[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 181 (Tuesday, September 19, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54845-54849]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-7742]


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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

[EA-06-193]


In the Matter of Louisiana Energy Services L.P. (National 
Enrichment Facility) and All Other Persons Who Seek or Obtain Access to 
Safeguards Information Described Herein; Order Imposing Requirements 
for the Protection of Safeguards Information and Access to New 
Safeguards Information (Effective Immediately)

I

    Louisiana Energy Services, L.P., (LES or the Licensee) holds a 
license, issued in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act (AEA) of 1954, 
by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or Commission) 
authorizing it to construct and operate a uranium enrichment facility 
in Lea County, New Mexico. On March 19, 2004, in accordance with 
Commission direction in Staff Requirements Memorandum SECY-03-0083, NRC 
provided LES, for its information, copies of Orders issued to Category 
III facilities on interim measures to enhance physical security at 
those facilities. Those Orders contained Safeguards Information \1\. In 
addition, in the future, the Commission may issue the Licensee 
additional Orders that require compliance with specific Additional 
Security Measures to enhance the security. These Orders are also 
expected to contain Safeguards Information, which cannot be released to 
the public and must be protected from unauthorized disclosure. 
Therefore, the Commission is imposing the requirements, as set forth in 
Attachments A and B of this Order, so that the Licensee can receive 
these documents. This Order also imposes requirements for the 
protection of Safeguards Information in the hands of any person,\2\ 
whether or not a licensee of the Commission, who produces, receives, or 
acquires Safeguards Information.
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    \1\ Safeguards Information is a form of sensitive, unclassified, 
security-related information that the Commission has the authority 
to designate and protect under section 147 of the AEA.
    \2\ Person means: (1) any individual, corporation, partnership, 
firm, association, trust, estate, public or private institution, 
group, government agency other than the Commission or the Department 
of Energy, except that the Department of Energy shall be considered 
a person with respect to those facilities of the Department 
specified in section 202 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 
(88 Stat. 1244), any State or any political subdivision of, or any 
political entity within a State, any foreign government or nation or 
any political subdivision of any such government or nation, or other 
entity; and (2) any legal successor, representative, agent, or 
agency of the foregoing.
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    On August 8, 2005, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) was 
enacted. Section 652 of the EPAct amended Section 149 of the AEA to 
require fingerprinting and a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 
identification and criminal history records check of any person who is 
to be permitted to have access to Safeguards Information. The NRC's 
implementation of this requirement cannot await the completion of the 
Safeguards Information rulemaking, which is under way, because the 
EPAct fingerprinting and criminal history check requirements for access 
to Safeguards Information were immediately effective upon enactment of 
the EPAct. Although the EPAct permits the Commission by rule to except 
certain categories of individuals from the fingerprinting requirement, 
which the Commission has done (see 10 CFR 73.59, 71 FR 33989 (June 13, 
2006)), it is unlikely that many Licensee employees are excepted from 
the fingerprinting requirement by the ``fingerprinting relief'' rule. 
Individuals relieved from the fingerprinting and criminal history 
checks under the relief rule include Federal, State, and local 
officials and law enforcement personnel; Agreement State inspectors, 
who conduct security inspections on behalf of the NRC; members of 
Congress and certain employees of members of Congress or Congressional 
Committees; representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency 
or certain foreign government organizations. In addition, individuals 
who have active Federal security clearances and have satisfied the 
EPAct fingerprinting requirement need not be fingerprinted again. 
Therefore, in accordance with Section 149 of the AEA, as amended by the 
EPAct, the Commission is imposing additional requirements, as set forth 
by this Order, for access to new Safeguards Information \3\ by any 
person, from any person, whether or not a Licensee, Applicant, or 
Certificate Holder of the Commission or Agreement States.
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    \3\ ``New Safeguards Information'' means Safeguards Information 
generated subsequent to August 8, 2005, the date of enactment of the 
EPAct. ``New Safeguards Information'' also means any Safeguards 
Information, regardless of when it was generated, that is being 
accessed by an individual who has never been previously granted 
access to Safeguards Information.
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II

    The Commission has broad statutory authority to protect Safeguards 
Information and prohibit its unauthorized disclosure. Section 147 of 
the AEA, as amended, grants the Commission explicit authority to ``* * 
* issue such orders, as necessary

