NRC Generic Letter 82-25, Integrated IAEA Exercise for Physical Inventory at LWRS

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November 3, 1982

TO ALL POWER REACTOR LICENSEES

SUBJECT: INTEGRATED IAEA EXERCISE FOR PHYSICAL INVENTORY AT LWRs (Generic Letter No. 82-25)

Gentlemen:

Recently, the NRC received a request from the Bookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) for assistance in field testing new measurement equipment and inventory verification techniques developed as part of the U. S. program for strengthening IAEA safeguards. NRC participates in the IAEA safeguards program and is committed to providing assistance where possible.

Prior to approving the routine use of newly-developed technology and equipment, it is IAEA's practice to field test the system in an operating environment. IAEA considers it extremely important that the tests be performed under the conditions an inspector faces in the real world. Consequently, Brookhaven is seeking plants where the various pieces of equipment can be evaluated as a system in an integrated exercise for physical inventory verification. Ideally, testing would be performed at both a PWR and a BWR plant.

It is estimated the exercise would be conducted in two 7-10 day periods spaced 2-4 months apart. Approximately five IAEA inspectors and 1-2 U. S. experts who developed the equipment are envisioned to participate in each of the exercises. Any commitment to participate in this exercise is strictly voluntary and any utility that participates in this exercise will be reimbursed by BNL for all expenses incurred as a result of their participation.

If your utility wishes to participate in this exercise or desires more information, please contact Jane Gibson, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation IAEA Representative, telephone 301-492-4777, by November 30, 1982.

Sincerely,

Darrell G. Eisenhut, Director Division of Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

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