) NMSS NEA 24

Committee on the Safety of Nuclear Installations (CSNI) - Fuel

Cycle Facility Safety Subgroup NMSS NEA 27

Committee on Nuclear Regulatory Activities (CNRA) NRR NEA 29

Working Group on Inspection Practices (WGIP) NRR NEA 31

Other Nuclear Safety Activities NRR IAEA 33

Committee on the Safety of Nuclear Installations (CSNI) RES NEA 35

CSNI Program Review Group (PRG) RES NEA 37

CSNI Working Group on Risk Assessment (WGRISK) RES NEA 39

CSNI Working Group on Analysis and Management of

Accidents (GAMA) RES NEA 42

CSNI Special Expert Group on Fuel Safety Margins (SEGFSM) RES NEA 44

CSNI Working Group on Integrity and Aging of Components

and Structures (IAGE) RES NEA 46

CSNI Workshop on Advanced Reactors - Organizing

Committee RES NEA 49

CSNI Working Group on Operating Experience RES NEA 51

CSNI Special Expert Group on Human and Organizational

Factors (SEGHOF) RES NEA 53
International Nuclear Safety Advisory Group (INSAG) RES IAEA 55

Nuclear Safety Standards Committee (NUSSC) RES IAEA 57

Integration Group for the Safety Case (IGSC) RES NEA 59

Ad Hoc Technical Committee Meetings and Consultants

Meetings RES IAEA 61

Committee on Radiation Protection and Public Health (CRPPH) RES NEA 63
Attachment 2 - Page 1

IAEA RADIATION SAFETY STANDARDS COMMITTEE (RASSC)

NRC Office: NMSS International Organization: IAEA

General Description

RASSC provides direction and recommendations to the IAEA Secretariat on all aspects of

radiation safety, regulation and guidance development, research, and developing nation

support. RASSC meets twice each year and reports to the Committee on Safety Standards

(CSS). The current RASSC chair is Dr. Ches Mason, Australia.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• Nuclear Materials and Waste Safety Arena: Maintain Safety. First Strategy: We will

continue to improve the regulatory framework to increase our focus on safety and

safeguards, including incremental use of risk-informed and, where appropriate, less

prescriptive performance-based regulatory approaches to maintain safety. 

• Nuclear Materials and Waste Safety Arena: Make the NRC activities and decisions

more effective, efficient, and realistic. First strategy: We will continue to improve the

regulatory framework in order to increase our effectiveness, efficiency, and realism. 

• Nuclear Materials and Waste Safety Arena: Reduce Unnecessary Regulatory Burden

on Stakeholders. First strategy: We will continue to improve our regulatory framework

in order to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden. 

• International Nuclear Safety Support Arena: Support U.S. interests in the safe and

secure use of nuclear materials and in nuclear non-proliferation. First strategy: We will

continue to take a proactive role in strengthening safety, safeguards, and

non-proliferation worldwide. 

Relationship to other NRC Activities

The U.S. does not specifically incorporate IAEA basic safety standards into its regulations. 

However, many of the issues, including occupational and public exposure, exemptions,

clearance, emergency preparedness, and other activities are designed to be complementary to

and consistent with the IAEA standards. Many NRC and U.S. policy issues are being

addressed in parallel with the IAEA reviews. 

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

• Encourage stability of regulations

Existing regulations are mature and time-proven. 

All proposed changes to the regulations should have a risk informed evaluation

and cost/safety justification.

IAEA should strictly adhere to the structured and disciplined revision process 
Attachment 2 - Page 2

• Actively participate in discussions of revisions as scientific evidence and ICRP

recommendations become available.

Development of clearance policy and technical values must be coordinated with

corresponding U.S. initiatives. Active participation should ensure that technical

models and approach is defensible and transparent.

Changes to regulatory system must be carefully considered to reflect up-to-date

science and sound protection theories. 

• Continue support for IAEA efforts to improve regulatory programs for the control of

sources and materials.

NRC activities should support orphan source and lost source initiatives and action

plans.

Activities should support and implement INES reporting of events, and RADEV

database efforts to catalogue events.

NRC Role vis-a-vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

The NRC representative is the U.S. Government representative on RASSC. NRC coordinates

positions and actions with the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, and

Agreement States. Support for specific topical meetings in the radiation safety area may come

from multiple organizations, with positions coordinated as approval is sought at RASSC.

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

Yes. The next meeting of RASSC will be during the week of March 25, 2002. There will be

opportunities for involvement and engagement on some of the specific issues before that time,

but they will be related to a specific issue meeting, not the RASSC meeting. Specific issues of

interest are the action plan for control of radiation sources, including the code of conduct,

source categorization, and clearance related activities, particularly in light of the events of

September 11, 2001.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

Yes. Specific policy and technical positions, including clearance, scope of regulatory

standards, orphan sources, and emergency response have been, and will continue to be areas

of specific Commission involvement. 

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought? 

Staff will make meeting agenda and draft papers available to the Commission as they are

provided by IAEA in advance of meetings. In many cases, development of specific documents

will be done outside of the RASSC meetings, and will be coordinated and reported by the

traveler attending the technical committee or advisory group. Information will be provided to the

Commission at the earliest opportunity.
Attachment 2 - Page 3

Level of Annual Effort:

• 2 meetings, with a total of 4-6 staff weeks of effort. 

• Additional 3-4 weeks of effort to be expended for each issue in which staff separately

participates, e.g., participation in technical committee or consultants’ meetings on scope

of radiation standards, clearance, etc.

• Approximately 4 foreign trips per year.

Primary Staff Contact: Carl J. Paperiello, Deputy Executive Director for Materials, Research

and State Programs, (301) 415-1705
Attachment 2 - Page 4

WASTE SAFETY STANDARDS COMMITTEE (WASSC)

NRC Office: NMSS International Organization: IAEA

General Description

WASSC provides direction and recommendations to the IAEA Secretariat on all aspects of

waste safety: regulation and guidance development, research, and developing nation support. 

WASSC meets annually and reports to the Committee on Safety Standards (CSS).

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• Nuclear Materials and Waste Safety Arenas: Maintain Safety. First Strategy: We will

continue to improve the regulatory framework to increase our focus on safety and

safeguards, including incremental use of risk-informed and, where appropriate, less

prescriptive performance-based regulatory approaches to maintain safety. 

• Nuclear Waste Safety Arena: Maintain Safety. Fourth Strategy: We will respond to

operational events involving potential safety or safeguards consequences. 

• Nuclear Waste Safety Arena: Maintain Safety. Fifth Strategy: We will evaluate

potential new information from research, new safety issues, changing external factors,

international programs, and licensee experience so that improvements can be made to

maintain an adequate regulatory framework.

• Nuclear Materials and Waste Safety Arenas: Make the NRC activities and decisions

more effective, efficient, and realistic. First strategy: We will continue to improve the

regulatory framework in order to increase our effectiveness, efficiency, and realism. 

• Nuclear Materials and Waste Safety Arenas: Reduce Unnecessary Regulatory Burden

on Stakeholders. First strategy: We will continue to improve our regulatory framework

in order to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden.

• International Nuclear Safety Support Arena: Support U.S. interests in the safe and

secure use of nuclear materials and in nuclear non-proliferation. First strategy: We will

continue to take a proactive role in strengthening safety, safeguards, and

non-proliferation worldwide. 

• Nuclear Waste Safety Arena: Reduce Unnecessary Regulatory Burden. First strategy: 

We will continue to improve our regulatory framework in order to reduce unnecessary

regulatory burden. 

Relationship to other NRC activities

The U.S. does not specifically incorporate IAEA basic safety standards into domestic

regulations. However, many of the issues, including waste minimization, long-term isolation of

waste, institutional controls, design of waste disposal packages, occupational and public

exposure, remediation and cleanup, and other activities are designed to be complementary to
Attachment 2 - Page 5

and consistent with the IAEA standards. Many NRC and U.S. policy issues are being

addressed in parallel with the IAEA reviews. 

Long Term and Short term (FY 2002) objectives and approach for accomplishing goals

Objectives and approaches of the U.S. with respect to WASSC activities include:

• Encourage stability of waste regulations: 

All proposed changes to the regulations should have a risk informed evaluation

and cost/safety justification.

Waste management requirements and guidance should be sufficiently broad to

allow for realistic implementation within the confines of individual Member States’

resources and specific conditions. The NMSS staff intends to interact with the

IAEA Division of Radiation and Waste Safety regarding the IAEA’s plan to

prepare draft Safety Requirements for Geologic Disposal of Radioactive Waste. 

The draft requirements are scheduled to be provided, as informational material, to

WASSAC in early 2002 for informal review and comment.

The RADWASS publication program should be revisited to insure that it is

consistent with the provisions of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel

Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management (Joint

Convention).

IAEA should strictly adhere to the structured and disciplined revision process 

• Continue to encourage IAEA technical cooperation programs assistance to Member

States in establishing and implementing radioactive waste management safety

programs.

Encourage developed Member States participation in expert assistance activities.

IAEA waste safety resources should be balanced between guidance development

and guidance and implementation assistance.

• Increase public access and provide member states adequate opportunity to seek and

provide comment on documents prior to meetings.

Member state solicitation of comment by stakeholders and or public is a matter of

sovereignty, but IAEA should facilitate information and technology transfer.

Oppose attempts to introduce redundant public participation and stakeholder

confidence guidance development, which is being addressed adequately by the

OECD/NEA forums.

NRC Role vis-a-vis other U.S. Agencies and other organizations

NRC provides DOE with technical support on radioactive materials waste issues, in cooperation

with the EPA. DOE is the U.S. competent authority before IAEA on waste safety matters. 

(A. Wallo, DOE, and J. Greeves, NMSS, are the U.S. Co-representatives to WASSC). 
Attachment 2 - Page 6

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

Yes. Specific policy and technical positions, including geologic disposal, restoration of

contaminated areas, scope of regulatory standards, waste packages, and decommissioning

have been, and will continue to be areas of specific Commission involvement.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

Yes. In conjunction with the Joint Convention and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste

Management, the NRC will need to support the U.S. State Department in the treaty obligations

of the Joint Convention. This may spin off modifications to current NRC regulations to comply

with these obligations. Furthermore, there is an obligation on the NRC to contribute to the

preparation of an annual report every 3 years; this is addressed in the Activity Form for the Joint

Convention. Re-issuance of the IAEA Basic Safety Standards may impact waste safety

provisions in NRC regulations; a rulemaking will be required to harmonize with IAEA waste

safety regulations

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought?

The staff will provide a 30-day pre-meeting notification to the Commission materials assistants

prior to each WASSC meeting with an agenda (if available), to ensure the Commission has

adequate opportunities to participate. The staff will be prepared to provide briefings for

Commissioners or their assistants on request.

In addition, trip reports from WASSC and other significant meetings will be provided to OIP,

with a recommendation, where appropriate, regarding providing the information to the

Commission.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• About 4 to 5 staff weeks

• About 2 to 3 trips per year

Primary Staff Contact: John Greeves, Director, Division of Waste Management,

(301) 415-7437
Attachment 2 - Page 7

JOINT CONVENTION ON THE SAFETY OF SPENT FUEL MANAGEMENT AND ON THE

SAFETY OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT (JOINT CONVENTION)

NRC Office: NMSS International Organization: IAEA

General Description

The Joint Convention is an outgrowth of the Convention on Nuclear Safety, which specified the

need for a convention addressing the issues associated with radioactive waste management,

including disposal. Additionally, disused sealed sources are addressed in Joint Convention. 

The Joint Convention, sometimes referred to as the Waste Convention, also covers the

management of spent fuel because convention participants could not agree on whether spent

nuclear fuel should be treated as a waste. The Joint Convention entered into force on June 18,

2001. The U.S. has not yet ratified the convention.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• Nuclear Materials and Waste Safety Arenas: Maintain Safety. First Strategy: We will

continue to improve the regulatory framework to increase our focus on safety and

safeguards, including incremental use of risk-informed and, where appropriate, less

prescriptive performance-based regulatory approaches to maintain safety. 

