NRC NEWS

 U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 

 Office of Public Affairs Telephone: 301/415-8200

 Washington, D.C. 20555-0001 E-mail: opa@nrc.gov 

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

 

No. 07-084 July 10, 2007

NRC INVITES PUBLIC TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR

THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON NUCLEAR WASTE AND MATERIALS

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is seeking qualified candidates for an appointment

to its Advisory Committee on Nuclear Waste and Materials (ACNWM). Currently there are five

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

The ACNWM is a part-time advisory group established by the NRC to provide independent

technical review of, and advice on, the disposal of nuclear waste, transportation of both high- and lowlevel radioactive waste, 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,

and independent studies. Currently, the Commission is seeking an individual with technical expertise

in earth sciences as applied to radioactive waste disposal, site remediation, and closure activities.

The ACNWM 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 10 years of experience in earth sciences (geology, geophysics, and/or

hydrology). 

Candidates with pertinent graduate-level education will be given additional consideration.

Committee members serve a four-year term with the possibility of reappointment for a total service of

eight years.

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

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

work collegially on a board, panel, or committee. The Commission, in selecting its Committee

members, considers the need for a specific expertise to accomplish the work expected to be before the

ACNWM. For this position, the expertise should preferably relate to the areas of radioactive waste

disposal, site remediation and closure activities. Demonstrated experience would be particularly

desirable in engineering design and risk assessment in the areas of radioactive waste storage and

disposal. Consistent with the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Commission

seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds so that the membership on the Committee will be fairly

balanced.
Candidates for ACNWM 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 ACNWM 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

security background investigation for a Q clearance (or the transfer of an up-to-date Q clearance) will

also be required.

Copies of a résumé 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 qualified candidates will

receive careful consideration, and 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 October 31, 2007.

Résumés should be sent to Angelina Chapeton, Administrative Assistant, ACRS/ACNWM,

Mail Stop T2E-26, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001 or to e-mail

address AHC@NRC.GOV.

The ACNW was recently renamed to include activities related to nuclear materials and

materials safety.

###

News releases are available through a free list serve subscription at the following Web address: 

http://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/listserver.html . The NRC homepage at www.nrc.gov also offers a SUBSCRIBE link. Email notifications are sent to subscribers when news releases are posted to NRC's Web site.