National Security Information Handbook

NSI Handbook
Security Classification
(e) scientific, technological, or economic matters relating to national security
(f) Unites States Government programs for safeguarding nuclear materials or
facilities
(g) vulnerabilities or capabilities of systems, installations, infrastructures,
projects, plans, or protection services relating to national security
(h) the development, production, or use of weapons of mass destruction
2. It is expected that most of the information classified within EPA will be categorized
by (e) or (g) above.
2-205 Limitations and Prohibitions
1. Classified information that has been declassified without proper authority, as
determined by an OCA with jurisdiction over the information, remains classified
and administrative action shall be taken to restore markings and controls, as
appropriate.
2. A determination that information is classified through the compilation of
unclassified information is a derivative classification action based upon existing
original classification guidance. If the compilation of unclassified information
reveals a new aspect of information that meets the criteria for classification, it shall
be referred to the OCA with jurisdiction over the information to make an original
classification decision. Information shall not be classified to:
Conceal violations of law, inefficiency, or administrative error
Prevent embarrassment to a person, organization, or agency
Restrain competition
Prevent or delay the release of information that does not require protection
in the interest of national security
Classify basic scientific research information not clearly related to national
security
A classified addendum shall be used whenever classified information
constitutes a small portion of an otherwise unclassified document
If use of a classified addendum is not practicable, derivative classifiers must
prepare a separate product to allow for dissemination in unclassified form
2-206 Documents Proposed for Original Classification Decisions
1. Information pending an original classification decision will be at the commensurate
level of the proposed classification.
2. In cases where an employee or non-federal personnel develops information requiring
classification, but does not have the authority to originally classify information, the
individual shall mark the information with the proposed classification followed by the
words “Pending Original Classification Decision.” Marking details are provided in
Chapter 4, Section 4-300.
3. The procedures identified below will be followed for submitting the proposal package
for review and forwarding to the OCA.
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