• Nuclear Materials and Waste Safety Arenas: Make the NRC activities and decisions

more effective, efficient, and realistic. First strategy: We will continue to improve the

regulatory framework in order to increase our effectiveness, efficiency, and realism. 

• International Nuclear Safety Support Arena: Support U.S. interests in the safe and

secure use of nuclear materials and in nuclear non-proliferation. First strategy: We will

continue to take a proactive role in strengthening safety, safeguards, and

non-proliferation worldwide. 

Relationship to other NRC activities

The U.S. is a contracting party for the Convention on Nuclear Safety and needs to ratify the

Joint Convention in the near future in order to be a party in the review of other national reports

on the inventory and status of radioactive waste management and to be privy to organizational

and review meetings. In order to benefit from the knowledge of waste programs in other

nations and to influence the conduct of waste management on a global basis, the U.S. needs to

have full standing as a contracting party to the convention. The U.S.’s leadership role in the

international nuclear energy community necessitates it’s full standing as a contracting party.

Long Term and Short term (FY 2002) objectives and approach for accomplishing goals

• Encourage harmonization of the level of safety in world-wide management of waste

safety.

RADWASS requirements and guidance needs to be revised to reflect the

provisions of the Joint Convention.
Attachment 2 - Page 8

IAEA should strictly adhere to the structured and disciplined revision process in

modifying and generating safety standards series documentation consistent with

the Joint Convention.

• Ensure that IAEA activities and guidance adhere to the scope established by the Joint

Convention. 

The convention excludes NORM from its provisions, as well as defense-related

materials. The IAEA should avoid expanding the scope of its radioactive waste

management activities, beyond the constraints established in the convention.

• Increase public access and provide member states adequate opportunity to seek and

provide comment on documents prior to meetings.

Member state solicitation of comment by stakeholders and or public is a matter of

sovereignty, but IAEA should facilitate information and technology transfer.

Oppose attempts to introduce redundant public participation and stakeholder

confidence guidance development, which is being addressed adequately by the

OECD/NEA forums.

NRC Role vis-a-vis other U.S. Agencies and other organizations

NRC provides the U.S. State Department (DOS) with technical support on radioactive materials

waste issues, in cooperation with the EPA and DOE. DOS is the U.S. competent authority

before IAEA on the ratification of the joint convention. R. Stratford, DOS, is the U.S. designee

for matters concerning the Joint Convention. J. Greeves, NMSS, and J. Lieberman, OIP, are

the NRC points of contact.

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

Yes. U.S. compliance with the provisions of the Joint Convention will necessitate the

consideration of the current U.S. regulatory infrastructure in regulating the management and

disposal of radioactive waste. This may entail changes to NRC regulations and practices.

Specific policy and technical positions, including geologic disposal, restoration of contaminated

areas, scope of regulatory standards, waste packages, and decommissioning may be affected,

and as such, will continue to be areas of specific Commission involvement.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

Yes. In supporting the U.S. obligations associated with The Joint Convention on the Safety of

Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, the NRC will

need to support the U.S. State Department in the treaty obligations of the Joint Convention. 

The Commission will be notified of U.S. ratification, and constraints imposed by the U.S.

Senate, as well as the ensuing process for NRC’s role in supporting the State Department. 

Furthermore, there is an obligation on the NRC to contribute to the preparation of an annual

report every 3 years; this process will likely replicate the notification protocol for the NRC’s role

in the Convention on Nuclear Safety.
Attachment 2 - Page 9

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought?

The staff will provide a pre-meeting notification to the Commission materials assistants prior to

the planning and review meetings, which will be held on a 3-year cycle. Following each review

meeting, the staff will provide a summary of the results of the reviews of pertinent national

reports. The staff will be prepared to provide briefings for Commissioners or their assistants on

request.

In addition, trip reports will be provided to OIP, with a recommendation, where appropriate, to

OIP regarding providing the information to the Commission.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• About 5 to 10 staff weeks

• About 4 trips per year

Primary Staff Contact: John Greeves, Director, Division of Waste Management, 

(301) 415-7437
Attachment 2 - Page 10

TRANSPORTATION SAFETY STANDARDS COMMITTEE (TRANSSC)

NRC Office: NMSS International Organization: IAEA

General Description

TRANSSC provides direction and recommendations to the IAEA Secretariat on all aspects of

transportation safety: regulation and guidance development, training, research, and developing

nation support. TRANSSC meets annually and reports to the Committee on Safety Standards

(CSS). The current TRANSSC chair is Mr. Clive Young, U.K.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• Nuclear Waste Safety Arena: Maintain Safety. Fifth Strategy: We will evaluate

potential new information from research, new safety issues, changing external factors,

international programs, and licensee experience so that improvements can be made to

maintain an adequate regulatory framework. 

• Nuclear Waste Safety Arena: Reduce Unnecessary Regulatory Burden. First strategy:

We will continue to improve our regulatory framework in order to reduce unnecessary

regulatory burden.

• International Nuclear Safety Support Arena: Support U.S. interests in the safe and

secure use of nuclear materials and in nuclear nonproliferation. First strategy: We will

continue to take a proactive role in strengthening safety, safeguards, and

nonproliferation worldwide.

Relationship to other NRC activities

International modal organizations (e.g., International Maritime Organization, International Civil

Aviation Organization), whose requirements are binding on certain U.S. carriers of radioactive

material, incorporate IAEA regulations into their transportation requirements. Accordingly,

periodic rulemaking is required to reflect these aspects of IAEA transportation regulations

(TS-R-1) as they are revised. The U.S. incorporates or harmonizes IAEA transportation

regulations into domestic regulations of the DOT (49 CFR 171-185) and NRC (10 CFR 71) to

the maximum extent considered appropriate, utilizing the rulemaking process to consider IAEA

transportation regulation revisions.

Long Term and Short term (FY 2002) objectives and approach for accomplishing goals:

(1) Encourage stability of transportation regulations. 

- Existing transportation regulations are mature and time-proven. 

- All proposed changes to the regulations should have a risk informed evaluation

and cost/safety justification.

- IAEA should strictly adhere to the structured and disciplined revision process. 

- Oppose attempts to introduce new Modal-specific packaging requirements,

unless proven necessary from a risk and commerce perspective.

(2) Continue to treat radioactive material transport as a subset of dangerous goods.
Attachment 2 - Page 11

- Encourage international acceptance of the regulations based on safety and

technical reasons, eliminate political posturing.

- IAEA transportation regulations should conform to international modal

organization regulations (including UN Model Regulations, ICAO, IATA, IMO) and

TS-R-1 should be published in standard (“orange book”) format.

- Existing Conventions on international commerce (e.g., SOLAS [Safety of life at

sea] and Chicago Convention (air transport) adequately cover radioactive

materials.

(3) Increase public access and provide member states adequate opportunity to seek 

and provide comment on documents prior to meetings.

- Member state solicitation of comment by stakeholders and or public is a matter

of sovereignty, but IAEA should support required timeliness. 

The following topical areas are being addressed by TRANSSC in the short-term and have

particular interest to the Commission:

2003 regulatory revision cycle

There are 12 proposed changes in the 2003 edition of the IAEA regulations still being

considered, as described in SECY-01-0158. In FY02, IAEA will convene the following

meetings/actions:

TRANSSC meeting (final vote on 2003 changes) will be held March 4-8, 2002. (Technical

Committee Meeting (TCM) to revise the regulations (resolve comments on 2003 changes) was

held on November 12-16, 2001.)

A TCM for Developing Guidance in Support of the Application of the Revised Transport

Regulations will be held May 13-17, 2002.

2005 Regulatory Revision cycle

The call for proposals will be put forward in early 2002 and the submission date for proposals to

change for 2005 edition of IAEA regulations will be in Spring 2002.

A TCM to revise the regulations (i.e., to consider and pass or reject the 2005 proposals) will be

held Sept 2-5, 2002.

Co-ordinated Research Project (CRP) on the Radiological Aspects of Package and

Conveyance Non-fixed Contamination

In addition to the U.S., France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, UK, and the World Nuclear

Transport Institute (WNTI) will establish package contamination research agreements with

IAEA under this CRP. The U.S. research should provide early development of the capability to

evaluate spent fuel shipment dose impacts associated with current contamination limits, and

possible alternative approaches, and would be developed while the European efforts initially

focus on revising the model for contact-handled packages. Research Coordination Meetings

are anticipated to be scheduled at 6 month intervals. The U.K. hosted the first Research

Coordination Meeting in London during November 7-9, 2001. The meeting participants decided
Attachment 2 - Page 12

to review, and suggest modifications to, a recently UK developed contamination model. In the

future, features of the Japan and WNTI contamination models may also be incorporated in the

UK model. The U.S. will be providing comments to assure that the model properly addresses

contamination considerations related to spent fuel shipments. The next meeting is tentatively

scheduled for the week of June 21, 2002.

NRC Role vis-a-vis other U.S. Agencies and other organizations

NRC provides DOT with technical support on radioactive materials transportation issues

through an interagency memorandum of understanding.

U.S. Department of Transportation is the U.S. Competent Authority before IAEA on

transportation matters. The NRC is the technical contact on fissile and Type B packagings in

support of DOT.

Dr. R. McGuire, DOT, and Bill Brach, NRC/NMSS, are the U.S. designees to TRANSSC. 

Mr. Ronald Pope is the Head of the Transport Unit (accountable to TRANSSC) at IAEA and is a

U.S. citizen.

The World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI) was formed in 1999 and includes representatives

from U.S. industry. WNTI is represented at IAEA meetings.

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

Yes. On February 15, 2002, the staff forwarded a C-Note to the Commission informing it of

staff’s participation in the March 4-8, 2002 IAEA TRANSSC meeting. As stated in the C-Note,

the changes to TS-R-1 being considered, as an outcome of the November 2001 revision panel

meeting, are the issues that the staff identified to the Commission in SECY-01-0158. The staff

does not object to the IAEA proceeding with these changes. Due to the minor nature of the

changes, TRANSSC will consider issuing an amendment to TS-R-1 to include the changes,

rather than a new edition issuance of TS-R-1. With regard to the 2002/2003 review process,

the NRC staff has suggested previously that the IAEA include a risk informed approach to their

transportation standards and will communicate that view again at the March 4-8, 2002, meeting.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

Yes. DOT domestically incorporates revisions to IAEA Transportation Regulations, unless

impracticable to do so. In most cases a periodic joint NRC-DOT rulemaking will be required to

harmonize with IAEA transport regulations

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought? 
Attachment 2 - Page 13

The staff will provide a 30-day pre-meeting notification to the Commission materials assistants

prior to each TRANSSC meeting with an agenda (if available), to ensure the Commission has

adequate opportunities to participate. The staff will be prepared to provide briefings for

Commissioners or their assistants on request.

In addition, trip reports from TRANSSC and other significant meetings will be provided to OIP,

with a recommendation, where appropriate, to OIP regarding providing the information to the

Commission.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• 4 to 6 meetings per year, with a total of 8 to 12 staff weeks of effort 

Primary Staff Contact: Bill Brach, Director, Spent Fuel Program Office, (301) 415-8500
Attachment 2 - Page 14

NUCLEAR SAFETY STANDARDS COMMITTEE (NUSSC):

FUEL CYCLE FACILITY SAFETY STANDARDS SUBGROUP

NRC Office: NMSS International Organization: IAEA

General Description

The IAEA is developing fuel cycle facility safety standards in the form of a requirements

document and subsidiary Safety Guides. The Safety Guides will focus on the following types of

facilities: (1) uranium fuel fabrication for light water reactors, (2) plutonium-uranium mixed

oxide fuel fabrication for light water reactors, (3) reprocessing, (4) waste treatment and storage,

and (5) isotope separation.

