NRC NEWS

 U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 

 Office of Public Affairs Telephone: 301/415-8200

 Washington, DC 20555-0001 E-mail: opa@nrc.gov 

 Web Site: www.nrc.gov

No. 02-025 February 26, 2002

NRC ORDERS NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS TO ENHANCE SECURITY

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued Orders to all 104 commercial nuclear power

plants to implement interim compensatory security measures for the generalized high-level threat

environment. 

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 ìWhatís New At the Site.î

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