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to prohibit the unauthorized disclosure of safeguards information * * 
*'' Furthermore, Section 652 of the EPAct amended Section 149 of the 
AEA to require fingerprinting and an FBI identification and a criminal 
history records check of each individual who seeks access to Safeguards 
Information. Licensees and all persons who produce, receive, or acquire 
Safeguards Information must ensure proper handling and protection of 
Safeguards Information, to avoid unauthorized disclosure, in accordance 
with the specific requirements for the protection of Safeguards 
Information contained in Attachments A and B. The Commission hereby 
provides notice that it intends to treat violations of the requirements 
contained in Attachments A and B, applicable to the handling and 
unauthorized disclosure of Safeguards Information, as serious breaches 
of adequate protection of the public health and safety and the common 
defense and security of the United States. Access to Safeguards 
Information is limited to those persons who have established a need-to-
know the information, and are considered to be trustworthy and 
reliable, and who satisfy the fingerprinting and criminal history 
records check required by the EPAct and this Order. A ``need-to-know'' 
means a determination by a person having responsibility for protecting 
Safeguards Information that a proposed recipient's access to Safeguards 
Information is necessary in the performance of official, contractual, 
or licensee duties of employment. The Licensee and all other persons 
who obtain Safeguards Information must ensure that they develop, 
maintain, and implement strict policies and procedures for the proper 
handling of Safeguards Information, to prevent unauthorized disclosure, 
in accordance with the requirements in Attachments A and B. The 
Licensee must ensure that all contractors whose employees may have 
access to Safeguards Information either adhere to the Licensee's 
policies and procedures on Safeguards Information or develop, maintain, 
and implement their own acceptable policies and procedures. The 
Licensee remains responsible for the conduct of its contractors. The 
policies and procedures necessary to ensure compliance with applicable 
requirements contained in Attachments A and B must address, at a 
minimum, the following: (1) The general performance requirement that 
each person who produces, receives, or acquires Safeguards Information 
shall ensure that Safeguards Information is protected against 
unauthorized disclosure; (2) protection of Safeguards Information at 
fixed sites, in use and in storage, and while in transit; (3) 
correspondence containing Safeguards Information; (4) access to 
Safeguards Information; (5) preparation, marking, reproduction, and 
destruction of documents; (6) external transmission of documents; (7) 
use of automatic data processing systems; and (8) removal of the 
Safeguards Information category.
    To provide assurance that the Licensee is implementing appropriate 
measures to achieve a consistent level of protection to prohibit the 
unauthorized disclosure of new Safeguards Information, the Licensee 
shall implement the fingerprinting and criminal history check 
requirements for access to new Safeguards Information in this Order, as 
well as the requirements in Attachments A and B of this Order. In 
addition, pursuant to 10 CFR 2.202, I find that in light of the common 
defense and security matters identified above, which warrant the 
issuance of this Order, the public health, safety, and interest require 
that this Order be effective immediately.

III

    Accordingly, pursuant to Sections 53, 62, 63, 81, 147, 149, 161b, 
161i, 161o, 182, and 186 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, 
and the Commission's regulations in 10 CFR 2.202, 10 CFR part 30, 10 
CFR part 40, and 10 CFR part 70, it is hereby ordered, effective 
immediately, that licensee and all other persons who produce, receive, 
or acquire the additional security measures identified above (whether 
draft or final), or who seek or obtain access to new safeguards 
information, shall comply with the requirements set forth in this 
Order, including the requirements in Attachments A and B.
    A. No person may have access to new Safeguards Information unless 
that person has a need-to-know the new Safeguards Information, has been 
fingerprinted and undergone an FBI identification and criminal history 
records check, which has been favorably decided, and satisfies all 
other applicable requirements for access to Safeguards Information. 
Fingerprinting and the FBI identification and criminal history records 
check are not required, however, for any person who is relieved from 
that requirement by 10 CFR 73.59 (71 FR 33989 (June 13, 2006)) or who 
has an active Federal security clearance.
    B. No person may provide new Safeguards Information to any other 
person except in accordance with condition III.A above. Prior to 
sharing new Safeguards Information with any other person, a copy of 
this Order shall be provided to that person.