NRC Strategic Plan Performance Goals and Strategies

NRC participation in this activity in the nuclear materials and international nuclear safety

support arenas meets the NRC’s strategic plan performance goals by:

• primarily strengthening safety at nuclear fuel cycle facilities in the U.S. and worldwide,

• making NRC’s activities more effective, efficient and realistic,

• increasing public confidence, and

• reducing unnecessary regulatory burden

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

Information exchanged with foreign regulatory counterparts supports NRC’s ongoing review of

the mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility license application, licensing and inspection of uranium

fuel fabrication facilities and development of NRC’s guidance documents such as the standard

review plan for 10 CFR Part 70. 

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

Participate in developing requirements and guidance documents for uranium fuel fabrication

and mixed oxide fuel fabrication facilities. NRC’s approach is to either participate in the IAEA’s

consultants meetings to draft these documents or review documents drafted in these meetings

and provide comments to the IAEA.

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

NRC may be the sole U.S. representative in these activities because of NRC’s expertise and

regulatory perspective. However, participation of NRC licensees and applicants, such as

representatives of the six existing uranium fuel fabrication licensees and the mixed oxide fuel

facility applicant would also benefit the IAEA and contribute in meeting NRC’s strategic plan

goals and strategies.
Attachment 2 - Page 15

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement on this issue either now or

in the near term?

No. The NRC staff does not anticipate the need for Commission involvement on this issue. 

This is because the NRC staff does not anticipate any new IAEA requirement or guidance to

contradict the rigorous regulations and comprehensive guidance documents that the NRC has

established for fuel cycle facilities, and therefore, adversely affect safety at NRC-licensed

facilities.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

No. The Safety Guides are guidance only and are unlikely to raise any issues that would be

problematic for NRC’s fuel cycle facility licensees.

If yes to either of the last two items, how and when will the Commission be notified and

their input be sought?

N. A.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• 2 meetings, with a total of less than 4 staff weeks of effort

• 2 foreign trips per year

Primary Staff Contact: Michael Weber, Director, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety,

(301) 415-7212.
Attachment 2 - Page 16

STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL SAFEGUARDS

NRC Office: NMSS International Organization: IAEA

General Description

International safeguards activities are directed to the prevention of the spread of nuclear

explosives capability and to verify State’s commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear

materials. The NRC supports the strengthening of the IAEA safeguards program through

participation in interagency groups as well as in activities directly supporting the IAEA.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

International Nuclear Safety Support Arena Strategic Goal: Support U.S. interests in the safe

and secure use of nuclear materials and in nuclear nonproliferation. Strategy 1: We will

continue to take a proactive role in strengthening safety, safeguards, and nonproliferation

worldwide. 

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

One of the common goals across all of NRC’s strategic arenas is promoting the common

defense and security in the use of nuclear materials. International safeguards contribute to the

assurance that the common defense and security of the U.S. is not weakened by the loss of

control over nuclear materials in other countries or by a State-level diversion of nuclear

materials from peaceful programs to the manufacture of nuclear explosives.

Long-Term and Short-Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

NRC’s involvement in the IAEA’s international safeguards and nonproliferation activities are

implemented through cooperative technical work with other Federal agencies, other countries,

and the IAEA. The short-term and long-term objectives are to continue to coordinate with and

provide technical support to the IAEA, other Federal agencies, and other countries to

strengthen international safeguards.

The following areas of activity support the strengthening of IAEA safeguards:

Implementation of US-IAEA Safeguards Agreement: IAEA safeguards inspections are

conducted at the BWX Technologies Downblending Facility in Lynchburg, VA., to demonstrate

the U.S. commitment to nonproliferation of nuclear weapons. The NRC facilitates the

implementation of safeguards by resolving operator-IAEA safeguards implementation problems

that occur at the facility. Short-term objective: Increase operator attention to their

responsibilities as a facility undergoing IAEA inspections and resolve IAEA equipment

problems. Long-term objective: Maintain compliance with the U.S.-IAEA safeguards

agreement.

Submittal of Additional Protocol to Congress: In June 1998, the U.S. and IAEA signed the

Additional Protocol to the U.S.-IAEA Safeguards Agreement to demonstrate the U.S.
Attachment 2 - Page 17

commitment to IAEA safeguards. Differences in Federal agency perspectives of how the

protocol should be submitted to the Senate for approval have been raised to the National

Security Council (NSC). Short-term objective: Resolve options for submitting the Protocol to

the Senate and resolve Federal agency responsibilities for implementing the protocol. Longterm objective: Implement the Additional Protocol measures at affected licensee locations.

Standing Advisory Group on Safeguards Implementation (SAGSI): SAGSI plenary and working

group meetings take place periodically to provide recommendations to the IAEA Director

General on current IAEA safeguards issues. Short-term objective: Assist IAEA in the

integration of safeguards strengthening measures into the existing safeguards system. 

Long-term objective: Continue to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of safeguards

measures to meet the IAEA’s technical objectives. 

Geological Repository Safeguards Experts Group: Expert group meetings take place

periodically to develop recommendations to the IAEA on the implementation of the safeguards

approaches for spent fuel conditioning plants and for pre-operational, operational, and closed

geological repositories. Short-term objective: Evaluate and make recommendations on the role

of geophysical monitoring in geological repository safeguards and on the implementation of

safeguards measures for pre-operational facilities. Long-term: Continue to evaluate and make

recommendations on geological repository safeguards implementation activities and measures.

U.S. Subcommittee on International Safeguards and Monitoring: Develops and facilitates U.S.

policy on IAEA safeguards and related nonproliferation issues and meets with IAEA and other

Governments to coordinate U.S. Government policy and implementation activities. Short-term

objective: Develop and coordinate U.S. policy on IAEA strengthened safeguards and integrated

safeguards issues and pursue ratification of Additional Protocol to US-IAEA Safeguards

Agreement as a treaty. Long-term objective: Continue to identify international safeguards

issues, to develop appropriate U.S. policy and responses with respect to the issues, and to

coordinate U.S. policy goals with the policy goals of the IAEA and other key States.

U.S. Subgroup on Safeguards Technical Support: Evaluates and funds U.S. technical support

to enhance the implementation of IAEA safeguards and periodically meets with IAEA to receive

and discuss technical support proposals. Short-term objective: Support IAEA development

tasks to implement the strengthened safeguards measures. Long-term objective: Continue to

support IAEA development tasks to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of IAEA

safeguards.

State System for Accounting and Control Training: Provide instructors to the international

training courses presented by IAEA on national systems for monitoring the use of and tracking 

nuclear materials within a State and for reporting information to the IAEA. Short-term

objective: Maintain training materials and presentations. Long-term objective: Provide training

as courses are scheduled.

Development of US-Russia-IAEA Trilateral Verification Initiative: Meetings are held with IAEA

and Russia to develop and implement a new verification agreement to assure that quantities of

HEU and Pu placed under the agreement (i.e., excess material from the U.S. and Russian

nuclear weapons programs) are not returned to military uses. Short-term objective: Obtain

U.S., Russia, and IAEA/international approval of the new verification agreement and of the
Attachment 2 - Page 18

technical measures for its implementation. Long-term objective: Implement the new

verification agreements at affected NRC-licensee facilities.

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

NRC works in close cooperation with the Department of State, Department of Energy,

Department of Defense, and Intelligence Community in developing and implementing U.S.

international safeguards and nonproliferation policy and in support of the IAEA Safeguards

Department. NRC has lead responsibility for implementing international safeguards and

nonproliferation policy at the NRC-licensee facilities. NRC also provides the U.S.

representative to the IAEA’s Geological Repository Safeguards Experts Group. 

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

Yes. A detailed description of NMSS international safeguards activities was provided in

SECY-00-0163. This information continues to reflect staff’s current activities in this area, and

no substantial changes are anticipated in the near term. Current issues of which the

Commissioners are being kept informed relate to submittal of the Additional Protocol to the

Congress and IAEA safeguards implementation at the BWXT Downblending Facility. If other

issues arise in the near term, staff will inform the Commission of these issues, and seek

Commission guidance.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

Yes. Explanation: For any significant new initiatives that will have a direct impact on NRC and

its licensees, staff will inform the Commission, and seek Commission guidance.

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought?

The staff will provide a 30-day pre-meeting notifications of foreign travel to the Commission

materials assistants prior to each international safeguards meeting, with an agenda (if

available), to ensure the Commission has adequate opportunities to participate. The staff will

be prepared to provide briefings for Commissioners or their assistants on request.

In addition, trip reports from international safeguards meetings will be provided to OIP, with a

recommendation, where appropriate, regarding providing the information to the Commission.

As noted above, for any significant new initiatives that will have a direct impact on NRC and its

licensees, staff will inform the Commission and seek Commission guidance.

Level of Annual Effort:

• During FY 2001, approximately 1.8 FTE and $62K in contractor support funds were

expended for activities in support of strengthened international safeguards 

• 12 foreign trips per year
Attachment 2 - Page 19

Primary Staff Contact(s):

Bruce Moran, Senior International SG Analyst, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards,

(301) 415-7871

Michael Kelly, MC&A Physical Scientist, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards,

(301) 415-8137

Theodore Sherr, Senior Technical Advisor and NMSS International Liaison, Division of Fuel

Cycle Safety and Safeguards, (301) 415-7260
Attachment 2 - Page 20

CONVENTION ON THE PHYSICAL PROTECTION OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL (CPPNM)

NRC Office: NMSS International Organization: IAEA

General Description

The CPPNM is an international convention negotiated under International Atomic Energy

Agency auspices in the late 1970s. The U.S. ratified it in 1982, and the Convention entered into

force in 1987, with the deposit of the 21st instrument of ratification. Since 1998, the U.S. led an

effort to revise the CPPNM in order to strengthen obligations for the physical protection of

nuclear material in domestic use, storage, and transport, and for the protection of nuclear

material and nuclear facilities from sabotage. Revising the Convention will fulfill U.S. interests

in strengthening safeguards in other States.

Goals and Strategies

International Nuclear Safety Support Arena: Support U.S. interests in the safe and secure use

of nuclear materials and in nuclear nonproliferation. First strategy: We will continue to take a

proactive role in strengthening safety, safeguards, and nonproliferation worldwide. 

Relationship to other NRC activities

The Convention could impact NRC regulations for Physical Protection, 10 CFR Part 73,

although such an impact is not anticipated.

Long Term and Short Term (FY2002) objectives and approach for accomplishing goals

Objectives are to ensure that NRC interests are represented and to not require unjustified

changes to NRC regulations. With the acceptance of “flexibility” and “graded approach” (as

proposed in the revision), NRC staff believes that current NRC regulations meet the intent of

the proposed revision to the CPPNM and also that future contemplated changes to the

regulations will continue to meet the intent of the proposed revision.

An open-ended drafting group of legal and technical experts will meet at the IAEA in Vienna

during the week of March 11-15, 2002, to continue preparation of a draft CPPNM revision

proposal for subsequent consideration by States Parties as to whether to convene a Revision

Conference pursuant to Article 20 of the CPPNM. The IAEA has produced and distributed a

“Rolling Text” of the CPPNM for the review of the States. The participating Federal agencies

are coordinating comments on the “rolling text.” Additional meetings are anticipated to be held

over the course of the next year; however, dates and agendas of meetings have not been set. 

NRC Role vis-a-vis other U.S. Agencies and other organizations

The revision of the Convention is an interagency effort with participants from the Departments

of Energy, State, Justice, and Defense and the NRC. NRC provides technical expert advice to

the Department of State to ensure that NRC’s interests and views in the physical protection

arena are sufficiently represented and reflected.
Attachment 2 - Page 21

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting now or in the near term?

Yes. Explanation: An open-ended legal and technical experts meeting is scheduled for the

week March 11-15, 2002, at the IAEA in Vienna. Prior to the meeting, the U.S. is reviewing and

will make comments on a “rolling text” version of a well-defined amendment to the CPPNM

provided by IAEA. A copy of the rolling text reflecting the most up-to-date version of the

proposed amendment was provided to the Commission in mid-February. 

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

Yes. The Commission will need to approve the U.S. adoption of the revised Convention since

the Convention is a treaty obligation and will impose requirements on NRC. 

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought?

