Emergency Response Contingency Measures to Respond to Unauthorized Removal of Radiological/Nuclear Material in a Nuclear Security Event

A Nuclear Security Event can result in the unauthorized removal of radioactive material. The radioactive material could ultimately be used in a malicious criminal act or nuclear/radiological terrorism. Radiological or nuclear material out of regulatory control is of great concern throughout the world and significant international cooperation has been focused on securing borders from trans-national shipments of illicit materials, especially radiological materials. From the technology perspective, these efforts have provided radiation portal monitors and trained personnel to detect, interdict, adjudicate, and recover illicit radioactive material being smuggled through international gateways such as shipping ports, land borders (pedestrian, vehicle and train conveyances), and airports. A Nuclear Security Event may be initiated by a security force or law enforcement response to a security alarm or a physical barrier penetration; but it can quickly turn into a radiological incident with national and international consequences. The paper will outline the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration's national emergency preparedness and response posture for radiological and nuclear incidents and accidents and provide an overview of the international reach back capabilities and partner national capacity building programs to aid in enhancing radiological emergency preparedness and response worldwide. (author)