05000305/LER-2005-009

LER-2005-009,

Docket Number
Event date:	05-19-2005
Report date:	07-15-2005
3052005009R00 - NRC Website

FACILITY NAME (1) DOCKET NUMBER (2) LER NUMBER (6 PAGE (3) Kewaunee Power Station 05000305 2005 — 09 — 00

EVENT DESCRIPTION

On May 19, 2005, at 0705 with the Kewaunee Power Station in refueling shutdown mode, a firearm was discovered during the security search process at the station's protected area access. A security watchperson discovered the firearm located in a briefcase as it passed through the security entrance x-ray. Upon discovery, the watchperson immediately pointed out the weapon to the security shift supervisor who was directly in the area conducting supervisory oversight during the morning ingress period. The briefcase containing the weapon was removed from the x-ray unit and controlled by the security shift supervisor.

At the time of the weapon discovery, the suspected owner of the briefcase was positioned at the entrance side of the x-ray unit placing additional items into the unit to be scanned. The suspected owner of the briefcase then passed through the metal detector and upon exiting was asked to identify the briefcase in question, at which time the individual claimed ownership of the briefcase. The individual agreed to a hands-on search of the briefcase.

Prior to conducting the hands-on search of the briefcase an armed security officer secured the owner of the briefcase, separating the owner from the briefcase in question. A search of the briefcase revealed a loaded revolver. Security personnel removed the owner of the briefcase from the search area and conducted a pat- down search of the individual. No additional contraband was discovered. The weapon was placed in the station's security arms room and the owner of the weapon was detained for the Local Law Enforcement Agency (LLEA). The LLEA arrived on site at approximately 0750.

Station management obtained the individual's resignation of employment from the Kewaunee Power Station.

The individual's name was placed on a site access review list that will no longer allow the individual past the station's security vehicle checkpoint. The LLEA completed their investigation and took possession of the weapon. At 0940 the individual was placed under arrest and transported to the LLEA office for final processing.

EVENT ANALYSIS

This event is reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 73.71 Appendix G Item 1(d) as a condition of an actual or attempted introduction of contraband into a protected area.

SAFETY SIGNIFICANCE

This occurrence has minimal safety significance.

The individual was a new hire at the Kewaunee Power Station and was in the final processing stages for obtaining unescorted access. At no time during this event did the individual attempt to regain control of the briefcase containing the firearm. Prior to the date of this event and including the date of this event the individual had been provided access on site under visitor status. Before authorization of each site access, the individual was requested to read the "Protected Area Visitor and Vehicle Access" form which describes the policies and procedures for site access. During all of these instances the individual stated an understanding and agreement to comply with the station's site access policies. While on site the individual had been under the control of an escort at all times.

FACILITY NAME (1) DOCKET NUMBER (2) LER NUMBER (6 � PAGE (3) 2005 — 09 — 00 i Interviews conducted with the employees who provided escorted access to the individual determined that the individual did not display any abnormal behavior. On May 19, 2005 a search was conducted of the individual's office area and nothing abnormal was found. In addition, a review of the video recordings in the x-ray search area was conducted for the prior entries of the individual. The review revealed that the briefcase used to transport the weapon was not brought on site previous to this event.

CAUSE

The cause of this event was poor worker practices. The owner of the weapon stated an awareness of the rules and regulations concerning the introduction of weapons at nuclear power stations and had forgot the weapon was located in the briefcase.

CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

1. Kewaunee Power Station management obtained the individual's resignation of employment.

2. This event was shared with the Kewaunee Power Station security team to ensure all security force members understand the event along with the actions that were taken by the officers involved.

3. The event was also shared with all site personnel as operating experience.

PREVIOUS SIMILAR EVENTS

None.