3. SHIPMENTS BY ROAD This chapter provides guidance on the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements specific to physical protection of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) shipments made by road. Requirements discussed in this chapter are in addition to and not a substitute for requirements listed elsewhere in this NUREG that are applicable to physical protection of all SNF shipments regardless of the mode of transport (road, rail or water). The requirements for road shipments apply to all SNF shipment vehicles in a convoy, unless noted otherwise. Information on 10 CFR 73.37(c)(3), (4), and (6) shall be protected against unauthorized disclosure as specified in 10 CFR 73.21, “Protection of Safeguards Information: Performance Requirements,” and 10 CFR 73.22, “Protection of Safeguards Information: Specific Requirements.” 3.1. Protection of Road Shipments In addition to the general requirements in 10 CFR 73.37(b), the physical protection system for any portion of an SNF shipment made by road must meet the requirements in 10 CFR 73.37(c). When SNF is transported by road, the transport vehicle must be accompanied by at least two armed escorts. This requirement can be met in one of two ways: • The transport vehicle is occupied by at least two individuals, one of whom serves as an armed escort, and the transport vehicle is escorted by an armed member of the local law enforcement agency (LLEA) in a mobile unit of this agency. • The transport vehicle is led and trailed by escort vehicles containing at least one armed escort each, for a minimum of three vehicles in the convoy. Section 73.37(c)(2) requires, as permitted by law, that each armed escort carry a minimum of two weapons. The NRC recommends that each weapon provide separate and distinct response capabilities (e.g., a handgun and a rifle or shotgun). This requirement does not apply to LLEA personnel performing escort duties. 3.2. Communications for Road Shipments The purposes of communication requirements for SNF shipments by road are to: (1) provide the escorts with the capability to call for assistance when necessary, either directly to the LLEA or indirectly through the movement control center, (2) permit personnel at the movement control center to monitor the progress of the shipment, (3) provide the escorts with a way to quickly develop new LLEA contacts and obtain new route information when unexpected detours become necessary, and (4) provide a way to coordinate the movement of transport and escort vehicles when more than one vehicle is used in the shipment. In 10 CFR 73.37(c)(3), the NRC requires the transport vehicle and all escort vehicles to be equipped with redundant communications abilities that provide for two-way communications among the transport vehicle, escort vehicles, movement control center, LLEA, and each other at all times. Alternate communication methods should not be subject to the same failure modes as the primary communication method. The transport vehicle and armed escorts must use a method capable of contacting the emergency phone numbers provided in the approved route.
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