A copy of the “rolling text” version for a well-defined amendment to the CPPNM has been

forwarded to the Commission offices in preparation for the March 2002, meeting. The

Commission will be kept abreast throughout the process of revising the Convention either

through memoranda or briefings to the Commission. 

Level of Annual Effort: 

• Approximately 3 meetings per year, with a total of 9-12 staff weeks of effort

• 3 foreign trips during FY02

Primary Staff Contact: Nancy Fragoyannis, Physical Protection Specialist, Division of Fuel

Cycle Safety and Safeguards, (301) 415-8108
Attachment 2 - Page 22

INTERNATIONAL PHYSICAL PROTECTION ADVISORY SERVICE (IPPAS)

NRC Office: NMSS International Organization: IAEA

General Description

The IPPAS missions provide advice to Member States to assist them in strengthening the

effectiveness of their national physical protection system while recognizing that the ultimate

responsibility for physical protection is that of the Member States. The IPPAS is a voluntary

service and is initiated at the request of the Member State.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

International Nuclear Safety Support Arena: Supports U.S. interests in the safe and secure use

of nuclear materials and in nuclear non-proliferation. First strategy: We will continue to take a

proactive role in strengthening safety, safeguards, and non-proliferation worldwide.

Relationship to other NRC Activities

Participation in IPPAS missions reflects knowledge of the NRC and U.S. physical protection

programs.

Long Term and Short term (FY2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

Continue to participate at the request of IAEA on IAEA-organized teams in response to country

requests. Proposed next IPPAS mission is to the Czech Republic in 2002. NRC participation

was requested in Fall 2001 for the visit to the Czech Republic; however, the trip was postponed.

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

NRC works in close cooperation with the IAEA technical advisor for IPPAS missions, and

coordinates participation with the Departments of Energy and State. 

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

Yes. When participation is requested, and a schedule established, the Commission will be

informed of staff plans.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

Yes, if the outcome could involve a matter of Commission sensitivity. 
Attachment 2 - Page 23

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought?

The staff will provide a 30-day pre-meeting notification to the Commission materials assistants

prior to participation on IPPAS missions. The staff will be prepared to provide briefings for

Commissioners or their assistants on request.

Level of Annual Effort:

• At present, NRC has not been formally requested to participate in IPPAS missions in

2002. However, with an anticipated increase in IPPAS missions, as part of the

expanded IAEA program for protection against nuclear terrorism, it is likely that NRC

assistance will be requested.

Primary Staff Contact: Nancy Fragoyannis, Physical Protection Specialist, Division of Fuel

Cycle Safety and Safeguards, (301) 415-8108
Attachment 2 - Page 24

RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (RWMC)

NRC Office: NMSS International Organization: NEA

General Description

The goal of this NEA activity is to assist Member Countries in the area of radioactive waste

management, i.e., to support development of safe management and disposal strategies for

spent fuel, long-lived waste, and waste from the decommissioning of nuclear facilities. The

RWMC oversees three specific subgroups, having NRC staff involvement: The Integration

Group for the Safety Case (IGSC), the Forum on Stakeholder Confidence (FSC), and the

Working Party on Management of Materials from Decommissioning and Dismantling (WPDD). 

Although the RWMC has recently focused primarily on technical aspects related to deep

geologic disposal, it has extended its activities to the interfaces between technical advances,

regulatory developments, societal concerns and their input to the decision making process.

Goals and Strategies

• International Nuclear Safety Support Arena: Support U.S. interests in the safe and

secure use of nuclear materials and in nuclear non-proliferation. First strategy: We will

continue to take a proactive role in strengthening safety, safeguards, and

non-proliferation worldwide. 

• Nuclear Waste Safety Arena: Maintain safety, protection of the environment, and the

common defense and security. Fifth strategy: We will evaluate potential new

information from research, new safety issues, changing external factors, international

programs, and licensee experience so that improvements can be made to maintain an

adequate regulatory framework. 

• Nuclear Waste Safety Arena: Increase Public Confidence. First strategy: We will make

public participation in the regulatory process more accessible. We will listen to their

concerns and involve them more fully in the regulatory process. 

Relationship to other NRC activities

The activities undertaken by the three working parties (IGSC, WPDD, and FSC) complement

NRC activities in three areas of increasing importance: 

• disposal of high-level waste (HLW)

• increasing public confidence

• integrating and documenting the current knowledge on decommissioning

The ISGC is a successor to previous NEA HLW activities involving the NRC (PAAG and

SEDE). The goal of this group is to integrate performance assessment and site

characterization activities and focus on repository safety; these efforts provide parallel

confirmation to the domestic activities for HLW.
Attachment 2 - Page 25

The FSC affords staff members the opportunity to share experiences in communication about

the NRC’s HLW regulatory program, as well as to learn from the experiences of international

counterparts. The NRC delegate is also the head of the HLW public outreach team within

NMSS and serves on the NMSS communication team and represents the U.S. on the core

working group of the Forum.

As NEA’s primary direction-setting body on decommissioning issues, the WPDD is positioned to

develop and review documents and issues related to decommissioning, as well as create and

influence international positions on decommissioning and dismantling issues. Although it will

focus on reactor decommissioning, it will also address materials decommissioning and research

issues, so it’s scope cuts across NMSS, NRR, and RES decommissioning programs. In

addition, the WPDD includes a representative from the IAEA, so the WPDD may serve an

international liaison function between IAEA and NEA, which would impact other NMSS and OIP

activities (such as participation on IAEA’s Waste Safety Standards Committee). 

Long Term and Short term (FY 2002) objectives and approach for accomplishing goals

These three working parties are expected to define, oversee and carry out work program

activities, as assigned by the RWMC, in order to increase the efficiency of the RWMC and NEA

in areas of repository development, increasing public and stakeholder confidence, and R&D. In

particular, the purpose is to analyze and comment on policies and strategies for step-wise

accomplishment of the work program activities in these areas of radioactive waste

management. This includes collection of technical and societal experience in these areas, as

well as documentation, and where appropriate, the development and/or maintenance of

relevant databases. A common goal, both short- and long-term, is to foster international

consensus on important issues related to radioactive waste management.

These working parties generally meet on an annual basis, as well as sponsoring ad hoc

workshops on specific topics. In its initial phase, the WPDD will meet twice annually. 

Moreover, the RWMC also meets separately, and on the average annually, to address the

overall program of radioactive waste management. 

NRC Role vis-a-vis other U.S. Agencies and other organizations

The U.S. Department of Energy is an active participant in the IGSC; in fact, the first chairman,

Abe van Luik, is from the USDOE’s Yucca Mountain Project. Budhi Sagar (CNWRA) and 

Ralph Cady (RES) are the NRC representatives. 

The NRC delegate (Janet Kotra) represents the U.S. on the core working group of the Forum.

The U.S. is also represented on the FSC by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

(Ms. Mary Kruger), and by the U.S. Department of Energy (Allen Benson, with Robert Levich

attending on his behalf). 

The NRC delegate to the first WPDD , Scott Moore, was the NRC and only U.S. representative

for the first meeting. The U.S. Department of Energy was invited (William Murphie), and may

participate in future WPDD meetings. 
Attachment 2 - Page 26

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

No. The RWMC subgroups (IGSC, FSC, and WPDD) will focus on technical and programmatic

issues that will provide valuable input to the staff for day to day activities, such as conducting

technical reviews and public outreach activities. These subgroups will not make policy

recommendations. The work of these subgroups is provided to the RWMC. Decisions

affecting policy are made by the RWMC. For issues that could affect policy, the RWMC would

issue a collective opinion. For example, three major collective opinions have been completed,

which indicate that geological disposal can provide long term safety, methodologies exists for

assessing long term safety for waste disposal, and geological disposal is ethically and

environmentally safe. These collective opinions have been the cornerstones in legislative and

policy discussions. Currently the RWMC is not working on any collective opinions; 

Ms. Margaret Federline, Deputy Director of NMSS is currently the Chairman of the RWMC. Any

collective opinions involving policy impacting issues will be raised to the Commission early in

the process to ensure the Commission is afforded an opportunity to comment. Trip reports will

be routinely provided to OIP, with a recommendation, where appropriate, to OIP regarding

providing the information to the Commission.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

No. See above.

If yes, to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought?

Any collective opinion involving policy impacting issues will be raised to the Commission early in

the process to ensure the Commission is afforded an opportunity to comment.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• About 7 to 10 staff weeks 

• 4 to 6 trips per year

Primary Staff Contact(s):

Margaret Federline, Deputy Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards,

(301) 415-7358

Ralph Cady, Senior Performance Assessment Analyst, Division of Systems Analysis and

Regulatory Effectiveness, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, (301) 415-6249

Janet Kotra, Systems Performance Analyst, Division of Waste Management, Office of Nuclear

Material Safety and Safeguards, (301) 415-6674

Scott Moore, Section Chief, Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safety, Office of Nuclear

Material Safety and Safeguards, (301) 415-7875
Attachment 2 - Page 27

COMMITTEE ON SAFETY OF NUCLEAR INSTALLATIONS (CNSI):

FUEL CYCLE FACILITY SAFETY SUBGROUP

NRC Office: NMSS International Organization: NEA

General Description

The NEA Fuel Cycle Safety Subgroup of the Working Group on Operating Experience of the

CNSI promotes the exchange of technical information. Activities include updating the “Red

Book” on fuel cycle safety, exchange of information on criticality safety, and maintenance of the

Fuel Cycle Incident and Assessment Notification System (FINAS) data base.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

NRC participation in this activity supports International Nuclear Safety Support Arena strategies

of strengthening nuclear safety and safeguards and Materials Safety Arena Performance Goals

of: (1) Maintaining Safety, (2) Enhancing Public Confidence, (3) Increasing Effectiveness,

Efficiency, and Realism, and (4) Reducing Unnecessary Regulatory Burden.

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

Information exchanged in this activity with foreign regulatory counterparts supports NRC’s

ongoing licensing review of the MOX fuel fabrication facility, licensing and inspection of uranium

fuel fabrication licensing and inspection, and development of NRC’s guidance documents such

as the Standard Review Plan for 10 CFR Part 70. 

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

Participate in the preparation and finalization of the Fuel Cycle Safety Handbook, FINAS, and

technical exchanges on criticality safety.

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

NRC is the sole U.S. representative in these activities because of NRC’s expertise and

regulatory perspective.

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

No. Not currently working on any policy issues or topics that would be an opportunity for

Commission engagement in this Subgroup.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

No. Unlikely to raise policy issues due to technical nature of the information exchanged in this

subgroup.
Attachment 2 - Page 28

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought?

N.A.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• 1 meeting, with a total of less than 2 staff weeks of effort 

• 1 foreign trip per year

Primary Staff Contact: Robert Pierson, Deputy Director, Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and

Safeguards, (301) 415-7213
Attachment 2 - Page 29

COMMITTEE ON NUCLEAR REGULATORY ACTIVITIES (CNRA)

NRC Office: NRR International Organization: NEA

General Description

The CNRA is responsible for the NEA program concerning regulation, licensing and inspection

of nuclear installations with regard to safety. The CNRA constitutes a forum for the exchange

of information and experience among regulatory organizations. The committee reviews

developments which could affect regulatory requirements with the objective of providing

members with an understanding of the motivation for new regulatory requirements under

consideration. The CNRA reviews current practices and operating experiences with a view to

disseminating lessons learned. Samuel J. Collins, Director of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, is a

Vice Chairman of the CNRA.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• Maintain safety, protection of the environment, and the common defense and security.

• Gather international safety and regulatory information and, where appropriate, use the

information to assist in:

maintaining safety, protecting the environment, and the common defense and

security;

increasing public confidence;

making NRC decisions more effective, efficient and realistic; and

reducing unnecessary regulatory burden.

By using appropriate information from international safety and regulatory experience, NRC will

increase its ability to maintain safety and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden and the

associated costs. Because there are more than three times as many power reactors operating

outside the U.S. as within the U.S., international operating experience based safety information

yields significant safety insights of benefit to the NRC.

Relationship to other NRC Activities

Close coordination is sought with the Committee on Safety of Nuclear Installations (CSNI). 

