NRC NEWS

 U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 

 Office of Public Affairs Telephone: 301/415-8200

 Washington, DC 20555-001 E-mail: opa@nrc.gov 

 Web Site: http://www.nrc.gov/OPA

No. 03-138 October 30, 2003

NRC INVITES PUBLIC TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR

THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON NUCLEAR WASTE

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is seeking qualified candidates for an

appointment to its Advisory Committee on Nuclear Waste (ACNW). Currently there are five positions

and the Commission is seeking to fill one of the positions on the Committee.

The ACNW is a part-time advisory group established by the NRC in 1988 to provide

independent technical review of and advice on the disposal of nuclear waste, including all aspects of

nuclear waste disposal facilities, as directed by the NRC. The ACNW undertakes independent studies

and reviews related to disposal, storage, and transportation of both high- and low-level radioactive

waste including interim storage of spent nuclear fuel; materials safety; and facilities decommissioning. 

This encompasses activities related to rulemakings, associated regulatory guides, and technical

positions developed to support and clarify NRC’s nuclear materials and radioactive waste regulations. 

Currently, the Commission is seeking an individual with technical expertise in radioactive waste

disposal, site remediation and closure activities, materials degradation, corrosion of metals and alloys,

and nuclear fuel cycle.

The ACNW membership includes individuals who possess specific technical expertise along

with a broad perspective in addressing safety concerns. Committee members are selected from a

variety of engineering and scientific disciplines, such as risk assessment, chemistry, mechanical

engineering, civil engineering, materials sciences, and earth sciences. At this time, candidates are

being sought who have 15-20 years of experience, including graduate level education, in the

management and disposal of radioactive waste. Committee members serve a 4-year term with the

possibility of reappointment for a total service of eight years.

Criteria used to evaluate candidates include education and experience, demonstrated skills in

nuclear waste management matters, and the ability to solve complex technical problems. The

Commission, in selecting its Committee members, considers the need for a specific expertise to

accomplish the work expected to be before the ACNW. For this position, the expertise must be

directly related to the areas of radioactive waste disposal, site remediation and closure activities,

materials degradation, corrosion of metals and alloys, and nuclear fuel cycle. Demonstrated experience

would be particularly desirable in engineering design and risk assessment associated with underground

structures, tunnels, and mining complexes, with emphasis in the area of radioactive waste storage and

disposal. Consistent with the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Commission 
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seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds so that the membership on the Committee will be fairly

balanced in terms of the points of view represented and functions to be performed by the Committee.

Candidates for ACNW appointments may be involved in or have financial interests related to

NRC-regulated aspects of the nuclear industry. Because conflict-of-interest considerations may restrict

the participation of a candidate in ACNW activities, the degree and nature of any such restriction on an

individual’s activities as a member will be considered in the selection process. Each qualified

candidate’s financial interests must be reconciled with applicable Federal and NRC rules and

regulations prior to final appointment. This might require divestiture of securities or discontinuance of

certain contracts or grants. Information regarding these restrictions will be provided upon request.

A resumé describing the educational and professional background of the candidate, including

special accomplishments and professional references should be provided. Candidates should provide

their current address, telephone number, and e-mail address. All candidates will receive careful

consideration. Appointment will be made without regard to such factors as race, color, religion,

national origin, sex, age, or disabilities. Candidates must be citizens of the United States and be able to

devote approximately 70-100 days per year to Committee business. Applications will be accepted until

December 31, 2003.

Copies of resumés of nominees should be sent to Ms. Sherry Meador, Administrative Assistant,

ACRS/ACNW, Mail Stop T2E-26, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-

0001, e-mail address SAM@NRC.gov.

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