Romania- U.S. Office Of Radiological Security (ORS) Cooperation In Adoption Of Alternative Technologies In Support Of Radiological Security

Paper for INMM Annual Meeting 2021Abstract Topic: Nuclear Security and Physical Protection / Radioactive Material Security / Alternative Technologies / End of Life ManagementTitle: Romania-U.S. Office of Radiological Security (ORS) Cooperation in the Adoption of Alternative Technologies in Support of Radiological SecurityAuthors: Sorin Repanovici [National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control (CNCAN)], Cristian Gentea [Institute for Nuclear Research Pitesti (RATEN ICN)], Michael Strosinski (Sandia National Laboratories)ABSTRACTThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Security Recommendations on Radioactive Material and Associated Facilities describes the use of non-radioactive technology as a way to reduce the nuclear security risk associated with radioactive material. Further, the IAEA’s Implementing Guide Security of Radioactive Material in Use and Storage and of Associated Facilities states that. “consideration should be given to encouraging the use of newly developed or existing alternative technologies or operational practices in any application where the alternative technology or practice may reduce the security risk associated with this radioactive material.”Successful adoption of alternative technologies in support of radiological security requires significant cooperation among a broad set of stakeholders, including end users, regulatory bodies, other government agencies, device manufacturers, radioactive source removal experts, and, if appropriate, international partners. Strong cooperation is needed to effectively and efficiently resolve licensing, operational, engineering, financial, and end-of-life challenges.The Government of Romania has completed a multi-year project to replace Co-60 teletherapy devices with linear accelerators. In support of this effort, Romania’s National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control (CNCAN), Institute for Nuclear for Nuclear Research Pitesti (RATEN ICN), and the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Radiological Security (ORS) have worked together for the past 5 years on a cooperative effort to facilitate the removal of all disused Co-60 teletherapy devices from medical facilities in Romania to secure long-term storage at RATEN ICN.This paper describes Romania’s experience with developing and implementing policies to promote the adoption of alternative technologies including the replacement of Co-60 teletherapy devices with linear accelerators. In addition, this paper also describes the cooperation between CNCAN, RATEN ICN, and ORS to safely and securely remove disused Co-60 teletherapy devices to secure storage.