Non Power Reactor Security 

Questions & Answers 

Background 

Non Power Reactors (NPRs), also known as Research and Test Reactors (RTRs) are licensed 

and regulated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Security requirements at 

these facilities are based on a "graded" approach; in general, RTRs that possess larger 

quantities of nuclear material or utilize material that is potentially more attractive to adversaries 

have more security measures in place. The quantity of nuclear material at these facilities is very 

small when compared to nuclear power reactor facilities. In addition, RTRs have robust 

engineering designs that incorporate a variety of safety features which make them highly 

resistant to mis-operation (intentional or unintentional). 

Physical security strategies at these facilities employ "defense-in-depth," and are founded on 

the "detect, delay, assess and respond" model. Applicable regulations (in Title 10 of the Code 

of Federal Regulations, Part 73) are principally focused on preventing the theft or diversion of 

nuclear materials at RTRs. Subsequent to September 11, 2001, the NRC ensured that 

numerous additional security-related measures were instituted at RTRs to enhance protection 

against facility sabotage. 

In addition to these post-9/11 actions, the NRC, in conjunction with two national laboratories, 

initiated a comprehensive security assessment of the nation's RTRs to determine whether 

additional security measures are warranted. This effort indicated that there are no credible 

sabotage scenarios that result in significant off-site consequences. 

The NRC maintains an active oversight program of all RTRs which includes routine safety and 

security inspections and assessments. If as a result of the continuing RTR oversight activities, 

any additional security measures are necessary to assure the health and safety of the public, 

the NRC will not hesitate to implement additional security measures as appropriate. 

Questions and Answers

Q1. What risk does an RTR pose to the public if attacked by a terrorist intent on radiological 

 sabotage, or in stealing radioactive material? 

A1. RTRs have only limited quantities of radioactive material on-site. The nature and form of 

 this material make it not easily dispersed or handled. As a result, RTRs pose a relatively 

 low risk to public health and safety from potential radiation exposure or theft of the 

 nuclear material. Moreover, these reactors are designed and operated in a manner that 

 minimizes the possibility of unintended radiation exposure 

Q2. What has happened in the RTR security arena since 9/11? 
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A2. After the September 11 attacks, the NRC worked with RTR licensees to implement 

 additional security measures where needed. The specifics of any post-9111 security 

 enhancements at individual RTRs cannot be made publicly available. However, general 

 examples of the enhancements include: 

• enhanced background screening of staff, 

• improved access controls to key areas within the facilities, 

• augmented observation of activities within controlled areas, 

• improved internal and external communication systems, 

• additional vehicle and package searches to prevent the introduction of contraband 

(including weapons), 

• enhanced coordination with appropriate local, state, and federal response organizations. 

Through on-site inspections, NRC has verified that all RTRs have measures in place to 

protect their nuclear material and to limit the radiological consequences following 

potential acts of sabotage. Nonetheless, we continue to evaluate the threat environment 

and effectiveness of these security measures and will take additional steps if necessary. 

Q3. Does the security at research and test reactors deal with airborne threats? 

A3. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001 provides for additional protection 

 against air attacks on all industrial facilities, both nuclear and non-nuclear. The NRC 

 has been in regular communication with other federal agencies, such as the FAA and 

 the DOD to enhance protection against airborne threats. RTRs have also established 

 liaison with the FAA, and continue to report unusual overflights or potential airborne 

 threats to the FAA and NRC. Additionally, the level of damage estimated in 

 comprehensive security assessments for RTRs is consistent with the level of damage 

 anticipated from an airborne threat. 

Q4. Do RTRs have armed guards stationed at the facility day and night? If not, why not? 

A4. The use of dedicated armed guards varies among the RTRs. Most university research 

 reactors rely on armed police officers, usually campus-based police officers for security 

 protection. These officers are on duty and continuously available to respond to the 

 reactor when needed, and are supplemented by local, county and state police. Every 

 RTR conducts periodic exercises with these security forces to ensure that a fast and 

 effective response to any incident can be provided. 

 
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Q5. If RTR fuel is stolen, could it be used to make a "dirty" bomb? 

A5. In the unlikely event that radioactive material was taken from an RTR, it could be used to 

 make a "dirty bomb" {also known as a radiological dispersal device or RDD). The NRC 

 has evaluated the potential consequences from such an unlikely event and concluded 

 that no significant injuries from radiological exposure would result. The NRC has also 

 studied the land contamination that would result from exploding an RTR fuel-based RDD 

 and determined that the area impacted would not be extensive. Further, because of the 

 nature of RTR fuel, any area that was affected could be cleaned and decontaminated. 

Q6. If RTR fuel was stolen, could it be used to make a nuclear bomb? 

A6. The use of RTR fuel to make a nuclear bomb (i.e., an improvised nuclear device or IND), 

 though theoretically possible, is very remote. First, there are relatively few RTR facilities 

 in the U.S. that utilize the type of fuel that is capable of being converted for use in an 

 IND. Second, the nature and design of the fuel itself would require considerable 

 manipulation and complex reprocessing to get into a form suitable for use in an IND. 

 Third, RTR fuel is manufactured, shipped, and maintained in limited quantities so that 

 gaining an amount necessary to make an IND would be very difficult. Lastly, a defense- 

 in-depth protection strategy (using design features and security programs) is employed 

 at each RTR facility to ensure that access to the fuel is highly restricted. 

Q7. Do you think that it is appropriate to allow public tours of RTRs? Further, it appears that 

 it is fairly easy for an individual to gain access to some of the university RTRs. 

A7. Yes. Almost every research reactor has "public education" as a key element of its 

 mission. Tours are a routine and integral part of an RTR's function on a university 

 campus, and the security plans and strategies at these facilities take this fact into 

 account. Though each facility maintains its own guidelines on how tours are conducted, 

 the NRC requires that all visitors touring a reactor must be escorted by authorized facility 

 staff. Tours are typically under continuous observation by other facility staff using 

 remote surveillance (e.g., cameras), or other means are employed (e.g., duress alarms) 

 to ensure that a prompt response is initiated in case of a visitor-induced event. If a 

 potential or actual threat to the facility was presented by the visitors, law enforcement 

 would be promptly notified and would respond as needed. 

Q8. Why don't individuals have to be screened by metal or explosive detection devices prior 

 to entry into an RTR facility? 

A8. The type and quantity of security measures in place at any given facility are "graded" 

 depending on the potential for radiological release or exposure from the specific facility. 

 Security plans describing the details of the searches that are conducted and what types 
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 of materials are permitted in each facility, in combination with other safety and security 

 measures, collectively provide assurance that the public remains protected. 

Q9. What makes some research reactors more of a radiological risk than others? 

A9. The risk to the public from radiological exposure or release is primarily related to reactor 

 power level and fuel quantity. RTRs are licensed to operate at different maximum power 

 levels and utilize various quantities and types of nuclear material as fuel. The power 

 levels and fuel quantities at these facilities are very small when compared to large 

 electrical power generation plants. Because of the relatively low power levels, and the 

 small quantities of material present, the risk to the public is also low. Inherently-safe 

 facility designs, coupled with effective implementation of security measures and 

 emergency preparedness plans ensure that the public remains at low risk.