ML23012A026

Abilene Christian University, Review of Abilene Christian University Safeguards Information - Modified Handling Protection Plan

ML23012A026
Person / Time
Site:	99902088, Abilene Christian University
Issue date:	02/03/2023
From:	Michael Wentzel NRC/NRR/DANU/UAL2
To:	Towell R Abilene Christian University (ACU)
References
EPID L-2022-NFN-0002
Download: ML23012A026 (3)

Text

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 February 3, 2023 Dr. Rusty Towell Director of NEXT Lab Abilene Christian University ACU Box 28208 Abilene, TX 79699

SUBJECT:

ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY - REVIEW OF ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY SAFEGUARDS INFORMATION - MODIFIED HANDLING PROTECTION PLAN (EPID: L-2022-NFN-0002)

Dear Dr. Towell:

By letter dated October 25, 2022, (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. ML22298A309) Abilene Christian University (ACU) submitted the Abilene Christian University Safeguards Information - Modified Handling Protection Plan (SGIPP), Revision B. ACU submitted the revised SGIPP in response to a September 29, 2022, on-site visit by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff to verify how a SGIPP would be implemented at ACU. Revision B of the SGIPP updates Revision A of the SGIPP that ACU submitted to the NRC by letter dated January 26, 2022, (ML22034A510).

The September 29, 2022, visit to ACU included touring the secure room and observing the security storage container; examination of security structures, computer systems, equipment and components; interviews with site personnel; review of relevant policies and procedures; and observations of site conditions and activities as they relate to the protection of Safeguards Information - Modified Handling (SGI-M).

The NRC staff conducted a review of ACUs SGIPP to evaluate whether the descriptions and commitments in the SGIPP provide acceptable protection of SGI-M in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR)

Part 73, Physical Protection of Plants and Materials, and are consistent with the guidance in NRC Regulatory Guide 5.79, Protection of Safeguards Information (ML103270219).

Based upon the NRC staffs review of the ACU SGIPP, Revision B, as well as its review of procedures and conversations with ACU personnel during the on-site visit, the NRC staff has determined that ACU has provided sufficient assurance that it will protect SGI-M that it produces, receives, or acquires from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR 73.21, "Protection of Safeguards Information: Performance requirements, and 10 CFR 73.23, Protection of Safeguards Information-Modified Handling:

Specific Requirements.

The implementation of ACUs SGIPP relates solely to safeguards matters and does not involve any significant construction impacts. Accordingly, this action meets the eligibility criteria for

R. Towell categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR 51.22, Criterion for categorical exclusion: identification of licensing and regulatory actions eligible for categorical exclusion or otherwise not requiring environmental review. Specifically, it meets the categorial exclusion in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(12).

Therefore, pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b), no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment need be prepared in connection with the implementation of ACUs SGIPP.

In accordance with 10 CFR 2.390, Public inspections, exemptions, requests for withholding, a copy of this communication will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room, or from the NRCs ADAMS. The ADAMS database is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html.

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Rivera via email (Richard.Rivera@nrc.gov) or at (301) 415-7190, or Edward Helvenston via email at (Edward.Helvenston@nrc.gov) or at (301) 415-4067.

Sincerely, Signed by Wentzel, Michael on 02/03/23 Michael J. Wentzel, Chief Advanced Reactor Licensing Branch 2 Division of Advanced Reactors and Non-Power Production and Utilization Facilities Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Project No. 99902088 and Docket No. 50-610

ML23012A026 NRR-106 OFFICE NRR/DANU/UAL1/PM NRR/DANU/UAL1/PM NRR/DANU/UAL1/LA NRR/DANU/UNPO/SS NAME EHelvenston RRivera DGreene MTakacs DATE 1/17/2023 1/17/2023 1/27/2023 1/27/2023 OFFICE NSIR/DSO/ISB OGC/LHE/RP NRR/DANU/UAL2/BC NAME BStapleton JEzell MWentzel DATE 1/27/2023 2/3/2023 2/3/2023