CNRA identifies research, the results of which will assist in making risk informed regulatory

decisions. NRR continuously monitors the safety programs of the IAEA and seeks to influence

the CNRA to prevent any unnecessary duplication of the IAEA and NEA programs.

Long Term and Short term (FY2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

Long Term: The CNRA will continue to seek information from NEA Member States that will

identify emerging safety issues. 

Short Term: The CNRA will continue to focus on measuring the effectiveness of regulatory

inspections, inspection of maintenance during operation, and will consider inspection of

pre-construct, site selection, and construction.
Attachment 2 - Page 30

NRC Role Vis-a-vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

Coordinate safety and regulatory activities with the Department of State.

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

Yes. Policy issues will be elevated to the Commission for guidance and information.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

Yes. On policy issues, the Commission will be informed. Recommendations for Commission

involvement will be made on a case-by-case basis and are anticipated in the future.

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought?

The Commission will be notified well in advance either through the EDO or the Director of OIP.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• Attend 2 CNRA meetings; 1 Bureau meeting and four working group meetings

(preparation and follow-up: six person weeks = 0.2 FTE). 

• Support selected task groups of special interest to the NRC: 3 meetings (preparation

and follow-up: 4 person weeks = 0.1 FTE).

Primary Staff Contact: Samuel J. Collins, Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation,

(301) 415-1270
Attachment 2 - Page 31

WORKING GROUP ON INSPECTION PRACTICES (WGIP)

NRC Office: NRR International Organization: NEA

General Description

The WGIP was formed in 1990 and is the only working group under the direction of the CNRA.

The mandate of the WGIP is to concentrate on the conduct of inspections and how the

effectiveness of inspections can be evaluated. The WGIP receives guidance from and makes

proposals to the CNRA. As part of its mandate, the WGIP is tasked with identifying

commendable inspection practices which can be used as a reference when each country

improves its inspection practices. The commendable inspection practices identified by the

WGIP are not intended to be imposed on member countries which should determine their

inspection practices according to their needs and historical backgrounds.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• Maintain safety, protection of the environment, and the common defense and security.

• Gather information on international inspection practices and, where appropriate, utilize

this information to assist in: 

maintaining safety, protecting the environment and the common defense and security;

increasing public confidence;

making NRC decisions more effective, efficient and realistic; and

reducing unnecessary regulatory burden.

By using appropriate international inspection practices and experience, the WGIP will increase

NRR's ability and reduce the associated costs to maintain safety and reduce unnecessary

regulatory burden. Because there are more than three times as many power reactors operating

outside the U.S., as within the U.S., international operating experience-based safety information

yields significant insights of benefit to the NRC.

Relationship to other NRC Activities 

There is close coordination with the CNRA and the WGIP. Also, the NRR reactor inspection

staff associated with the Reactor Oversight Program (ROP) participates in the WGIP to assure

that the needs of the NRC are emphasized. In addition, such NRC participation facilitates

communication of information on the NRC’s ROP experience and of information about the

inspection and reactor oversight approaches of other countries.

Long Term and Short term (FY2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

Long Term: The WGIP will seek information from NEA Member States on experience with

inspection methods and the insights gained from inspections focused on all systems and, in

some cases, components of NPPs. In particular, the WGIP will seek insights from riskinformed inspections performed in Member States that have adopted risk-informed approaches

to inspections. 
Attachment 2 - Page 32

Short Term: The WGIP will continue to focus on measuring the effectiveness of regulatory

inspections, inspection of maintenance during operation, and will consider inspection of

pre-construct, site selection, and construction.

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

Coordinate activities with the IAEA to avoid duplication of activities.

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

Yes. Policy issues will be elevated to the Commission for guidance and information.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

Yes. On policy issues the Commission will be informed. Recommendations for Commission

involvement will be made on a case-by-case basis and are anticipated in the future.

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought?

The Commission will be notified well in advance either through the EDO or the Director of OIP.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• Attend 2 WGIP meetings and prepare NRC input (preparation and follow-up: 5 person

weeks = 0.14 FTE). 

Primary Staff Contact: Samuel J. Collins, Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation,

(301) 415-1270
Attachment 2 - Page 33

OTHER NUCLEAR SAFETY ACTIVITIES

NRC Office: NRR International Organization: IAEA

Activities:

• Incident Reporting System (IRS)*

• Operational Safety Assessment Review Teams (OSARTs)

• Technical Committee Meetings (TCMs)

• Advisory Group Meetings (AGMs)

• International Probabilistic Safety Assessment Review Teams (IPSARTs)

• Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS)*

• International Regulatory Review Teams (IRRTs)

• International Nuclear Event Scale (INES)*

• Incident Reporting System for Research Reactors (IRSARR)*

General Description

All of these activities involve two aspects: (1) assisting IAEA Member States to maintain and,

where necessary, improve the safety of nuclear installations by communicating NRC’s methods,

regulations, and experience and (2) learning about safety and risk significant operating

experience and licensing, inspection and assessment methods and insights from the

international arena. Because it is not possible to participate in all of these activities, NRR

carefully screens each IAEA activity (except those with an asterisk) to determine where, within

NRR's budget, we can invest resources to achieve the greatest benefit.

* These activities are participated in by NRR and not subjected to screening.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• Maintain safety, reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, increase efficiency and

effectiveness.

• Increase public confidence in the NRC from both the U.S. domestic nuclear safety and

International nuclear safety viewpoints.

Relationship to other NRC Activities

Close coordination is sought with the work of NEA and where NRC resources should be

invested in ongoing and planned work of the NEA.

Long Term and Short term (FY2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

Continue to seek information from IAEA Member States that will identify emerging safety issues

that may be applicable to U.S. reactors. We will share NRC solutions to similar safety issues

and NRC regulatory and licensing processes and methods.
Attachment 2 - Page 34

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

Coordinate activities with programs of the NEA standing committee, particularly with the CNRA

and the CSNI, as well as DOE and DOS.

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

Yes. The Commission participates by reviewing the U.S. report for the Convention on Nuclear

Safety (CNS). In general, for the other IAEA activities, policy issues will continue to be elevated

to the Commission for information and guidance.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

Yes. On policy issues the Commission will be informed. Recommendations for Commission

involvement will be made on a case-by-case basis and are anticipated in the future.

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought?

The Commission will be notified well in advance either through the EDO or the Director of OIP.

Level of Annual Effort:

• Attend 15 meetings and missions

• Prepare CNS report once every 3 years = 1.4 FTE

Primary Staff Contact: Samuel J. Collins, Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation,

(301) 415-1270
Attachment 2 - Page 35

COMMITTEE ON THE SAFETY OF NUCLEAR INSTALLATIONS (CSNI)

NRC Office: RES International Organization: NEA

General Description

CSNI constitutes a forum for exchange of technical information and for the collaboration

between organizations which can contribute in research, development and engineering to assist

member countries in maintaining and further developing the scientific and technical knowledge

required to assess the safety of nuclear reactors and other nuclear installations. It also reviews

the state of knowledge on selected topics of nuclear technology and safety assessment. 

A. Thadani, Director of Nuclear Regulatory Research, was elected Chairman of CSNI in

December 2000. He served as Vice-Chairman of CSNI from 1997-2000.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• We will identify, evaluate, and resolve safety issues, including age related degradation,

and ensure that an independent technical basis exists to review licensee submittals to

ensure that safety is maintained. 

• We will continue to develop and incrementally use risk-informed and, where appropriate,

less prescriptive performance based regulatory approaches to maintain safety.

• We will use risk information to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our activities

and decisions. 

• We will anticipate challenges posed by the introduction of new technologies and

changing regulatory demands.

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

Coordination is maintained by CSNI with International Atomic Energy Agency, the Committee

on Nuclear Regulatory Activities CNRA (see NRR), Radioactive Waste Management Committee

(RWMC - See NMSS), and the Committee on Radiation Protection and Public Health (CRPPH)

(See below). 

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

We will enhance safety and efficiency by improving our understanding of problems and issues

common to member states, influencing policy and programs of work conducted by the

organization, gain access to international technical expertise and facilities where experiments

are conducted, and obtain valuable data and technical reports relevant to our needs. NRC

resources will also be leveraged to make more efficient use of available resources. 

We will identify, evaluate, and resolve safety issues identified by Member states, including

age-related degradation, and ensure that an independent technical basis exists to ensure that

safety is maintained.
Attachment 2 - Page 36

We will continue to incrementally use risk informed and, where appropriate, less prescriptive

performance based approaches to assess safety.

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

Coordinate activities, as necessary, with DOE, EPRI, and IAEA.

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

Policy issues that arise and new cooperative programs/agreements that will be initiated by the 

OECD/NEA Member states will continue to be elevated for information to the Commission. If

opportunities arise for Commission involvement, guidance from the commission will be sought. 

(In June 2001, for example, Chairman Meserve was requested and agreed to participate in a

CSNI/CNRA workshop on the role of research in a regulatory context.) 

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

On sensitive or policy matters the Commission will be informed. Involvement will be determined

on a case-by-case basis. 

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought?

If sensitive policy issues arise, the Commission will be notified at the earliest possible time by

appropriate means, such as memorandum to the Commission, Notes from the Assistant EDO

for Operations, memoranda from the Director of OIP, briefing of Commissioners’ Assistants,

periodic discussions between with the Commissioners and the Office Director of the Office of

Nuclear Regulatory Research, or briefings by the staff, etc.

Level of Annual Effort:

• Attend 3 meetings (2 full committee and 1 Bureau meeting) - preparation and review.

• 2 trips per year, coordinated with INSAG meetings.

Primary Staff Contact: Ashok Thadani, Director, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research,

(301) 415-6641
Attachment 2 - Page 37

CSNI PROGRAM REVIEW GROUP (PRG)

NRC Office: RES International Organization: NEA

General Description

The PRG is composed of senior experts with broad programmatic experience and high-level

responsibilities in nuclear safety technology and research. It is formed by one expert from each

of the four countries with the largest nuclear safety programs (i.e., France, Germany, Japan,

and U.S.) plus three experts from other CSNI Member countries chosen on a rotating basis. 

The PRG assists the CSNI Bureau to review proposals from the Working Groups, to ensure

that proposals and reports have an appropriate focus, and to enable the review of major reports

to ensure high quality. The PRG also makes recommendations regarding facilities and

research programs, joint projects, centers of excellence, etc. that are potentially important for

present or future international collaboration. 

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• We will identify, and evaluate safety issues, and ensure that an independent technical

basis exists to ensure that safety is maintained. 

• We will continue to develop and incrementally use risk-informed and, where appropriate,

less prescriptive performance based approaches to maintain safety.

• We will use risk information to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our activities

and decisions. 

• We will anticipate challenges posed by the introduction of new technologies and

changing regulatory demands.

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

The PRG helps ensure coordination of CSNI activities with other international groups

(e.g., CNRA, IAEA, EU).

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

Short Term - Facilitate CSNI work on cross-cutting issues involving all CSNI Working Groups

(e.g., Safety Margins, Advanced Reactors).

Long Term - Facilitate development of integrated work plans for all CSNI working Groups.

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

RES has the lead for the representation on the PRG. No other U.S. Agency or Organization

are represented.
Attachment 2 - Page 38

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

This group provides direct assistance to CSNI as described above. If sensitive policy issues

arise, they will be forwarded to the Commission for information. None, however, are

anticipated.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

This group provides direct assistance to CSNI, as described above. If sensitive policy issues

arise, they will be forwarded to the Commission for information. None, however, are

anticipated.

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought?

If sensitive policy issues arise, the Commission will be notified at the earliest possible time by

appropriate means, such as memorandum to the Commission, Notes from the Assistant EDO

for Operations, memoranda from the Director of OIP, briefing of Commissioners’ Assistants,

periodic discussions between with the Commissioners and the Office Director of the Office of

Regulatory Research, or briefings by the staff, etc.

