Implementation of Integrated Safeguards at Chalk River Laboratories

On November 1, 2009, Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) received authorization from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to conduct its day-to-day safeguards activities on the basis on an Integrated Safeguards(IS) approach which is part of the State-level Integrated Safeguards Approach for Canada. The move toward IS at CRL was a lengthy process due to the complexity of the site. With 10 facilities comprising of 18 Material Balance Areas (MBAs) on site, discussions with the CNSC, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Nuclear Materials Management personnel were necessary to ensure that all MBAs would be able to meet the new requirements. Field trials were conducted at CRL from August to October 2009. Upon completion of these trials it was concluded that sufficient measures were in place at CRL to ensure the necessary information, access and support was provided to the IAEA for all MBAs in a timely manner for Short Notice Random Inspections (SNRIs), Unannounced Inspections (UIs) and the annual Physical Inventory Verification (PIV). The benefits that CRL has seen over the last year have included (1) less inspector presence on site, (2) a savings in personnel resources that were previously required to escort the IAEA around CRL for at least three full days of inspections each month, and (3) IAEA data analysis is done off-site. Two challenges that have been identified are co-ordinating resources for random inspections and PIVs, and ensuring that there is minimal disruption in the day-to-day operations at CRL. The development and implementation of a 'near real time' accounting system, the Integrated Nuclear Material Accounting System (INMAS), ensures that the fissionable material accounting information required by the IAEA is delivered to them within specified timelines. The Nuclear Material & Safeguards Management Program feels it is important to share its experience with other facility operators who may be facing challenges or uncertainties in the transition toward the implementation of an Integrated Safeguards approach