ML030780458

LTR-03-0154 - Sen. Frank Lautenberg Ltr Concerns Security at Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station

ML030780458
Person / Time
Site:	Oyster Creek
Issue date:	03/14/2003
From:	Lautenberg F US SEN (Senate)
To:	Susan Abraham, Ridge T Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, US Dept of Energy (DOE)
References
LTR-03-0154
Download: ML030780458 (3)

Text

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

- I-CORRESPONDENCE CONTROL TICKET Date Printed:Mar 17, 2003 17:09 PAPER NUMBER: LTR-03-0154 LOGGING DATE: 03/17/2003 ACTION OFFICE: EDO "TF: Caq0s5, ý2--

AUTHOR: SEN Frank Lautenberg AFFILIATION: SEN DEDR uEDM Spencer Abraham (DOE) AO ADDRESSEE:

SUBJECT:

Concerns security at the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station ACTION: Appropriate DISTRIBUTION: RF LETTER DATE: 03/14/2003 ACKNOWLEDGED No SPECIAL HANDLING:

NOTES:

FILE LOCATION: ADAMS DATE DUE: DATE SIGNED:

T&~po~. Cc~r '1 ({ SECY-D)

March 14, 2003 Honorable Spencer Abraham Honorable Thomas J. Ridge I am writing to express my deep dismay at the staggering lack of security recently reported at the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station. I was shocked to hear that intruders were able to access the facility grounds without hindrance by security guards and to videotape the loading dock and surrounding area, not 250 feet from the nuclear reactor.

I am especially incredulous that while the nation was on "Orange Alert" the entry road to this reactor was left wide open and unattended by security forces. Had the vehicle in question been carrying explosives I shudder to think of the ways by which damage could have been inflicted.

This incident is not the first time Oyster Creek has failed in its obligation to assure the safety of New Jerseyans. I am told that in 2001 the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station failed to pass a safety test of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It would appear that the managers of this facility have not yet learned their lesson.

That the Nuclear Regulatory Commission refused to watch the video documenting the unimpeded entry to the Oyster Creek facility, is equally disturbing. I hope this reported reaction has been wrongly described. We live in a time of heightened fears among the American people. Refusing to acknowledge a potential security weakness does not serve the citizens of the United States. This is hardly the time to be hiding our heads in the sand.

I urge you in the strongest terms to investigate this chilling lapse in security and to take whatever steps are necessary to assure the safety of New Jersey citizens in this heavily populated section of my state.

Sincerely, Frank R. Lautenberg U.S. Senate

For immediate release:

Contact:

Alex Formuzis or Janice Jrente March 14, 2003 (202) 224-3224 ALEX_FORMUZIS@LAUTENBERG.SENATE.GOV LAUTENBERG 'OUTRAGED' OVER INFILTRATION OF NEW JERSEY NUCLEAR PLANT WHILE NATION ON HIGH ALERT LAUTENBERG PLANS INQUIRY INTO SECURITY AT NUCLEAR FACILITY WASHINGTON, DC - In a strongly worded letter sent to the Secretaries of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Energy today, United States Senator Frank Lautenberg (D NJ) expressed his concerns over the recent intrusion by an unauthorized contingent of people onto the grounds of the Oyster Creek Nuclear Facility.

"I am especially incredulous that while the nation was on "Orange Alert" the entry road to this reactor was left wide open and unattended by security forces. Had the vehicle in question been carrying explosives I shudder to think of the ways by which damage could have been inflicted," wrote Lautenberg in his letter.

Lautenberg witnessed a videotape taken by those that entered the facility. In the tape, the van carrying the people drives throughout the Oyster creek nuclear complex and at one point gets within 250 feet of the main reactor.

"In the days following the attacks on September 1 1 th, our government told the public that the nation's nuclear plants were likely targets for future terrorist attacks, and promised an increased security presence at each one across the country. However, this latest incident is further proof that our homeland security is anything but," said Lautenberg.

As a member of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, Lautenberg plans to get answers about the security, or lack thereof, at Oyster Creek. The Committee has jurisdiction over the newly created Department of Homeland Security.

A copy of the letter sent to Secretaries Tom Ridge (DHS) and Spencer Abraham (DOE) accompany this release.

To witness part of the videotape, go on to the following site:

http://www.newsl2.comfNewCDA/articles/article detail/0.5942.%26rid%3D 12%26region%3D NJ%26tab%3Dtopstories%26id%3D53693.00.html

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