Level of Annual Effort:

• Approximately 4 staff weeks

• Approximately 3 foreign trips per year

Primary Staff Contact: Tom King, Special Assistant to the Office Director, Office of Nuclear

Regulatory Research, (301) 415-6641
Attachment 2 - Page 39

CSNI WORKING GROUP ON RISK ASSESSMENT (WGRISK)

NRC Office: RES International Organization: NEA

General Description

To advance the understanding and use of Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) in ensuring

continued safety of nuclear installations in Member Countries. The current program of work

includes technical opinion papers, human reliability workshop, risk monitoring reports and

workshops, safety assessment of programmable systems, low power/shutdown PRA, passive

system reliability, fire risk analysis and data collection, probabilistic treatment of risk in nuclear

activities and in installations different from nuclear reactors, quantitative safety goals in Member

Countries, containment response (Level 2 PSA) and the WGRISK integrated plan. This Group

is supported by three sub-groups that deal with Human Reliability Analysis, Fire Risk, and

Software Reliability. 

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• We will continue to develop and incrementally use risk-informed and, where appropriate,

less prescriptive performance based regulatory approaches to maintain safety.

• We will use risk information to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our activities

and decisions. 

• We will anticipate challenges posed by the introduction of new technologies and

changing regulatory demands.

• We will identify, evaluate, and resolve safety issues identified by Member states,

including age-related degradation, and ensure that an independent technical basis

exists to review licensee submittals to ensure that safety is maintained.

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

Close coordination has been implemented between this working group and the NRC

Cooperative Probabilistic Risk Assessment (COOPRA) program. U.S. has strong leadership

role on WGRISK. The Chairman of WGRISK, for the past five years, has been from NRC. 

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

The mandate of the WGRISK is:

• The Working Group shall report to the Committee on the Safety of Nuclear Installations

(CSNI). The program of work of WGRISK will be approved by CSNI.

• The Working Group shall constitute a forum for exchange of information and experience

of activities related to risk assessment in Member countries. WGRISK shall prepare

Opinion Papers on questions regarding the applicability of various aspects of risk

assessment, results, insights, and interactions with other analysis techniques to matters
Attachment 2 - Page 40

affecting nuclear safety or nuclear safety research. This shall include identifying and

prioritizing important regulatory issues requiring additional research.

• The Working Group shall prepare technical reviews (such as state-of-the-art reports,

compilations of ongoing efforts and standard problems, as appropriate) of work in all

phases of risk assessment where such reports are needed for further development and

to assist the application of PSA. In doing so, care will be taken to avoid duplication of

effort or scope with other Working Groups, or with other international bodies.

• WGRISK shall collaborate with or assist the other CSNI Working Groups, NEA

committees or other international organizations. This includes assistance to the

Committee on Nuclear Regulatory Activities (CNRA).

The WGRISK has generally used a task oriented approach to accomplishing it work. The

approach has produced timely reports on important issues and remains the fundamental way of

working issues.

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

At the current time, the NRC is the only U.S. entity participating in WGRISK meetings. There

has been wide participation in WGRISK sponsored workshops from DOE, and NASA and their

contractors, as well as from U.S. utilities and from consultants working in the field.

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term? 

The working group focuses on preparing state-of-the-art reports and identifies where technical

information is needed. If opportunities for involvement arise, Commission involvement will be

sought. 

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

The working group focuses on preparing state-of-the-art reports and identifies where technical

information is needed. If policy issues arise, the Commission will be notified and guidance 

sought. 

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought?

If sensitive issues arise, the Commission will be notified at the earliest possible time by

appropriate means, such as memorandum to the Commission, Notes from the Assistant EDO

for Operations, memoranda from the Director of OIP, briefing of Commissioners’ Assistants,

periodic discussions between with the Commissioners and the Office Director of the Office of

Regulatory Research, or briefings by the staff, etc.
Attachment 2 - Page 41

Level of Annual Effort:

• 5 to 10 staff weeks

• 4 to 6 trips per year

Primary Staff Contact: Mark Cunningham, Chief, Probabilistic Risk Analysis Branch, Division

of Risk Analysis and Applications, (301) 415-6189
Attachment 2 - Page 42

CSNI WORKING GROUP ON ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF ACCIDENTS (GAMA)

NRC Office: RES International Organization: NEA

General Description

To provide a further understanding for the analysis and management of accidents. The group

is supported by three subgroups that deal with (1) Design Basis, (2) Severe Accidents, and

(3) Fission Product Behavior.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• We will identify, evaluate, and resolve safety issues, including age related degradation,

and ensure that an independent technical basis exists to review licensee submittals to

ensure that safety is maintained. 

• We will continue to develop and incrementally use risk-informed and, where appropriate,

less prescriptive performance based regulatory approaches to maintain safety.

• We will use risk information to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our activities

and decisions. 

• We will anticipate challenges posed by the introduction of new technologies and

changing regulatory demands.

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

These activities enhance NRC capabilities to perform independent analysis to risk inform the

regulations and make risk informed safety decisions.

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

The following activities to be completed in 2001-2003 include:

• Issue ISP-44 Report: KAVER experiments on the behavior of aerosol components

typical of core melt under representative thermal-hydraulic conditions. (Autumn 2001)

• ISP-42: Complete PANDA containment thermal-hydraulics experiments. (Spring 2002)

• ISP-45: Complete QUENCH-06 reflood experiment. (Spring 2002)

• Complete Status Report summarizing the progress made in the last ten years through

analysis of the TMI-2 accident.

• Establish a sub-group to develop a matrix of numerical benchmarks for two phase flow

for 1 dimensional (1-D) and three dimensional (3-D) thermal-hydraulic codes.

• IPS-46 Complete PHEBUS-FPT1 experiment. (Autumn 2003)

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

None
Attachment 2 - Page 43

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

These activities and issues are technical in nature and they leverage and enhance NRC

capabilities to perform independent analysis. Most decisions involve dissemination of technical

information. When that information is of a sensitive nature involving Commission policy,

guidance from the Commission will be sought.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

None is anticipated. On sensitive policy matters the Commission will be informed. Involvement

will be determined on a case-by-case basis. 

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought? 

If sensitive policy issues arise, the Commission will be notified at the earliest possible time by

appropriate means, such as memorandum to the Commission, Notes from the Assistant EDO

for Operations, memoranda from the Director of OIP, briefing of Commissioners’ Assistants,

periodic discussions between with the Commissioners and the Office Director of the Office of

Regulatory Research, or briefings by the staff, etc.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• 5 to 6 staff weeks 

• 3 trips per year

Primary Staff Contact: Jack Rosenthal, Chief, Safety Margins and Systems Analysis Branch,

Division of Systems Analysis and Regulatory Effectiveness, (301) 415-5694
Attachment 2 - Page 44

CSNI SPECIAL EXPERT GROUP ON FUEL SAFETY MARGINS (SEGFSM) 

NRC Office: RES International Organization: NEA

General Description

To advance the current understanding and address safety issues related to fuel safety margins

and to systematically assess the technical bases for the current safety criteria and their

applicability to high burn up fuel as well as new fuel designs and materials being introduced in

nuclear power plants. Also, to determine the needs and priorities for future research programs

in the area of fuel safety behavior .

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• We will identify, evaluate, and resolve safety issues, including age related degradation,

and ensure that an independent technical basis exists to review licensee submittals to

ensure that safety is maintained. 

• We will continue to develop and incrementally use risk-informed and, where appropriate,

less prescriptive performance based regulatory approaches to maintain safety.

• We will use risk information to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our activities

and decisions. 

• We will anticipate challenges posed by the introduction of new technologies and

changing regulatory demands.

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

At this time, there is no direct relationship between SEGFSM and other NRC activities.

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

To understand and adequately model key phenomena and to quantify fuel safety margins.

Current ongoing tasks include:

• Preparation of a CSNI report of fuel safety related R&D programs in Member countries.

• Preparation of a CSNI report on fuel safety criteria used in Member countries.

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

At this time, there is no direct relationship between SEGFSM and other NRC activities.

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

These activities and issues are technical in nature and they leverage and enhance NRC
Attachment 2 - Page 45

capabilities to perform independent analysis. Most decisions involve dissemination of technical

information. When that information is of a sensitive nature involving Commission policy,

guidance from the Commission will be sought.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

These activities and issues are technical in nature and they leverage and enhance NRC

capabilities to perform independent analysis. Most decisions involve dissemination of technical

information. When that information is of a sensitive nature involving Commission policy,

guidance from the Commission will be sought.

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought? 

If sensitive policy issues arise, the Commission will be notified at the earliest possible time by

appropriate means, such as memorandum to the Commission, Notes from the Assistant EDO

for Operations, memoranda from the Director of OIP, briefing of Commissioners’ Assistants,

periodic discussions between with the Commissioners and the Office Director of the Office of

Regulatory Research, or briefings by the staff, etc.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• 4 staff weeks

• 2 trips per year

Primary Staff Contact: Ralph Meyer, Senior Technical Adviser, Safety Margins and Systems

Analysis Branch, Division of Systems Analysis and Regulatory Effectiveness, (301) 415-6789
Attachment 2 - Page 46

CSNI WORKING GROUP ON INTEGRITY AND AGING OF COMPONENTS AND

STRUCTURES (IAGE)

NRC Office: RES International Organization: NEA

General Description

To advise the CSNI in the topical basis for management of aging and to propose general

principles to maintain the functional and structural integrity of systems and components. This

group is supported by three sub-groups that deal with (1) integrity of metal components, (2) the

integrity of concrete structures, and (3) seismic behavior. Dr. Nilesh Chokshi is the current

Chairman of this group.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• We will identify, evaluate, and resolve safety issues, including age related degradation,

and ensure that an independent technical basis exists to review licensee submittals to

ensure that safety is maintained. 

• We will continue to develop and incrementally use risk-informed and, where appropriate,

less prescriptive performance based regulatory approaches to maintain safety.

• We will use risk information to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our activities

and decisions. 

• We will anticipate challenges posed by the introduction of new technologies and

changing regulatory demands.

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

The IAGE working group activities supplement a number of NRC/RES programs in areas, such

as heavy steel section technology, environmentally assisted cracking, cable aging, piping

integrity, concrete structures, and seismic behavior, by providing data from large-scale tests,

state-of-the-art reports, and by providing international standard problems for code and

analytical techniques verification. By organizing specialist workshops, the IAGE provides a

forum for discussion of current safety and research issues and development of co-operative

programs. The IAGE activities provide significant leverage for the NRC research efforts.

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

The group has several ongoing activities as well as some new initiatives. The following are

representative examples of the activities: 

• The Concrete Subgroup has recently completed a draft report on long term behavior of

concrete structures, focusing on the performance of waste storage and other fuel cycle

structures which are required to perform a safety function over a long period of time.
Attachment 2 - Page 47

• A workshop on repairs and criteria for condition assessment for concrete structures will

be held in Spring 2002.

• Pipe cracking: the group is going to prepare a state-of-the-art report on non-destructive

examination methods as well as risk-informed inservice inspections.

• The large earthquakes in Kobe, Northridge, and Turkey have prompted significant

changes in design practices for the conventional structures. The Seismic Subgroup has

undertaken a development of a Technical Opinion Paper on differences in approach

between nuclear and conventional seismic standards.

• Under the Pressurized thermal shock qualification methodology, program data from

several large-scale experiments will be collected and organized in such a way that it can

be used to train structural analysts and verify codes.

• The metal group is setting up benchmark problems on thermal fatigue and probabilistic

analysis of reactor pressure vessel integrity.

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

The group activities are coordinated with activities of other organizations, such as EC and

IAEA. 

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

This working group is primarily a vehicle for sharing information. Most of the groups' decisions

involve the sharing of information. There are no sensitive policy issues that are anticipated in

the near term.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

This working group is primarily a vehicle for sharing information. Most of the groups' decisions

involve the sharing of information. When that information is of a sensitive nature, involving

Commission policy, guidance from the Commission will be sought

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought? 

