CLASSIFIED DOCUMENT DESTRUCTION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82M00591R000300110025-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 10, 2003
• Sequence Number: 25
• Publication Date: May 22, 1976
• Content Type: MF

CONFIDENTIAL
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UNITED STATES INTELLIGENCE BOARD
SECURITY COMMITTEE
Technical Surveillance Countermeasures Subcommittee
Research and Development Working Group
2 2 PJ1AY 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR: Chairman, Security Committee
VIA Chairman, Technical Surveillance
Countermeasures Subcommittee
REFERENCE Mr. Donald Paschal Memo, NIS 09X/5500 Ser C-150
of 20 Jan 76
1. The problems concerning routine destruction of classified
material as set forth in the referenced memorandum have been examined.
2. Member agencies were polled to determine what methods of
routine destruction are currently employed to identify problems en-
countered utilizing current techniques to identify existing or planned
R&D efforts. The results of this poll were not surprising. It was
learned that few unique destruction situations exist and that nearly
all agencies utilize some form of mechanical destruction (mulching,
shredding, hammermills, etc) or incineration.
3. Although incinerators provide the surest method of destruction
of classified material, the current surge of interest in environmen-
tal protection is having a negative impact on destruction in this
manner. As clean air standards are imposed on a community it forces
those within that community dependent on incineration to retrofit in-
cinerators so they conform to the standards or to transport material
to an incinerator located in an area with less stringent standards, a
stop gap measure at best. Either situation will have a heavy financial
impact on the agency affected. Hammermills tend to be considered
unacceptable for use in an office environment due to the high noise
levels associated with this type of equipment. Further, their
inability to cope with large amounts of destruct material and sus-
ceptability to mechanical failure seem to make them very inefficient
methods of destruction. The requirements voiced by those polled are
for quiet, efficient systems which are non-polluting, capable of hand-
ling reasonably large amounts of printed matter and film based microform.
material and suitable for use in an office atmosphere.
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CONFIDENTIAL
SUBJECT: Classified Document Destruction
4. A current CIA R&D project involves the study of. known non-
mechanical techniques far routine destruction. The goal of this
project is to identify potential document destruct system concepts
suitable for office use which optimize the most promising concepts
within the following system constraints:
a. Destruction capacity
Printed matter 400 lbs/hr
Microform 1 lb/hr
b. Maximum power consumption lOKW
c. Residue mast be easily handleable
d. Must comply with current and near future environmental
standards
This project is due to be completed in November 1976.
S. A second program currently under funding by CIA is designed
to develop an analytical method for, and to study the effects af, parti-
cle size and other parameters on reconstruction probabilities for micro-
fische and other printed matter destroyed by chopping, shredding or
other similar processes? A June/,July 76 completion date of this pro-
gram is anticipated. Final reports of both projects will be made
available to the members of the Security Committee.
6. A prototype system for the instantaneous destruction of small
quantities of documents (50-60 sheets) was recently completed by CIA.
The system, installed in a 5-inch attache case, explosively forces the
documents through a honeycomb structure. The instantaneous destruction
capabilities of this system may hold some interest for Security Com-
mittee members although it is an emergency vice routine destruct system.
A short film is availab:e for those interested in this system.
7. No other R&D projects for the routine destruction of docu-
ments were identified nor were any agencies contemplating such expen-
ditures of funds. Within Navy, Naval Research Laboratories (NRL) was
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 CONFIDENTIAL
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identified as having an ongoing interest in the sphere of emergency
destruct systems. NRL advised they would be willing to collate and
disseminate at a nominal cost any information provided by member
agencies relative to routine destruct R&D projects or systems. As
no R&D interest in this field has been identified at this time, it
appears this approach would be an unnecessary expenditure particu-
larly in view of CIA's current projects which, if successful, seems
to satisfy everyone's stated current and future needs.
25X1A
Chairman
Research and Development Working Group
C O N F I D E N T I A L
Approved For Release 2003/04/22: CIA-RDP82M00591 8000300110025-1