Tougher security precautions might be instituted for Yucca

Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2001 | 9:24 a.m.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission may impose tougher security regulations at all licensed nuclear facilities, including rules applying to a proposed high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain.

The NRC implemented tighter security measures at all sites licensed by the agency in the wake of the terrorist attacks, although the agency has yet to institute new rules, NRC officials say.

In a memo to staff members, NRC Executive Director for Operations William Travers informed NRC Chairman Richard Meserve that agency staff members are re-evaluating the NRC's physical security requirements for the licensing of any nuclear facilities, such as reactors or a repository such as the proposed dump at Yucca Mountain.

The NRC was considering rules that would address security issues related to a possible terrorist attack before Sept. 11. The events of that day prompted the need for immediate action.

The NRC plans to update the final rules regarding the proposed waste repository at Yucca Mountain to reflect public comment in the wake of the attacks.

The NRC since Sept. 11 has received comments from numerous people asking, for example, whether an emergency evacuation plan pertaining to a terrorist threat is in place, whether a repository would be safe from sabotage and whether terrorists posed a threat to shipments of spent fuel, an Oct. 16 memo said.

NRC officials could provide few details on the nature of the new security rules.

Bob Loux, Nevada Agency for Nuclear Projects executive director, said the state is upset because the NRC has responded so slowly toward implementing new security rules. Two years ago Nevada officials asked the NRC to reconsider its regulations, based on concerns involving the World Trade Center bombing in 1993 and the Oklahoma City federal building bombing in 1995 and the potential for similar attacks.

If the president, Congress and the NRC approve Yucca Mountain, the repository could open as early as 2010. As much as 77,000 tons of highly radioactive waste from reactors and defense facilities would be stored at the site, 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas.