Exelon's Nuclear Plants Removing Handguns From All Security Guards To Boost Profit

Update

http://www.whec.com/nys-exposed/security-changes-ginna-nuclear-power-plant/4280162/?cat=11217

 

*We reached out to Exelon, the company that owns Ginna to find out how the changes will impact security. In a statement, the company says in part: 

"Our nuclear facilities are secure. Our security officers remain heavily armed and ready to defend the facility. Handguns were one option for a weapon, but were never required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)... Over the past ten years, we have spent millions of dollars continually fortifying nuclear power plants. With these improvements, handguns are no longer required." 

According to internal emails and a newsletter that News10NBC obtained, Exelon and management at Ginna also say this change will save money. We went to Ontario Town Supervisor John Smith who says he supports the change, especially if is saves money. 

"I would applaud the power plant realizing the position they are in and they have a lifeline -- fortunately from our ratepayers -- to sustain Ginna, and other upstate New York power plants," says Smith. "Anywhere they would trim costs to reduce dependency would be a smart more. I am very comfortable with that." 

*Statement from Exelon: 

Our nuclear facilities are secure. Our security officers remain heavily armed and ready to defend the facility. Handguns were one option for a weapon, but were never required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). 

The nuclear industry in conjunction with the NRC closely monitors evolving security threats, and reviews and adjusts protection strategies accordingly. Over the past ten years, we have spent millions of dollars continually fortifying nuclear power plants. With these improvements, hand guns are no longer required. 

Well-trained security forces, robust physical barriers, intrusion detection systems, surveillance systems, and plant access controls are just some of the measures designed to protect the public, employees and the plant. Overlapping layers of physical, human and electronic security make the plant secure. 

The nuclear energy industry’s security programs are highly regulated by the federal government, ensuring nuclear power plants are among the best protected private sector facilities in the nation.  

This change was thoroughly evaluated by industry experts who found that eliminating handguns would have no impact on the current security strategy, given the other barriers, weapons and detection systems already in place.

My analysis of this event...it is the test case for nuclear industry/NEI's 30% budget reduction program nationwide. They think gov Cuomo is in a terribly weak position with his corruption issues, thus they chose NY for the test case. I think the industry wants to remove handguns nationwide from nuclear guards as a money saving policy.   

I can't believe the "power that be" didn't evaluate the optics of removing handguns from the security force. The idea they didn't disclose this to outsiders before they tried to implement it

This has been approved by the NRC. This is my case for the fallacy of security secrecy always protects our nation. The CIA director this weekend in the news shows saying the stability of the world is in the worst shape in 50 years. 

I bet you one of the risk perspectives says having poorly paid and disgruntled security officers running around with live handguns is a humongous risk for the plant. The nightmare is a security officer with a handgun strapped on his waist coming into the control room killing all the control room employees with his gun. Or he participating in a outside terrorist attack while he is inside the plant with his live gun...

This guy might be in a lot of trouble. He has outed the approved security stance in a nuclear plant without prior approval. He could have used the NRC's allegation process if he had too. I doubt Allegation would rule in his favor.

These are idiots here. Idiots follow the rules to their own demise. This is a radicle change in nuclear plant security posture, why didn't they have a public meeting over this as a means to cover their butts.  

NYS Exposed: Security changes at Ginna Nuclear Power Plant

October 03, 2016 06:27 AM

A nuclear power plant in our area is trying to cut costs by making security changes. These changes could be putting people living nearby in danger.

News10NBC received a phone call from a concerned employee at the Ginna Nuclear Power Plant. The employee says the security force at Ginna is going to be getting rid of all hand guns onsite.

The man that reached out to us has worked at Ginna Nuclear Power Plant for a number of years as a security officer. He says as of http://www.whec.com/nys-exposed/security-changes-ginna-nuclear-power-plant/4280162/ 

NYS Exposed: Security changes at Ginna Nuclear Power Plant

October 03, 2016 06:27 AM

A nuclear power plant in our area is trying to cut costs by making security changes. These changes could be putting people living nearby in danger.

News10NBC received a phone call from a concerned employee at the Ginna Nuclear Power Plant. The employee says the security force at Ginna is going to be getting rid of all hand guns onsite.

The man that reached out to us has worked at Ginna Nuclear Power Plant for a number of years as a security officer. He says as of October 12, security officers will no longer be carrying hand guns. Riffles will still be on site for some officers to carry, and others to use in case of an emergency, but this man says this change is putting people in danger.

Amanda Ciavarri: If someone were able to get into the reactor, what kind of havoc could they cause?

Securuty officer: From what we are trained in, it is sickness, death. You are talking about 15,000 people surrounding that area getting very sick or dying. And it is my job to protect them.

Amanda Ciavarri: Can you do your job with this change?

Security officer: I don't know. I don't feel very confident, I can tell you that. 

According to a company newsletter that News10NBC obtained, it is a move that Exelon, the company that owns Ginna, says will save money. But does it compromise security?

Security Officer: I think the public should have a say if they are going to make major security changes, and they aren't giving the public that option, and they are paying for it.

The plant is funded in part by RG&E customers, who pay a fee every month that goes to run Ginna. On News10NBC at 5 and 6, we will look into how this change will impact safety. Also, if it is saving money, does that mean you will be paying less for utilities? The answers we find may shock you.

October 12, security officers will no longer be carrying hand guns. Riffles will still be on site for some officers to carry, and others to use in case of an emergency, but this man says this change is putting people in danger.

Amanda Ciavarri: If someone were able to get into the reactor, what kind of havoc could they cause?

Security officer: From what we are trained in, it is sickness, death. You are talking about 15,000 people surrounding that area getting very sick or dying. And it is my job to protect them.

Amanda Ciavarri: Can you do your job with this change?

Security officer: I don't know. I don't feel very confident, I can tell you that.

According to a company newsletter that News10NBC obtained, it is a move that Exelon, the company that owns Ginna, says will save money. But does it compromise security?

Security Officer: I think the public should have a say if they are going to make major security changes, and they aren't giving the public that option, and they are paying for it.

The plant is funded in part by RG&E customers, who pay a fee every month that goes to run Ginna. On News10NBC at 5 and 6, we will look into how this change will impact safety. Also, if it is saving money, does that mean you will be paying less for utilities? The answers we find may shock you.