ML20236W478
| ML20236W478 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 11/19/1987 |
| From: | Zech L NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Gejdenson S HOUSE OF REP., INTERIOR & INSULAR AFFAIRS |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8712080052 | |
| Download: ML20236W478 (2) | |
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UNITED STATES
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'i NUCl. EAR REGULATORY COMMISSION f"
W ASHINGTON, D. C. 20555
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November 19, 1987 CHAIRMAN The Honorable Sam Gejdenson, Chairman Subcommittee on General Oversight and Investigations Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C.
20515
Dear Mr. Chairman:
The Commission is aware of your interest in examining the possibility of e
using the National Guard at nuclear power plants in the event of serious security threats. Mr. Hugh L. Thompson, Jr., Director of the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, has also advised us that you solicited his ideas on possible ways to employ the National Guard as a response element during security events at nuclear facilities. Your interest in this matter is appreciated, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss it with you, i
As you know, Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensees that declare e
an emergency are required, in accordance with local and state emergency l
establish that local law enforcement authorities will respond promptly
'j plans, to notify local and state authorities. Approved contingency plans to security events at nuclear reactor facilities.
Past experience and extensive planning between the NRC staff, local officials and utilities lead us to believe that the National Guard is not prepared to respond immediately j
to security threats at nuclear facilities. Activation would require a j]
decision by State Governors and would take anywhere from several hours to a day or more, depending on such factors as availability of personnel, distances involved, traffic conditions, and other considerations.
However, the Guard may have a role to play as a support element to law enforcement authorities in an extended emergency response.
Our current philosophy for responding to security emergencies considers county, state, or other local law enforcement authorities to be the first line of immediate off-site response. A Memorandum of Understanding between the NRC and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provides that ultimate responsibility for law enforcement regarding security events rests with the FBI. Upon arrival at a site experiencing a security emergency, the FBI l
has primary jurisdiction and assumes responsibility for directing the activities of other law enforcement agencies already on-site and, if deemed necessary, for reouesting assistance from other federal agencies.
Depending on the nature of a specific event, it would be the prerogative of State Governors to use individuai resources at their disposal, including the National Guard, in support of the law enfor, cement response directed by the FBI.
i 8712090052 0711til PDR COMMS NRCC CORRESPONDENCE PDR
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'l In sumary, the Commission believes'that.the' National Guard is~ a-valuable l
resource. However, the abilities.of. various Guard units and their availa-l
'bility best' serve the contingencies arising from an extended emergency and.
.not those of relatively brief. security events..that require an immediate law
' enforcement response. '
~ S.incerely,.
IN.
'Lando'W. Zec Jr.
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