IV

    The Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, 
may, in writing, relax or rescind any of the above conditions, on 
demonstration of good cause by the Licensee. In accordance with 10 CFR 
2.202, the Licensee must, and any other person adversely affected by 
this Order may, submit an answer to this Order, and may request a 
hearing on this Order, within twenty (20) days of the date of this 
Order. Where good cause is shown, consideration will be given to 
extending the time to request a hearing. A request for extension of 
time in which to submit an answer or request a hearing must be made in 
writing to the Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and 
Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555, 
and include a statement of good cause for the extension. The answer may 
consent to this Order. Unless the answer consents to this Order, the 
answer shall, in writing and under oath or affirmation, specifically 
set forth the matters of fact and law on which the Licensee or other 
person adversely affected relies, and the reasons as to why the Order 
should not have been issued. Any answer or request for a hearing shall 
be submitted to the Secretary, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Nuclear 
Regulatory Commission, ATTN: Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff, 
Washington, DC 20555. Copies also shall be sent to the Director, Office 
of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission, Washington, DC 20555; to the Assistant General Counsel for 
Materials Litigation and Enforcement, at the same address; and to the 
Licensee, if the answer or hearing request is by a person other than 
the Licensee. Because of possible delays in delivery of mail to United 
States Government offices, it is requested that answers and requests 
for hearing be transmitted to the Secretary of the Commission, either 
by means of facsimile transmission, to 301-415-1101, or by e-mail, to 
[email protected]; and also to the Office of the General Counsel, 
either by means of facsimile transmission, to 301-415-3725, or by e-
mail, to [email protected]. If a person other than the Licensee 
requests a hearing, that person shall set forth with particularity the 
manner in which their interest is adversely affected by this Order and 
shall address the criteria set forth in 10 CFR 2.309.
    If a hearing is requested by the Licensee or a person whose 
interest is

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adversely affected, the Commission will issue an Order designating the 
time and place of any hearing. If a hearing is held, the issue to be 
considered at such hearing shall be whether this Order should be 
sustained.
    Pursuant to 10 CFR 2.202(c)(2)(i), the Licensee may, in addition to 
demanding a hearing, at the time the answer is filed or sooner, move 
the presiding officer to set aside the immediate effectiveness of the 
Order on the grounds that the Order, including the need for immediate 
effectiveness, is not based on adequate evidence, but on mere 
suspicion, unfounded allegations, or error. In the absence of any 
request for hearing, or written approval of an extension of time in 
which to request a hearing, the provisions specified in Section III 
above shall be final twenty (20) days from the date of this Order, 
without further order or proceedings. If an extension of time for 
requesting a hearing has been approved, the provisions specified in 
Section III shall be final when the extension expires, if a hearing 
request has not been received.
    An answer or a request for hearing shall not stay the immediate 
effectiveness of this Order.

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland this 28th day of August 2006.

    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Jack R. Strosnider,
Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards.

Attachment A--Modified Handling Requirements for the Protection of 
Certain Safeguards Information (SGI-M)

General Requirement

    Information and material that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission (NRC) determines are safeguards information must be 
protected from unauthorized disclosure. In order to distinguish 
information needing modified protection requirements from the 
safeguards information for reactors and fuel cycle facilities that 
require a higher level of protection, the term ``Safeguards 
Information-Modified Handling'' (SGI-M) is being used as the 
distinguishing marking for certain materials licensees. Each person who 
produces, receives, or acquires SGI-M shall ensure that it is protected 
against unauthorized disclosure. To meet this requirement, licensees 
and persons shall establish and maintain an information protection 
system that includes the measures specified below. Information 
protection procedures employed by state and local police forces are 
deemed to meet these requirements.

Persons Subject to These Requirements

    Any person, whether or not a licensee of the NRC, who produces, 
receives, or acquires SGI-M is subject to the requirements (and 
sanctions) of this document. Firms and their employees that supply 
services or equipment to materials licensees fall under this 
requirement if they possess SGI-M. A licensee must inform contractors 
and suppliers of the existence of these requirements and the need for 
proper protection. (See more under Conditions for Access)
    State or local police units who have access to SGI-M are also 
subject to these requirements. However, these organizations are deemed 
to have adequate information protection systems. The conditions for 
transfer of information to a third party, i.e., need-to-know, would 
still apply to the police organization as would sanctions for unlawful 
disclosure. Again, it would be prudent for licensees who have 
arrangements with local police to advise them of the existence of SGI-M 
requirements.

