ENHANCING GLOBAL SECURITY OF HIGH-ACTIVITY RADIOACTIVE SOURCES THROUGH GOVERNMENT-INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

The threat of radiological terrorism is now a principal international security concern. Terrorists are actively attempting to obtain the high-activity radioactive sources needed to develop a radiological dispersal device, commonly referred to as a “dirty bomb.” The use of such a device could cause widespread economic, health, environment, and psychological damage. Many governments alone cannot ensure the security and control of radioactive sources within their own borders. These governments lack the resources needed to institute effective regulatory infrastructures to secure and control radioactive sources. Furthermore, these sources are used in a myriad of applications, often in very populous, public locations. Current government regulatory infrastructures, export control laws, and physical security systems may not be sufficient to prevent radioactive sources from being stolen by terrorist groups for malevolent purposes. As governments struggle to maintain control and oversight of the radioactive material source trade, industry could emerge as a crucial player in helping to prevent the loss of the most dangerous radioisotopes. Industry can expand their role as a major partner by establishing stricter self-regulation measures focused on greater adherence to physical security and control of sources. It is envisioned that existing government regulatory infrastructures can then be enhanced by adopting these industry self-regulation and self-policing measures. Leading manufacturers, users and distributors could spearhead interest of the entire radioactive source production and distribution industry, and facilitate the implementation of effective best practices approaches to security and promote the concept of voluntary industry self-regulation. Welllogging sources are of particular concern to international security. The oil services industry uses high-activity well-logging sources during oil exploration operations worldwide. The vast number of well-logging sources used globally, coupled with the portability and frequent movement of these sources presents a significant security challenge. The Department of Energy’s Global Threat Reduction Initiative’s (GTRI) Well-Logging Security Initiative is partnering with the oil-service industry to develop a best practices guide to greatly reduce the threat of theft of the high-activity well-logging sources and markedly enhance the security of these sources worldwide.