If sensitive policy issues arise, the Commission will be notified at the earliest possible time by

appropriate means, such as memorandum to the Commission, Notes from the Assistant EDO

for Operations, memoranda from the Director of OIP, briefing of Commissioners’ Assistants,

periodic discussions between with the Commissioners and the Office Director of the Office of

Regulatory Research, or briefings by the staff, etc.
Attachment 2 - Page 48

Level of Annual Effort: 

• 4 staff weeks

• 2 trips per year

Primary Staff Contact: Nilesh Chokshi, Chief, Materials Engineering Branch, Division of

Engineering Technology, (301) 415-0190
Attachment 2 - Page 49

CSNI WORKSHOP ON ADVANCED REACTORS - ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

NRC Office: RES International Organization: NEA

General Description

The purpose of the Organizing Committee is to sponsor a workshop to promote early

consensus among Member countries on identification of advanced reactor safety and research

issues, including possible paths for their resolution. The workshop was held in Paris on

February 18-20, 2002.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• We will identify, evaluate, and resolve safety issues, including age related degradation,

and ensure that an independent technical basis exists to review licensee submittals to

ensure that safety is maintained. 

• We will continue to develop and incrementally use risk-informed and, where appropriate,

less prescriptive performance based regulatory approaches to maintain safety.

• We will use risk information to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our activities

and decisions. 

• We will anticipate challenges posed by the introduction of new technologies and

changing regulatory demands.

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) objectives and approach for accomplishing goals

The objective of the Workshop is to bring together a broad cross-section of parties with a

potential stake in the development and deployment of advanced nuclear power plants to:

• facilitate early identification and resolution of safety issues by developing a

consensus among Member countries’ safety authorities on the identification of

safety issues, the scope of research needed to address these issues and a

potential approach to their resolution, 

• promote the preservation of knowledge and expertise on advanced reactor

technology, and 

• provide input to Generation IV Technology Roadmap development.

The Workshop will also try to link advancement of knowledge and understanding of advanced

designs to the regulatory process, with emphasis on building public confidence.

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

The Workshop will contribute to the identification of important safety issues and research

elements which should be considered for different technologies of future advanced nuclear

power plants. It is important for the NRC advanced reactor programs to be aware of important

safety issues in preparation of licensing advanced designs.
Attachment 2 - Page 50

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

At the current time, the NRC is the only U.S. entity participating in the Workshop. 

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

These activities and issues are technical in nature and they leverage and enhance NRC

capabilities to perform independent analysis. Most decisions involve dissemination of technical

information. When that information is of a sensitive nature, involving Commission policy,

guidance from the Commission will be sought and the Commission will be briefed on workshop

outcomes, as needed.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

None is anticipated. On sensitive policy matters, the Commission will be informed. 

Involvement will be determined on a case-by-case basis. 

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought? 

The Commission will be notified at the earliest possible time by appropriate means, such as 

memorandum to the Commission, Notes from the Assistant EDO for Operations, memoranda

from the Director of OIP, briefing of Commissioners’ Assistants, periodic discussions between

with the Commissioners and the Office Director of the Office of Regulatory Research, or

briefings by the staff, etc.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• 1 staff week

• 1 to 2 trips per year

Primary Staff Contact: John Flack, Chief, Regulatory Effectiveness Assessment and Human

Factors Branch, Division of Systems Analysis and Regulatory Effectiveness, (301) 415-7488
Attachment 2 - Page 51

CSNI WORKING GROUP ON OPERATING EXPERIENCE (WGOE)

NRC Office: RES International Organization: NEA

General Description

Work in this area covers activities in the field of analysis of reactor operating experience and

fuel cycle safety. The group selects safety significant operating experience topics for

discussion and produces summary reports on selected topics. Since over half the operating

experience is from outside the U.S., this activity is an efficient and effective way to gain reactor

operating experience safety insights. This group is supported by two subgroups that deal with

Data Bases and Fuel Cycle. 

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• We will identify, evaluate, and resolve safety issues, including age related degradation,

and ensure that an independent technical basis exists to review licensee submittals to

ensure that safety is maintained. 

• We will continue to develop and incrementally use risk-informed and, where appropriate,

less prescriptive performance based regulatory approaches to maintain safety.

• We will use risk information to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our activities

and decisions. 

• We will anticipate challenges posed by the introduction of new technologies and

changing regulatory demands.

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

This activity supplements and extends the NRC activities regarding reactor operating

experience analysis. The Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research has been assigned the role of

independent review of operating experience and the NEA/CSNI WGOE contributes to that role

since it provides new and additional operating experience information and broader perspectives

that would otherwise be lacking. 

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

The long term goal is to enhance reactor safety in the U.S. and internationally by sharing data

and analysis on operational experience. Since many safety significant reactor operational

problems occur very infrequently, the larger pool of data available internationally is important. 

Specific short-term goals include completion of the following reports of interest and relevance to

U.S. needs:

1. Report on reactor operating events related to economic deregulation.

2. Report on reactor operating events during low power or shutdown.
Attachment 2 - Page 52

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

The NRC is the sole U.S. representative on this working group. NRC operating experience

reports include relevant international experience and are available to other agencies and

organizations.

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

This working group is primarily a vehicle for sharing information. Most of the groups’ decisions

involve the sharing of information, which is available on the NEA/CSNI WGOE website. There

are no sensitive policy issues that are anticipated in the near term.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

This working group is primarily a vehicle for sharing information. Most of the groups’ decisions

involve the sharing of information. When that information is of a sensitive nature, involving

Commission policy, guidance from the Commission will be sought.

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought? 

If sensitive policy issues arise, the Commission will be notified of any relevant policy matters

which need their attention at the earliest possible time by appropriate means, such as 

memorandum to the Commission, notes from the Assistant EDO for Operations, memoranda

from the Director of OIP, briefing of Commissioners’ Assistants, periodic discussions between

the Commissioners and the Office Director of the Office of Regulatory Research, or briefings by

the staff.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• 4 staff weeks to prepare input and attend meetings 

• 2 to 3 trips per year

Primary Staff Contact: George Lanik, Team Leader, Regulatory Effectiveness Assessment

and Human Factors Branch, Division of Systems Analysis and Regulatory Effectiveness,

(301) 415-7490
Attachment 2 - Page 53

CSNI SPECIAL EXPERT GROUP ON HUMAN AND ORGANIZATIONAL FACTORS

(SEGHOF)

NRC Office: RES International Organization: NEA

General Description

The group reports to the CSNI. Its objectives are: (1) to improve the current understanding of

human and organizational factors, (2) to advance the development and use of methods for

assessing human and organizational factors, and (3) to address emerging safety issues. The

purpose of these activities is to maintain and improve safety of nuclear installations in NEA

Member countries. 

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• We will identify, evaluate, and resolve safety issues, including age related degradation,

and ensure that an independent technical basis exists to review licensee submittals to

ensure that safety is maintained. 

• We will continue to develop and incrementally use risk-informed and, where appropriate,

less prescriptive performance based regulatory approaches to maintain safety.

• We will use risk information to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our activities

and decisions. 

• We will anticipate challenges posed by the introduction of new technologies and

changing regulatory demands.

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

The group collaborates and responds to requests from CNRA and other Working Groups of the

CSNI. Close coordination is maintained by RES with the NRR staff (who participate in the

CNRA activities). 

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

This working group is primarily a vehicle for sharing information and issuing reports to Member

States. The reports that have been recently issues, and planned to be issued are:

• Organizational Factors, Identification and Assessment (NEA/CSNIR(99)21Vol1.

• The Impact of Human and Organizational Factors on Nuclear Plants- Transition from

Operation into Decommissioning.

• Management of Change (report in preparation).

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

The Group establishes arrangements with other international organizations operating in the

same area for the purpose of identifying and creating synergy and avoiding duplication. The

group may also consider relevant information and co-operate with non-nuclear organizations.
Attachment 2 - Page 54

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

This working group is primarily a vehicle for sharing information. Most of the groups’ decisions

involve the sharing of information. There are no sensitive policy issues that are anticipated in

the near term. If policy issues are identified, the Commission will be informed, and guidance

from the Commission will be sought.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

This working group is primarily a vehicle for sharing information. Most of the groups’ decisions

involve the sharing of information. When that information is of a sensitive nature, involving

Commission policy, guidance from the Commission will be sought.

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought? 

If sensitive policy issues arise, the Commission will be notified at the earliest possible time by

appropriate means, such as memorandum to the Commission, Notes from the Assistant EDO

for Operations, memoranda from the Director of OIP, briefing of Commissioners’ Assistants,

periodic discussions between with the Commissioners and the Office Director of the Office of

Regulatory Research, or briefings by the staff, etc.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• 2 to 3 staff weeks

• 1 to 2 trips per year

Primary Staff Contact: Ann Ramey-Smith, Technical Assistant, Division of Risk Analysis and

Applications, (301) 415-6877
Attachment 2 - Page 55

INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR SAFETY ADVISORY GROUP (INSAG)

NRC Office: RES International Organization: IAEA

General Description

The purpose of INSAG is to advise the Director General of the IAEA on important issues in the

field of nuclear safety, radiation safety, and the safety of radioactive waste. Its function is to:

• Recommend principles upon which appropriate safety standards and measures can be

used;

• Provide a forum for the exchange of information on generic safety issues of international

significance;

• Identify important current safety issues and draw conclusions on the basis of results of

safety activities worldwide, along with other information such as research and

development results; and

• Give advice on safety issues in which an exchange of information or additional effort

may be required.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• We will identify, evaluate, and resolve safety issues, including age related degradation,

and ensure that an independent technical basis exists to review licensee submittals to

ensure that safety is maintained. 

• We will continue to develop and incrementally use risk-informed and, where appropriate,

less prescriptive performance based regulatory approaches to maintain safety.

• We will use risk information to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our activities

and decisions. 

• We will anticipate challenges posed by the introduction of new technologies and

changing regulatory demands.

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

At this time, there is no direct relationship between INSAG and other NRC activities. 

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

The purpose of INSAG is to advise the Director General of the IAEA on important issues in the

field of nuclear safety, radiation safety, and the safety of radioactive waste. Current proposed

activities are to issue the following draft reports:

• Key Practical Issues to Achieve a Higher Safety Culture

• Independence of Regulatory Decisions

• Maintaining Knowledge, Training, R&D Infrastructure

• Managing Changes

• Maintaining Design Integrity for Safety
Attachment 2 - Page 56

Future activities may address the following safety issues:

• Safety Implications of Severe Weather Conditions

• Basic Safety Principles During the Dismantling of Nuclear Power Plants

• Indicators of Intangible Problems

• Safety Standards

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

None. A. Thadani is the designated U.S. representative to INSAG. 

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

None are anticipated. INSAG is an advisory collegial group providing advice to the Director

General of the IAEA on important issues in the field of nuclear safety, radiation safety, and the

safety of radioactive waste. If sensitive policy issues arise, the information will be elevated to

the Commission. If opportunity arise for Commission involvement, guidance from the

Commission will be sought. 

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

None are anticipated. If sensitive policy issues arise from the INSAG activities, the information

will be elevated to the Commission. If opportunity arise for Commission involvement, guidance

from the Commission will be sought. 

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought?

If sensitive policy issues arise, the Commission will be notified at the earliest possible time by

appropriate means, such as memorandum to the Commission, Notes from the Assistant EDO

for Operations, memoranda from the Director of OIP, briefing of Commissioners’ Assistants,

periodic discussions between with the Commissioners and the Office Director of the Office of

Regulatory Research, or briefings by the staff, etc.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• Approximately 4 staff weeks

• 3 trips per year, coordinated with CSNI meetings

Primary Staff Contact: Ashok Thadani, Director, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research,

(301) 415-6641
Attachment 2 - Page 57

NUCLEAR SAFETY STANDARDS COMMITTEE (NUSSC)

NRC Office: RES International Organization: IAEA

General Description

The Nuclear Safety Standards Committee (NUSSC) is a standing body of senior regulatory

officials with technical expertise in nuclear safety. 

NUSSC provides advice to the IAEA Secretariat on the overall program on regulatory aspects

of nuclear safety and has the primary role in the development and revision of the Agency’s

nuclear safety standards. 