Criminal and Civil Sanctions

    The Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, explicitly provides that 
any person, ``whether or not a licensee of the Commission, who violates 
any regulations adopted under this section shall be subject to the 
civil monetary penalties of section 234 of this Act.'' Furthermore, 
willful violation of any regulation or order governing safeguards 
information is a felony subject to criminal penalties in the form of 
fines or imprisonment, or both. See sections 147b. and 223 of the Act.

Conditions for Access

    Access to SGI-M beyond the initial recipients of the order will be 
governed by the background check requirements imposed by the order. 
Access to SGI-M by licensee employees, agents, or contractors must 
include both an appropriate need-to-know determination by the licensee, 
as well as a determination concerning the trustworthiness of 
individuals having access to the information. Employees of an 
organization affiliated with the licensee's company, e.g., a parent 
company, may be considered as employees of the licensee for access 
purposes.

Need-to-Know

    Need-to-know is defined as a determination by a person having 
responsibility for protecting SGI-M that a proposed recipient's access 
to SGI-M is necessary in the performance of official, contractual, or 
licensee duties of employment. The recipient must be made aware that 
the information is SGI-M and those having access to it are subject to 
these requirements as well as criminal and civil sanctions for 
mishandling the information.

Occupational Groups

    Dissemination of SGI-M is limited to individuals who have an 
established need-to-know and who are members of certain occupational 
groups. These occupational groups are:
    1. An employee, agent, or contractor of an applicant, a licensee, 
the Commission, or the United States Government;
    2. A member of a duly authorized committee of the Congress;
    3. The Governor of a State or his designated representative;
    4. A representative of the International Atomic Energy Agency 
(IAEA) engaged in activities associated with the U.S./IAEA Safeguards 
Agreement who has been certified by the NRC;
    5. A member of a state or local law enforcement authority that is 
responsible for responding to requests for assistance during safeguards 
emergencies;
    6. A person to whom disclosure is ordered pursuant to Section 
2.744(e) of Part 2 of part 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations; or
    7. State Radiation Control Program Directors (and State Homeland 
Security Directors) or their designees.
    In a generic sense, the individuals described above in (A) through 
(G) are considered to be trustworthy by virtue of their employment 
status. For non-governmental individuals in group (A) above, a 
determination of reliability and trustworthiness is required. 
Discretion must be exercised in granting access to the individuals in 
group (A). If there is any indication that the recipient would be 
unwilling or unable to provide proper protection for the SGI-M, they 
are not authorized to receive SGI-M.

Information Considered for Safeguards Information Designation

    Information deemed SGI-M is information the disclosure of which 
could reasonably be expected to have a significant adverse effect on 
the health and safety of the public or the common defense and security 
by significantly increasing the likelihood of theft, diversion, or 
sabotage of materials or facilities subject to NRC jurisdiction.
    SGI-M identifies safeguards information which is subject to these 
requirements. These requirements are necessary in order to protect 
quantities of nuclear material significant to the

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health and safety of the public or common defense and security.
    The overall measure for consideration of SGI-M is the usefulness of 
the information (security or otherwise) to an adversary in planning or 
attempting a malevolent act. The specificity of the information 
increases the likelihood that it will be useful to an adversary.

Protection While in Use

    While in use, SGI-M shall be under the control of an authorized 
individual. This requirement is satisfied if the SGI-M is attended by 
an authorized individual even though the information is in fact not 
constantly being used. SGI-M, therefore, within alarm stations, 
continuously manned guard posts or ready rooms need not be locked in 
file drawers or storage containers.
    Under certain conditions the general control exercised over 
security zones or areas would be considered to meet this requirement. 
The primary consideration is limiting access to those who have a need-
to-know. Some examples would be:
    Alarm stations, guard posts and guard ready rooms; Engineering or 
drafting areas if visitors are escorted and information is not clearly 
visible; Plant maintenance areas if access is restricted and 
information is not clearly visible; Administrative offices (e.g., 
central records or purchasing) if visitors are escorted and information 
is not clearly visible.

