ML20149E951

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Recommends That DOE Take Prompt & Direct Steps to Prevent Diversion to Unauthorized Use of Reprocessing Equipment Allegedly Sold as Excess Us Govt Property
ML20149E951
Person / Time
Issue date: 02/25/1994
From: Selin I, The Chairman
NRC COMMISSION (OCM)
To: Oleary H
ENERGY, DEPT. OF
Shared Package
ML20149E955 List:
References
NUDOCS 9408080219
Download: ML20149E951 (1)


Text

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UNITED STATES

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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMIS$10N s

wasumorow.o.c.soom February 25, 1994 cwamnus The Honorable Hazel R. O' Leary Secretary of Energy i

Washington, D.C.

20585 l

Dear Secretary O' Leary A situation has come to my attention which, if left unattended, could undercut our efforts to control exports of sensitive nuclear equipment and technology.

I am told that a great amount of reprocessing equipment purchased for use in the Fuel Processing Restoration Facility at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory wris sold last year as excess Government property.

As described to us, the equipment appears to be specially designed and prepared for reprocessing use and should be strictly controlled for export purposes.

The sale was made to two U.S. salvage companies, with no restrictions on resale or use of the aquipment.

The NRC export licensing staff has received telephone calls from one of the s

salvage companies and from prospective buyers of the equipment concerning its possible export.

Our staff has also learned that blueprints and technical manuals were sold to the salvage company.

1 Even though the NRC export control group has exchanged informa-tion with counterparts in your Department and in the Department of State's Bureau of Politico Military Affairs, we are concerned that someone may export sensitive items without authorization.

We recommend, therefore, that the Department of Energy take prompt and direct steps to prevent any diversion to unauthorized including repurchasing the equipment from the salvage

use, companies, if necessary.

Sincerely,

\\

f Ivan Salin 1

CC0102 940B080219 940225 PDR COMMS NRCC 3,

CORHESPONDENCE PDR

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