The functions of NUSSC are to: 

• recommend the terms of reference of all standards in the IAEA's nuclear safety

standards program and of the groups involved in the development and revision of those

standards, in order to promote coherence and consistency among the standards and

between them and the other safety-related publications of the Agency;

• agree on the texts of Safety Fundamentals and Safety Requirements to be submitted to

the Board of Governors for approval and of Safety Guides to be issued under the

authority of the Director General, and to make recommendations to the CSS, in

accordance with the IAEA's preparation and review process for safety standards;

• provide advice and guidance on a continuous program for reviewing and revising the

IAEA's nuclear safety standards; 

• provide advice and guidance on nuclear safety standards, relevant regulatory issues,

and activities for supporting the application of the Agency's nuclear safety standards;

and

• identify and advise on any necessary activities in support of the nuclear safety program.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• Support U.S. interests in the safe and secure use of nuclear materials and in nuclear

non-proliferation.

• Continue to take a proactive role in strengthening safety, safeguards, and

non-proliferation worldwide.

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

Coordinates with participants in other IAEA activities: CSS, RASSC, WASSC and TRANSC.

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

Review proposed standards to determine if they are consistent with current U.S. practice, if they

should be modified, or if they suggest possible changes to the NRC’s regulatory approach.
Attachment 2 - Page 58

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

The NRC representative represents the U.S. No other government agencies are involved.

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

Draft standards are being reviewed to determine how they may differ from U.S. practice. Any

significant changes will be identified. Certain standards now under development regarding the

establishment and organization of the regulatory body may be of interest to the Commission. 

They are directed at new entries nuclear regulation. In the main, the current drafts are

consistent with U.S. practices 

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

Draft standards are being reviewed to determine how they may differ from U.S. practice. Any

significant changes will be identified. However, the Nuclear Safety Convention entails a

commitment to the application of fundamental safety principles for nuclear installations rather

than of detailed safety standards and recognizes that the IAEA Safety Guides which are

updated from time to time, provide guidance on contemporary means of achieving a high level

of safety. 

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought? 

If sensitive issues arise, the Commission will be notified at the earliest possible time by

appropriate means, such as memorandum to the Commission, Notes from the Assistant EDO

for Operations, memoranda from the Director of OIP, briefing of Commissioners’ Assistants,

periodic discussions between with the Commissioners and the Office Director of the Office of

Regulatory Research, or briefings by the staff, etc.

Level of Annual Effort:

• 4 to 6 staff weeks

• 1 to 2 trips per year

Primary Staff Contact: Scott Newberry, Director, Division of Risk Analysis and Applications,

(301) 415-5790
Attachment 2 - Page 59

INTEGRATION GROUP FOR THE SAFETY CASE (IGSC)

NRC Office: RES International Organization: NEA

General Description

The Radioactive Waste Management Committee (RWMC) of the NEA was created the IGSC in

2000 with the specific purpose of coordinating NEA studies on various aspects of the integrated

safety case for high-level waste repositories and providing recommendations back to the

RWMC. In addition, the IGSC includes representatives from the IAEA and the European

Community, and provides a means to complement, rather than duplicate, activities of these

other organizations. The IGSC provides both a forum for identifying emerging issues relative to

safety cases for waste repositories as well as offering opportunities for individual national

programs to raise generic issues for consideration by the IGSC and RWMC. 

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• We will identify, evaluate, and resolve safety issues, including age related degradation,

and ensure that an independent technical basis exists to review licensee submittals to

ensure that safety is maintained. 

• We will continue to develop and incrementally use risk-informed and, where appropriate,

less prescriptive performance based regulatory approaches to maintain safety.

• We will use risk information to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our activities

and decisions. 

• We will anticipate challenges posed by the introduction of new technologies and

changing regulatory demands.

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

The IGSC coordinates a number of NEA activities that the NRC actively supports through staff

and contractor participation. Examples include the NEA Forum on Stakeholder Confidence and

the NEA Sorption Project. In addition, NRC’s IGSC involvement enables NRC to keep abreast

of safety-case related progress and developments in other international high-level waste

programs.

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

The primary objective of the IGSC is to provide recommendations for consideration by the

RWMC on initiating, continuing, redirecting or terminating NEA/RWMC sponsored projects that

have bearing on the safety case for high-level waste repositories. The approach to meet this

objective is through an annual meeting at which ongoing technical activities are summarized

and proposed new activities are presented for discussion. Recommendations derived from the

annual meeting are then forwarded to the RWMC for consideration. Between annual meetings,

proposals for new activities are developed by volunteers from the group membership.
Attachment 2 - Page 60

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

The NRC role on the IGSC is on par with that of other U.S. Federal agencies. Currently, the

DOE is the only other active U.S. participant. While the current chair of the IGSC is from DOE,

DOE role is represented by other DOE participants.

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

No. The IGSC acts in an advisory capacity to the RWMC. Commission

involvement/engagement, if any, will be at the level of the RWMC, which is coordinated by

NMSS (M. Federline, Deputy Director, NMSS, is the current Chairperson of the RWMC). 

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

No. The IGSC acts in an advisory capacity to the RWMC, Commission

involvement/engagement, if any, will be at the level of the RWMC.

Level of Annual Effort:

• 0.1 FTE

• 1 trip per year

Primary Staff Contact: Ralph Cady, Senior Performance Assessment Analyst, Radiation

Protection, Environmental Risk and Waste Management Branch, Division of Systems Analysis

and Regulatory Effectiveness, (301) 415-6249
Attachment 2 - Page 61

AD HOC TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND CONSULTANTS MEETINGS

NRC Office: RES International Organization: IAEA

General Description:

IAEA is developing a Safety Guide on clearance, i.e., to specify concentrations of radioactivity

below which materials and equipment could exit radiological regulation and enter general

commerce or undergo ordinary disposal. Recently, the IAEA has promoted a more generalized

approach that would specify the concentrations below which there would be no need for

regulation, i.e., scope defining levels. The intent is that clearance levels would be the same as

the scope defining levels. 

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• We will continue to improve the regulatory framework to increase our focus on safety

and safeguards, including incremental use of risk-informed and, where appropriate, less

prescriptive performance-based regulatory approaches to maintain safety.

• We will communicate more clearly. We will add more focus, clarity, and consistency to

our message, be timely, and present candid and factual information in the proper

context with respect to the risk of the activity.

• We will continue to improve the regulatory framework to increase our effectiveness,

efficiency, and realism.

• We will improve and execute our programs and processes in ways that reduce

unnecessary costs to our stakeholders.

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

The U.S. does not specifically incorporate IAEA Basic Safety Standards into domestic

regulations. However, many of the issues, including public exposure, exemptions, and

clearance are designed to be complementary to and consistent with the IAEA standards and

guidance. Many NRC and U.S. policy issues are being addressed in parallel with the IAEA

reviews. Close coordination is maintained with NMSS for their response to the Commission on

the potential for rulemaking on the control of solid materials (clearance) and for the OEDO

participation in RASSAC. Import regulations likely will be affected by international clearance. 

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

1. Work vigorously for the harmonization of IAEA clearance levels with those of the EC and for

the U.S. Harmonization would facilitate import and export with uniform criteria.

2. Actively encourage that IAEA technical bases be transparent, defensible, and explicitly state

coherent systems of radiation protection principles. 
Attachment 2 - Page 62

3. Emphasize consideration of risk informed evaluations and cost/safety justification.

4. Promote and participate in discussions of revisions as scientific evidence and ICRP

recommendations become available. Development of clearance policy and technical values

must be coordinated with corresponding U.S. initiatives. Active participation should ensure that

technical models and approach is defensible and transparent. Changes to the regulatory

system must be carefully considered to reflect up-to-date science and sound protection

theories. 

These enhancements will come about through current and improved understanding of problems

and issues raised by member states and from active participation to shape international policy

and approaches.

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

Coordination with other Federal and State agencies is maintained through the Inter-agency

Steering Committee on Radiation Standards (ISCORS).

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

Yes. As the Commission contemplates a potential rulemaking on this issue, they will require

current information on the international levels for clearance to assess potential impacts on

import and export. The U.S. input at IAEA meetings may influence the outcome of IAEA

guidance for clearance issues. Trip reports from the meetings will be written to assist the

Commission to keep current. We will also brief the Commissioners as appropriate.

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

Yes. The international regulations and guidance directly effect the import and export of

materials and equipment with associated radioactivity. Trip reports from the meetings will be

written to assist the Commission to keep current. We will also brief the Commissioners, as

appropriate.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• Attendance at 1 to 2 meetings per year plus preparation, generation of trip reports,

debriefings, follow-up, and coordination with other Federal agencies through ISCORS

requires 4 to 6 weeks of effort for the staff lead. 

• 1 to 2 trips per year.

Primary Staff Contact: Robert A. Meck, Program Manager, Radiation Protection,

Environmental Risk and Waste Management Branch, Division of Systems Analysis and

Regulatory Effectiveness, (301) 415-6205
Attachment 2 - Page 63

COMMITTEE ON RADIATION PROTECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH (CRPPH)

NRC Office: RES International Organization: NEA

General Description

Provides a forum for the exchange of views and information between national authorities and a

transfer of experiences between member countries on radiological issues and national

practices.

Promotes the preparation of authoritative advice and reference documents for use by the

national authorities, based on the analysis of technical problems and policies in those areas

where international consensus on radiological protection standards and practices is required.

Seeks international understanding and guidance, in support of national authorities, on questions

of common concern regarding the interpretation and practical application of the International

Committee on Radiation Protection (ICRP) recommendations.

NRC Goals and Strategies Met/Involved/Implemented

• We will identify, evaluate, and resolve safety issues, and ensure that an independent

technical basis exists to review licensee submittals to ensure that safety is maintained. 

• We will continue to develop and incrementally use risk-informed and, where appropriate,

less prescriptive performance based regulatory approaches to maintain safety.

• We will use risk information to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our activities

and decisions. 

• We will anticipate challenges posed by the introduction of new technologies and

changing regulatory demands.

Relationship to Other NRC Activities

We coordinate with other offices supporting similar NEA and IAEA committees and activities,

such as the Radioactive Waste Management Committee, chaired by Margaret Federline of

NMSS.

Long Term and Short Term (FY 2002) Objectives and Approach for Accomplishing Goals

To assist Member countries in the regulation and application of the system of radiation

protection by identifying and addressing conceptual, scientific, policy, operation and societal

issues in a timely and prospective fashion as well as clarifying their implications.

NRC Role Vis-a-Vis Other U.S. Agencies and Other Organizations

The United States is represented on the Committee by EPA, DOE, and NRC, and an attempt is

made to present a unified position on the various issues under review, when possible.
Attachment 2 - Page 64

Are there possible opportunities for Commission involvement/engagement on this

issue/meeting either now or in the near term?

Yes. For example, the International Committee on Radiation Protection (ICRP) is in the

process of developing new recommendations and is soliciting information from the CRPPH that

will assist in the development of these recommendations. The Commission’s views on this

issue will be sought as progress is made on these recommendations. 

For the longer term, will the outcome require Commission involvement (e.g., U.S. is

expected to comply with decisions reached, known areas of sensitivity, or matters that

require Commission guidance)?

The CRPPH is primarily a vehicle for sharing of information. Most decisions involve the sharing

of information. When that information is of a sensitive nature, involving Commission policy,

guidance from the Commission will be sought.

If yes to either, how and when will the Commission be notified and their input sought?

If sensitive policy issues arise, the Commission will be notified at the earliest possible time by

appropriate means, such as memorandum to the Commission, Notes from the Assistant EDO

for Operations, memoranda from the Director of OIP, briefing of Commissioners’ Assistants,

periodic discussions between with the Commissioners and the Office Director of the Office of

Regulatory Research, or briefings by the staff, etc.

Level of Annual Effort: 

• 1 to 2 trips 

• 4 staff weeks

Primary Staff Contact: Cheryl Trottier, Chief, Radiation Protection, Environmental Risk and

Waste management Branch, Division of Systems Analysis and Regulatory Effectiveness,

(301) 415-6232