Protection While in Storage

    While unattended, SGI-M shall be stored in a locked file drawer or 
container. Knowledge of lock combinations or access to keys protecting 
SGI-M shall be limited to a minimum number of personnel for operating 
purposes who have a ``need-to-know'' and are otherwise authorized 
access to SGI-M in accordance with these requirements. Access to lock 
combinations or keys shall be strictly controlled so as to prevent 
disclosure to an unauthorized individual.

Transportation of Documents and Other Matter

    Documents containing SGI-M when transmitted outside an authorized 
place of use or storage shall be enclosed in two sealed envelopes or 
wrappers. The inner envelope or wrapper shall contain the name and 
address of the intended recipient, and be marked both sides, top and 
bottom with the words ``Safeguards Information--Modified Handling.'' 
The outer envelope or wrapper must be addressed to the intended 
recipient, must contain the address of the sender, and must not bear 
any markings or indication that the document contains SGI-M.
    SGI-M may be transported by any commercial delivery company that 
provides nationwide overnight service with computer tracking features, 
U.S. first class, registered, express, or certified mail, or by any 
individual authorized access pursuant to these requirements.
    Within a facility, SGI-M may be transmitted using a single opague 
envelope. It may also be transmitted within a facility without single 
or double wrapping, provided adequate measures are taken to protect the 
material against unauthorized disclosure. Individuals transporting SGI-
M should retain the documents in their personal possession at all times 
or ensure that the information is appropriately wrapped and also 
secured to preclude compromise by an unauthorized individual.

Preparation and Marking of Documents

    While the NRC is the sole authority for determining what specific 
information may be designated as ``SGI-M,'' originators of documents 
are responsible for determining whether those documents contain such 
information. Each document or other matter that contains SGI-M shall be 
marked ``Safeguards Information-Modified Handling'' in a conspicuous 
manner on the top and bottom of the first page to indicate the presence 
of protected information. The first page of the document must also 
contain (i) the name, title, and organization of the individual 
authorized to make a SGI-M determination, and who has determined that 
the document contains SGI-M, (ii) the date the document was originated 
or the determination made, (iii) an indication that the document 
contains SGI-M, and (iv) an indication that unauthorized disclosure 
would be subject to civil and criminal sanctions. Each additional page 
shall be marked in a conspicuous fashion at the top and bottom with 
letters denoting ``Safeguards Information-Modified Handling.''
    In addition to the ``Safeguards Information-Modified Handling'' 
markings at the top and bottom of page, transmittal letters or 
memoranda which do not in themselves contain SGI-M shall be marked to 
indicate that attachments or enclosures contain SGI-M but that the 
transmittal does not (e.g., ``When separated from SGI-M enclosure(s), 
this document is decontrolled'').
    In addition to the information required on the face of the 
document, each item of correspondence that contains SGI-M shall, by 
marking or other means, clearly indicate which portions (e.g., 
paragraphs, pages, or appendices) contain SGI-M and which do not. 
Portion marking is not required for physical security and safeguards 
contingency plans.
    All documents or other matter containing SGI-M in use or storage 
shall be marked in accordance with these requirements. A specific 
exception is provided for documents in the possession of contractors 
and agents of licensees that were produced more than one year prior to 
the effective date of the order. Such documents need not be marked 
unless they are removed from file drawers or containers. The same 
exception applies to old documents stored away from the facility in 
central files or corporation headquarters.
    Since information protection procedures employed by state and local 
police forces are deemed to meet NRC requirements, documents in the 
possession of these agencies need not be marked as set forth in this 
document.

Removal From SGI-M Category

    Documents containing SGI-M shall be removed from the SGI-M category 
(decontrolled) only after the NRC determines that the information no 
longer meets the criteria of SGI-M. Licensees have the authority to 
make determinations that specific documents which they created no 
longer contain SGI-M information and may be decontrolled. Consideration 
must be exercised to ensure that any document decontrolled shall not 
disclose SGI-M in some other form or be combined with other unprotected 
information to disclose SGI-M.
    The authority to determine that a document may be decontrolled may 
be exercised only by, or with the permission of, the individual (or 
office) who made the original determination. The document shall 
indicate the name and organization of the individual removing the 
document from the SGI-M category and the date of the removal. Other 
persons who have the document in their possession should be notified of 
the decontrolling of the document.

