The Tribal Radioactive Materials Transportation Committee (TRMTC) provides an avenue for member tribal nations to speak with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and provide input to DOE's decision-making and the decisions of other participating federal agencies regarding shipments of radioactive materials across the nation. TRMTC also works with states to assist with coordination between state and tribal officials planning for shipments of radioactive materials.
A collaborative planning process has developed over many decades among the participating federal agencies, state, and tribal governments to help shape decisions on topics such as route selection, notifications of shipments, inspections, fees, emergency preparedness, and staff training. The relationships built through the collaborative planning process facilitate the exchange of information and help TRMTC member tribes prepare for shipments.
Today, TRMTC ensures the collaborative planning process continues and accounts for the priorities of the tribal governments impacted by these shipments. The goal is to help tribal nations prepare for shipments and communicate with their tribal members about the safety measures taken, including those that protect cultural resources.
Key Accomplishments Include
Providing input to the DOE, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and other federal agencies on a variety of orders, regulations, and planning documents.
Engaging with the NRC on transportation-related activities including the provision of Safeguards Information Awareness Training as a requirement for tribes to receive advance notification of shipments of high-level radioactive materials and spent nuclear fuel.
Consulting with State Regional Groups to increase tribal participation in TRMTC and other DOE working groups and cooperative agreements.
Receiving updates from private companies involved in the management and transportation of radioactive materials.
TRMTC's Strategic Initiatives Focus On
Policy and Planning with Federal Agencies: TRMTC is an avenue for tribal members to learn about pending federal decisions and policies early enough in the decision-making process to influence the outcome. It also allows committee members to inform their tribal leadership about pending decisions that impact their individual tribes and reinforces federal responsibility to consult with tribal leaders on a government-to-government basis on matters that concern tribal nations.
Transportation Operations Coordination: Transportation routes include much of Indian Country, so it is important that federal agencies consult with tribes when preparing for existing and future shipping campaigns of radioactive waste and materials. Operational coordination can include receiving prenotification of shipments, real-time satellite tracking of shipments through a reservation, and scheduling shipments around tribal holidays and ceremonies. This will be of particular importance as developments occur regarding proposed interim storage and/or permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste and any associated siting and transportation planning.
Emergency Management, Radiological Response and Preparedness Training: Information sharing, trainings, and ongoing discussions regarding emergency management response and preparedness can help facilitate safe transportation and can promote tribal participation in trainings and certifications associated with transporting radioactive materials and spent nuclear fuel.
Cultural and Natural Resource Considerations: Potential impacts to tribal historic and cultural resource areas, pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), may arise during transportation. Many tribes have hunting, fishing, and gathering rights on lands ceded to the federal government that may be outside reservation boundaries; potential impacts on these lands must be evaluated in accordance with NEPA requirements.
Public Health, Safety, and Community Education: Tribes are responsible for overseeing emergency management for their respective communities and actively participate in TRMTC as a conduit for protecting public health and safety to reduce potential impacts to tribal communities, as well as to mitigate impacts to cultural and natural resources that may fall within existing or proposed transportation corridors. As such, TRMTC remains dedicated to building capacity and expanding emergency management capabilities to address the needs of tribal communities by increasing participation in national, regional, and local response efforts.