NRC ORDERS NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS TO ENHANCE SECURITY

Some of the requirements formalize a series of security measures that NRC licensees had
taken in response to advisories issued by the NRC in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Additional security enhancements, which have emerged from the on-going comprehensive security review, are also spelled out in the Orders. The requirements will remain in effect until such time as the Commission determines that the level of threat has diminished, or that other security changes are needed following a comprehensive re-evaluation of current safeguards and security programs. The Commission views these compensatory measures as prudent, interim measures to address the generalized high-level threat environment in a consistent manner throughout the nuclear reactor community.

The Commission recognizes that the licensees have voluntarily and responsibly implemented additional security measures following the events of September 11. But in light of the fact that the threat environment has persisted longer than expected, the Commission has concluded that it is appropriate to require certain security measures so that they are maintained within the established regulatory framework.

The specific actions taken are understandably sensitive, but generally include requirements for increased patrols, augmented security forces and capabilities, additional security posts, installation of additional physical barriers, vehicle checks at greater stand-off distances, enhanced coordination with law enforcement and military authorities, and more restrictive site access controls for all personnel.

The Orders are effective immediately.

Licensees are required to provide NRC with a schedule for achieving full compliance within 20 days. Licensees must also notify NRC within 20 days and justify in writing if they feel they are unable to comply with any of the requirements of the order, if compliance with any requirement is unnecessary in their specific circumstances, or if implementation of any requirement would cause the licensee to be in violation of the provisions of any Commission regulation or the facility license, or adversely impact safe operation of the facility.

Immediately after the September 11 attacks, the NRC advised all of the nuclear power plants and other key nuclear facilities to go to the highest level of security, which they promptly did. Specific measures were subsequently defined in a number of advisories, and have been subject to audit by NRC security experts. The NRC is coordinating with other Federal and State agencies on protection of critical infrastructure within the United States.

A copy of the non-safeguards portion of the order will be posted on the NRC web site today at: http://www.nrc.gov under "What's New At the Site."

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Last revised Wednesday, June 25, 2003