Key Issues
Nuclear Power Plant Security
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Security Increased Since Sept. 11, 2001
Immediately after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, security at every nuclear power plant was placed on its highest level of alert. Nuclear plant security now is consistent with DHS threat levels.
As a result, access to the plants is more strictly controlled, the defensive perimeters have been extended and reinforced, and security forces and capabilities have been augmented. Further, coordination with law enforcement, the intelligence community and the military has been enhanced. At some plants, these efforts have been supplemented by the National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, state police or other forces.
In 2002, the NRC formalized many of the enhancements to security that the industry already had implemented. The agency subsequently issued new requirements further restricting access authorization.
In 2003, the NRC issued orders limiting the working hours of security personnel and requiring increased training, including weapons proficiency. All plants met these requirements in 2004.
As a result of these mandates, each nuclear plant site has spent an average of $14 million for physical improvements to improve security and nearly $21 million for additional officers.
Site Security Measures
All commercial nuclear plants have established extensive security measures. Plant operators and the NRC inspect these measures and test them in drills and exercises to uncover any weakness. Security measures include:
All threats will be countered with dedicated, tactically trained, well-armed security officers who collectively determine the nature of a threat, assess its magnitude and take aggressive steps to deter the threat.
Controlled Access
Access to a nuclear power plant requires passage through a larger “owner-controlled area” surrounding the plant.
Access to an interior fenced area—the protected area where the reactor building is located—is controlled by security officers and physical barriers. Vehicle barriers and/or other physical boundaries ensure the protected area of the plant cannot be breached by a direct vehicular assault or by detonation of a vehicle bomb. All vehicles, personnel and material entering the protected area first must be thoroughly inspected by security officers to ensure that no weapons, explosives or other such items are brought onto the plant site.
Access to the “protected area” of the plant is controlled through the use of physical barriers, intrusion detection equipment, closed-circuit surveillance equipment, a designated isolation zone and exterior lighting.
Access to the inner areas of the plant where vital equipment is located also is controlled through the use of physical barriers, locked and alarmed doors, and card-reader or hand geometry access control systems.
The barriers are substantial enough to effectively delay entry to allow for an effective armed response by plant security forces. Within the protected zone, access to all vital areas of the plant is even more secure. This access may be controlled by a security officer or provided by computer-controlled, “key-card” access systems. Plant employees must have a documented need prior to gaining access to each vital area, and their movements are tracked by key-card access points throughout the vital area.
Reactor Operators Act in Concert With Security
Reactor operators train frequently to be sure they can respond to a range of unusual events. Plant operators have emergency procedures in place specifically for security situations, including automatic shutdown of the reactor in the event of an attack. Emergency planning and public notification systems support protection of public health and safety. The NRC periodically evaluates these plans during exercises or drills, which also may involve local police, fire and emergency management organizations.
Security Increased Since Sept. 11, 2001
Immediately after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, security at every nuclear power plant was placed on its highest level of alert. Nuclear plant security now is consistent with DHS threat levels.
As a result, access to the plants is more strictly controlled, the defensive perimeters have been extended and reinforced, and security forces and capabilities have been augmented. Further, coordination with law enforcement, the intelligence community and the military has been enhanced. At some plants, these efforts have been supplemented by the National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, state police or other forces.
In 2002, the NRC formalized many of the enhancements to security that the industry already had implemented. The agency subsequently issued new requirements further restricting access authorization.
In 2003, the NRC issued orders limiting the working hours of security personnel and requiring increased training, including weapons proficiency. All plants met these requirements in 2004.
As a result of these mandates, each nuclear plant site has spent an average of $14 million for physical improvements to improve security and nearly $21 million for additional officers.
Site Security Measures
All commercial nuclear plants have established extensive security measures. Plant operators and the NRC inspect these measures and test them in drills and exercises to uncover any weakness. Security measures include:
- physical barriers and illuminated detection zones
- approximately 8,000 well-trained and well-equipped armed security officers at 65 sites who are on duty all day, every day
- surveillance and patrols of the perimeter fence
- intrusion detection aids (including several types of detection fields, closed-circuit television systems and alarm/alert devices)
- bullet-resisting barriers to critical areas
- a dedicated contingency response force.
All threats will be countered with dedicated, tactically trained, well-armed security officers who collectively determine the nature of a threat, assess its magnitude and take aggressive steps to deter the threat.
Controlled Access
Access to a nuclear power plant requires passage through a larger “owner-controlled area” surrounding the plant.
Access to an interior fenced area—the protected area where the reactor building is located—is controlled by security officers and physical barriers. Vehicle barriers and/or other physical boundaries ensure the protected area of the plant cannot be breached by a direct vehicular assault or by detonation of a vehicle bomb. All vehicles, personnel and material entering the protected area first must be thoroughly inspected by security officers to ensure that no weapons, explosives or other such items are brought onto the plant site.
Access to the “protected area” of the plant is controlled through the use of physical barriers, intrusion detection equipment, closed-circuit surveillance equipment, a designated isolation zone and exterior lighting.
Access to the inner areas of the plant where vital equipment is located also is controlled through the use of physical barriers, locked and alarmed doors, and card-reader or hand geometry access control systems.
The barriers are substantial enough to effectively delay entry to allow for an effective armed response by plant security forces. Within the protected zone, access to all vital areas of the plant is even more secure. This access may be controlled by a security officer or provided by computer-controlled, “key-card” access systems. Plant employees must have a documented need prior to gaining access to each vital area, and their movements are tracked by key-card access points throughout the vital area.
Reactor Operators Act in Concert With Security
Reactor operators train frequently to be sure they can respond to a range of unusual events. Plant operators have emergency procedures in place specifically for security situations, including automatic shutdown of the reactor in the event of an attack. Emergency planning and public notification systems support protection of public health and safety. The NRC periodically evaluates these plans during exercises or drills, which also may involve local police, fire and emergency management organizations.
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