Integrated IAEA Exercise for Physical Inventory at LWRs (Generic Letter No. 82-25)

                                UNITED STATES
                        NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
                           WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555
                                     
                              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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