[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 238 (Tuesday, December 12, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 74567-74571]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-21044]
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
[EA-06-289]
In the Matter of All Licensees Who Possess Radioactive Material
In Quantities of Concern and All Other Persons Who Obtain Safeguards
Information Described Herein; Order Imposing Requirements for the
Protection of Certain Safeguards Information (Effective Immediately)
I
The Licensees, identified in Attachment 1 \1\ to this Order, hold
licenses issued in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, by
the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or Commission) or an
Agreement State, authorizing them to possess and transfer items
containing radioactive material quantities of concern. The NRC intends
to issue security Orders to these licensees in the near future. Orders
will be issued to both NRC and Agreement State materials licensees who
may transport radioactive material quantities of concern. The Orders
will require compliance with specific Additional Security Measures to
enhance the security for transport of certain radioactive material
quantities of concern. The NRC will issue Orders to both NRC and
Agreement State licensees under its authority to protect the common
defense and security, which has not been relinquished to the Agreement
States. The Commission has determined that these documents will contain
Safeguards Information (SGI), will not be released to the public, and
must be protected from unauthorized disclosure. Therefore, the
Commission is imposing the requirements, as set forth in Attachments 2
and 3 to this Order and in Order EA-06-290, so that affected Licensees
can receive these documents. This Order also imposes requirements for
the protection of SGI in the hands of any person,\2\ whether or not a
licensee of the Commission, who produces, receives, or acquires SGI.
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\1\ Attachment 1 contains sensitive information and will not be
released to the public.
\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, except that the Department 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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II
The Commission has broad statutory authority to protect and
prohibit the unauthorized disclosure of SGI. Section 147 of the Atomic
Energy Act of 1954, as amended, grants the Commission explicit
authority to ``* * * issue such orders, as necessary to prohibit the
unauthorized disclosure of safeguards information * * *'' This
authority extends to information concerning transfer of special nuclear
material, source material, and byproduct material. Licensees and all
persons who produce, receive, or acquire SGI must ensure proper
handling and protection of SGI to avoid unauthorized disclosure in
accordance with the specific requirements for the protection of SGI
contained in Attachments 2 and 3 to this Order. The Commission hereby
provides notice that it intends to treat violations of the requirements
contained in Attachments 2 and 3 to this Order applicable to the
handling and unauthorized disclosure of SGI as serious breaches of
adequate protection of the public health and safety and the common
defense and security of the United States. Access to SGI is limited to
those persons who have established a need-to-know the information, are
considered to be trustworthy and reliable, and meet the requirements of
Order EA-06-290. A need-to-know means a determination by a person
having responsibility for protecting SGI that a proposed recipient's
access to SGI is necessary in the performance of official, contractual,
or licensee duties of employment. Licensees and all other persons who
obtain SGI must ensure that they develop, maintain and implement strict
policies and procedures for the proper handling of SGI to prevent
unauthorized disclosure, in accordance with the requirements in
Attachments 2 and 3 to this Order. All licensees must ensure that all
contractors whose employees may have access to SGI either adhere to the
licensee's policies and procedures on SGI or develop, maintain and
implement their own acceptable policies and procedures. The licensees
remain responsible for the conduct of their contractors. The policies
and procedures necessary to ensure compliance with applicable
requirements contained in Attachments 2 and 3 to this Order must
address, at a minimum, the following: the general performance
requirement that each person who produces, receives, or acquires SGI
shall ensure that SGI is protected against unauthorized disclosure;
protection of SGI at fixed sites, in use and in storage, and while in
transit; correspondence containing SGI; access to SGI; preparation,
marking, reproduction and destruction of documents; external
transmission of documents; use of automatic data processing systems;
removal of the SGI category; the need-to-know the information; and
background checks to determine access to the information.
In order to provide assurance that the licensees are implementing
prudent measures to achieve a consistent level of protection to
prohibit the unauthorized disclosure of Safeguards Information, all
licensees who hold licenses issued by the NRC or an Agreement State
authorizing them to possess and who may transport items containing
radioactive material quantities of concern shall implement the
requirements identified in Attachments 2 and 3 to this Order. The
Commission recognizes that licensees may have already initiated many of
the measures set forth in Attachments 2 and 3 to this Order for
handling of SGI in conjunction with current NRC license requirements or
previous NRC Orders. Additional measures set forth in Attachments 2 and
3 to this Order should be incorporated into the licensee's current
program for SGI. 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 81, 147, 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
32, 10 CFR Part 35, and 10 CFR Part 70, it is hereby ordered, effective
immediately, that all licensees identified in attachment 1 to this
order and all other persons who produce, receive, or acquire the
additional security measures identified above (whether draft or final)
or any related SGI shall comply with the requirements of attachments 2
and 3 to this order.
The Director, Office of Federal and State Materials and
Environmental
[[Page 74568]]
Management Programs, may, in writing, relax or rescind any of the above
conditions upon demonstration of good cause by the licensee.
IV
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 Federal and State
Materials and Environmental Management Programs, 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 of the Commission, 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 his 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 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 ground 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 this 1st day of December 2006.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Charles L. Miller,
Director, Office of Federal and State Materials and Environmental
Management Programs.
Attachments:
1. List of Applicable Materials Licensees.
2. Modified Handling Requirements for the Protection of Certain
Safeguards Information (SGI-M).
3. Trustworthy and Reliability Requirements for Individuals
Handling Safeguards Information.
Attachment 1: List of Applicable Materials Licensees Redacted
Attachment 2: Modified Handling Requirements for the Protection of
Certain Safeguards Information (SGI-M)
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 would fall under this
requirement if they possess facility 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 these
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
[[Page 74569]]
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 should 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:
A. An employee, agent, or contractor of an applicant, a licensee,
the Commission, or the United States Government;
B. A member of a duly authorized committee of the Congress;
C. The Governor of a State or his designated representative;
D. 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;
E. A member of a state or local law enforcement authority that is
responsible for responding to requests for assistance during safeguards
emergencies; or
F. A person to whom disclosure is ordered pursuant to Section
2.709(f) of Part 2 of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
G. 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 these individuals.
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 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 nation-wide 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 additional to the ``Safeguards Information--Modified Handling''
markings at the top and bottom of each
[[Page 74570]]
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 SGI-M information in
memory, the copier cannot be connected to a network. It should also be
placed in a location that is cleared 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 are encouraged to 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 SGI-M. 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. 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. 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.
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 insure 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 should 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 would be
considered completely destroyed.
Attachment 3: Trustworthy and Reliability Requirements for Individuals
Handling Safeguards Information
Trustworthiness and Reliability Requirements for Individuals Handling
Safeguards Information
In order to ensure the safe handling, use, and control of
information designated as Safeguards Information, each licensee shall
control and limit access to the information to only those individuals
who have established the need-to-know the information, and are
considered to be trustworthy and reliable. Licensees shall document the
basis for concluding that there is
[[Page 74571]]
reasonable assurance that individuals granted access to Safeguards
Information are trustworthy and reliable, and do not constitute an
unreasonable risk for malevolent use of the information.
The Licensee shall comply with the requirements of this attachment:
1. The trustworthiness and reliability of an individual shall be
determined based on a background investigation:
(a) The background investigation shall address at least the past
three (3) years, and, at a minimum, include verification of employment,
education, and personal references. The licensee shall also, to the
extent possible, obtain independent information to corroborate that
provided by the employee (i.e., seeking references not supplied by the
individual).
(b) 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.
2. The licensee shall retain documentation regarding the
trustworthiness and reliability of individual employees for three years
after the individual's employment ends.
[FR Doc. E6-21044 Filed 12-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P