1. National Source Tracking System (NSTS) Overview
Irene Wu
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
March 2017

2. Background
Energy Policy Act of 2005 contains a national source tracking provision, which required the NRC to issue regulations establishing a mandatory tracking system for radiation sources in the United States.
In response to that mandate, the NSTS was developed through close cooperation with other Federal and State agencies.
NSTS meets the U.S. Government's commitment to implement a national source registry, as described in the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources.
National Source Tracking System

3. Establishing NSTS
Interim database created in 2005 as a precursor to the NSTS to collect an initial inventory of sources containing the materials of greatest concern. This inventory was developed to create a snapshot of licensees, facilities, and the sources they possess. This effort established contact with licensees who would later participate in implementing the NSTS.
NSTS Version 1was deployed in December Licensees were required to begin reporting to the system by January 31, 2009.
Version 2 of NSTS became operational in May Version 2 includes functionality enhancements designed to broaden the system capabilities for all system users. Enhancements for licensees include event-triggered alerts and automated system interfaces. Enhancements for agency users include full reporting and query capabilities and the ability to download data to share with other Federal agencies.
National Source Tracking System

4. Access to NSTS
In 2006 when the access level was first determined for NSTS, the highest level authentication assurance level (Level 4) was determined to be appropriate for all users of the system. Smart cards and card readers were used to access NSTS.
NRC had anticipated more licensees would apply for online access to NSTS but due to application challenges and transaction frequency, more users preferred to report to NSTS via fax/ .
In 2010, NRC enlisted help from a marketing contractor to improve the online use of NSTS and increase support of the online system from NSTS stakeholders.
National Source Tracking System

5. Access to NSTS (continued)
In 2011, the access level of NSTS was reduced for all users (Level 3). One Time Password devices were implemented in 2013.
Applicants have to go through a credentialing process.
Employment verification
Need-to-know determination
Identity proofing
Users have different roles to access NSTS. Licensees are only able to see their inventory information. Regulators are able to see their licensees’ information.
National Source Tracking System

6. NSTS Objective Objective =
Up-to-date accounting of all Category 1 and Category 2 sources in the United States =
NSTS
Objective
Category 1
45%
Category 2
55%
Category 1 and 2
Source distribution
National Source Tracking System

7. Annual Inventory Reconciliation
What is NSTS?
Source Life Cycle
Source Manufactured/
Imported
Source
Decayed
Below Threshold
Destroyed/
Exported
Annual Inventory Reconciliation
Transaction Reporting
Transfer, Receipt, Import, Export
The relevant regulations that discuss the NSTS are found in 10 CFR § and state that each licensee who manufactures, transfers, receives, disassembles, or disposes of a nationally tracked source must complete and submit a National Source Tracking Transaction Report.
National Source Tracking System

8. Nationally Tracked Sources
Radioactive Material
Category 1 (TBq)
Category 1 (Ci)
Category 2 (TBq)
Category 2 (Ci)
Actinium-227 20
540
0.2
5.4
Americium-241 60
1,600
0.6 16
Americium-241/Be
Californium-252
Cobalt-60 30
810
0.3
8.1
Curium-244 50
1,400
0.5 14
Cesium-137
100
2,700 1 27
Gadolinium-153
1,000
27,000 10
270
Iridium-192 80
2,200
0.8 22
Plutonium-238
Plutonium-239/Be
Polonium-210
Promethium-147
40,000
1,100,000
400
11,000
Radium-226 40
1,100
0.4 11
Selenium-75
200
5,400 2 54
Strontium-90
Thorium-228
Thorium-229
Thulium-170
20,000
540,000
Ytterbium-169
300
8,100 3 81
National Source Tracking System

9. NSTS Reporting Methods
Online access to NSTS
Batch upload
/fax National Source Tracking Transaction Report (NRC Form 748)
Phone Help Desk with follow-up by /fax/mail
Resources:
Help Desk
Website with computer-based training modules and frequently asked questions
National Source Tracking System

10. Annual Inventory Reconciliation
Every January
Streamlined process
Require each licensee to verify that NSTS inventory matches what they possess
Improves data integrity - captures missing transactions, incorrect source information
National Source Tracking System

11. Where We Are Today Transaction Distribution Isotope Distribution
45% Cat 1
NSTS Facts:
Total sources >75,000
Between 7,500 – 10,000 transactions per month
97% of all transactions involve Ir-192
99% transactions are done electronically
National Source Tracking System

12. Maintaining and Updating NSTS
NRC has a contractor that operates and maintains NSTS, processes data submitted by licensee for entry into NSTS, and runs the Help Desk.
NSTS Data
Licensees are responsible to report their transactions to NSTS by close of the next business day. Licensees must correct any errors within 5 business days of discovery of the error or missed transaction.
Regulators can see the source history and perform queries.
NSTS has automated alerts for when transactions are missing, when an unrecorded source gets reported, when a source goes below threshold, etc.
Improvements/Fixes to NSTS
Change requests are logged by stakeholders.
Change Control Board votes on the next maintenance release.
Change Control Board includes licensee representation.
National Source Tracking System

13. NSTS Challenges Initial challenges
Initial data integrity – NRC established a data integrity team dedicated to the function of correcting reported device information to replace it with source information.
Credentialing – NRC had not anticipated the challenges with getting people through the credentialing process (e.g., going to a notary).
Accessibility – NRC had not anticipated how many licensees would opt to use alternative reporting methods. NRC also hadn’t anticipated the challenges experienced by users with the smart cards (i.e., firewall issues).
National Source Tracking System

14. NSTS Challenges Current challenges Scope/limitations of NSTS
Not real time tracking – NSTS provides a relatively up-to-date accounting system for risk-significant sources.
Category 3 sources – NRC is currently re-evaluating whether it is necessary to revise our regulations or processes governing source protection and accountability, including whether Category 3 sources should be included in NSTS.
Interest in capturing other source-related information in NSTS (transportation information, advance shipment notifications, import/export notifications)
Planning for lifecycle costs
National Source Tracking System

15. Questions Contact: Irene Wu Email: Irene.Wu@nrc.gov
Phone:
National Source Tracking System