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The Honorable Richard L. Ottinger, Chairman Subconmittee on Energy Conservation and Power Committee on Energy and Commerce United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C.
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Dear Mr. Chairman:
Enclosed for your information is an announcement that the Nuclear -
Regulatory Commission staff has proposed a $20,000 fine against Iowa Electric Light and Power Company for an alleged violation of NRC security requirements at the Duane Arnold Energy Center.
It is planned to nail this information to the news media today, March 16, 1984.
Sincerely, Carlton Kammerer, Director Office of Congressional Affairs
Enclosure:
As stated cc:
Rep. Carlos Moorhead IDENTICAL LETTER SENT TO:
Sen. Simpson/cc:
Sen. Hart Rep. Udall/cc:
Rep. Lujan Rep. Markey/cc: Rep. Marlenee Sen. Grsssley Sen. Jepsen Rep. Tauke 8510230098 851004 PDR FOIA JACOBS85-478 PDR
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
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- Office of Public Affairs Washington, D.C. 20555 s
No.
84-34 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tel. 301/492-7715 (Friday, March 16,1984)
NRC STAFF PROPOSES $20,000 FINE AGAINST IOWA ELECTRIC FOR SECURITY VIOLATION AT DUANE ARN0LD ENERGY CENTER The Nuclear Regulatory Comission staff has proposed a $20,000 fine against Iowa Electric Light and Power Company for an alleged violation of NRC security requirements at the Ouane Arnold Energy Center near Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The alleged violation, which occurred on December 20-21, 1983, involved uncontrolled access to a vital area of the plant for about an 11-hour period because louvres had been removed from an exterior wall of a plant building during maintenance work at the plant. A portion of the building is considered a vital area because it cuntains equipment for the safe operation and shutdown-of the plant.
The building is located within the security area of the plant, and access to the area is controlled by the plant's security force and alarm systems. A review by the utility and the NRC determined there were no security incidents resulting from the access violation.
Specific details of the security violation are not permitted to be disclosed because they constitute " Safeguards Information," under Federal law.
The access violation was discovered by the utility and reported to the NRC, as required.
The normal fine for such a security violation is $40,000, but the amount was reduced because of the company's prompt and extensive actions to correct the security problem and prevent a recurrence. The actions included a thorough investigation of the incident, a search of the area, the security review of persons with access to the area, and disciplinary action against the supervisor responsible for the incident.
The utility has until April 13, 1984, to pay the fine or protest it.
If the fine is protested and subsequently imposed by the NRC staff, the utility may request a hearing.