Reproduction of Matter Containing SGI-M

    SGI-M may be reproduced to the minimum extent necessary consistent 
with need without permission of the originator. Newer digital copiers 
which scan and retain images of documents represent a potential 
security concern. If the copier is retaining any information in memory, 
the copier cannot be connected to a network. It should also be placed 
in a location that is cleared

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and controlled for the authorized processing of SGI-M information. 
Different copiers have different capabilities, including some which 
come with features that allow the memory to be erased. Each copier 
would have to be examined from a physical security perspective.

Use of Automatic Data Processing (ADP) Systems

    SGI-M may be processed or produced on an ADP system provided that 
the system is assigned to the licensee's or contractor's facility and 
requires the use of an entry code/password for access to stored 
information. Licensees must process this information in a computing 
environment that has adequate computer security controls in place to 
prevent unauthorized access to the information. An ADP system is 
defined here as a data processing system having the capability of long 
term storage of information. Word processors such as typewriters are 
not subject to the requirements as long as they do not transmit 
information off-site. (Note: If SGI-M is produced on a typewriter, the 
ribbon must be removed and stored in the same manner as other SGI-M 
information or media.) The basic objective of these restrictions is to 
prevent access and retrieval of stored SGI-M by unauthorized 
individuals, particularly from remote terminals. Specific files 
containing SGI-M will be password protected to preclude access by an 
unauthorized individual. SGI-M files may be transmitted over a network 
if the file is encrypted. In such cases, the licensee will select a 
commercially available encryption system that NIST has validated as 
conforming to Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). SGI-M 
files shall be properly labeled as ``Safeguards Information--Modified 
Handling'' and saved to removable media and stored in a locked file 
drawer or cabinet. The National Institute of Standards and Technology 
(NIST) maintains a listing of all validated encryption systems at 
http://csrc.nist.gov/cryptval/140-1/1401val.htm.

Telecommunications

    SGI-M may not be transmitted by unprotected telecommunications 
circuits except under emergency or extraordinary conditions. For the 
purpose of this requirement, emergency or extraordinary conditions are 
defined as any circumstances that require immediate communications in 
order to report, summon assistance for, or respond to a security event 
(or an event that has potential security significance).
    This restriction applies to telephone, telegraph, teletype, 
facsimile circuits, and to radio. Routine telephone or radio 
transmission between site security personnel, or between the site and 
local police, should be limited to message formats or codes that do not 
disclose facility security features or response procedures. Similarly, 
call-ins during transport should not disclose information useful to a 
potential adversary. Infrequent or non-repetitive telephone 
conversations regarding a physical security plan or program are 
permitted provided that the discussion is general in nature.
    Individuals should use care when discussing SGI-M at meetings or in 
the presence of others to ensure that the conversation is not overheard 
by persons not authorized access. Transcripts, tapes or minutes of 
meetings or hearings that contain SGI-M shall be marked and protected 
in accordance with these requirements.

Destruction

    Documents containing SGI-M must be destroyed when no longer needed. 
They may be destroyed by tearing into small pieces, burning, shredding 
or any other method that precludes reconstruction by means available to 
the public at large. Piece sizes one-half inch or smaller composed of 
several pages or documents and thoroughly mixed are considered 
completely destroyed.

Attachment B--Trustworthiness and Reliability Requirements for 
Individuals Handling Safeguards Information

    Licensees shall document the basis for concluding that there is 
reasonable assurance that individuals granted access to safeguards 
information or who are placed in positions where they could facilitate 
access to the regulated material are trustworthy and reliable, and do 
not constitute an unreasonable risk for malevolent use of the regulated 
material.
    The trustworthiness, reliability, and verification of an 
individual's true identity shall be determined based on a background 
investigation. The background investigation shall address at least the 
past three (3) years, and, as a minimum, include a local criminal 
history check (unless local or State laws prohibit local criminal 
history checks of current employees), verification of employment 
history, education, employment eligibility, and personal references. If 
an individual's employment has been less than the required three (3) 
year period, educational references may be used in lieu of employment 
history.
    The licensee's background investigation requirements may be 
satisfied for an individual that has an active Federal security 
clearance.
[FR Doc. 06-7742 Filed 9-18-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P