4. SHIPMENTS BY RAIL 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 rail. 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 transport vehicle in the case of a rail shipment is the shipment car carrying one or more SNF packages. The requirements for rail shipments should be understood to apply to the shipment cars as a group, unless noted otherwise. Information identified in 10 CFR 73.37(d)(3) and 10 CFR 73.37(d)(4) 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.” 4.1. Protection of Rail Shipments In addition to the general requirements of 10 CFR 73.37(b), 10 CFR 73.37(d) requires the physical protection system for any portion of an SNF shipment transported by rail to provide the following: • A shipment car is accompanied by two armed escorts (who may be members of a local law enforcement agency (LLEA)), at least one of whom is stationed at a location on the train that will permit observation of the shipment car while in motion. • As permitted by law, each armed escort shall be equipped with 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. The armed escorts may be private guards or members of the LLEA. The armed escorts shall be trained in accordance with Appendix D, “Physical Protection of Irradiated Reactor Fuel in Transit, Training Program Subject Schedule,” to 10 CFR Part 73, “Physical Protection of Plants and Materials,” and should be thoroughly familiar with all security requirements. The armed escorts should be alert to recognize any situations that might constitute a threat to the safety or security of the shipment. See Section 2.6 above for more information on specific training requirements for armed escorts. A copy of the route overview data (i.e., route identification, mileage data, LLEA identification, jurisdiction, and response centers, LLEA telephone numbers, communication channels monitored by LLEAs, cellular and satellite phone coverage along the route) should be readily available to the escorts at all times. The escorts should maintain close cooperation with the train’s crew to ensure adherence as close as practicable to the shipment schedule and to ensure that the crew remains aware of all security requirements as the shipment progresses.
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