- For 10 years, nuclear watchdog groups have worried that
terrorists could attack a nuclear plant by boat. Now, the U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission is ready to permanently close water around the nation's
reactors.
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- The move is expected to help plant guards keep watch
on watercraft approaching the plants.
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- These are trying times, and these unique facilities pose
unusual risks," said Lt. Junior Grade Kevin Sligh, of the Coast Guard
Marine Safety Office/Group Philadelphia.
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- "It will wind up keeping recreational boaters out,
but as far as the public is concerned, we're trying to keep terrorists
away."
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- "Since '93 we've been asking for more security around
TMI and Peach Bottom, so I'm delighted that the federal government is starting
to address these areas," said Eric Epstein, of Harrisburg-based watchdog
group Three Mile Island Alert, who called it a "first step."
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- Local boaters already are familiar with the restriction.
Marker buoys and signs went up around Three Mile Island, Peach Bottom and
other plants across the state last May, part of a temporary action imposed
by the Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security.
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- The change has had minimal impact on those who use the
river for recreation, said Ralph DeSantis, a spokesman for Exelon Nuclear,
part owner of Three Mile Island.
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- "Most people tend to stay away from it," he
said. "It's well-marked, and boaters know not to go there."
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- Violating the warning would be a violation of federal
law. The waterway restriction will be enforced by the Coast Guard, and
state and local law enforcement agencies.
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- The no-boat zone covers only the western side of the
island, and does not extend from shore to shore. It also has no impact
on Beach and Shelly islands.
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- The buoys are not barricades. But they do provide more
protection than before, said Scott Portzline, who studies security issues
for TMIA.
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- The restriction will make it easier for guards to spot
intruders, especially during summer months when usage is highest, he said.
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- "With one boat entering they can immediately see
it and announce to the other guards that there is a boat in the exclusion
zone," Portzline said. "So there is some benefit, but it is a
limited benefit."
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- Portzline and others, including the Union of Concerned
Scientists, criticized federal authorities in the past for not requiring
plant operators to protect against water-borne attacks. Commando raids
could be initiated from the water, they argued.
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- The protections were required by the NRC after the Sept.
11, 2001, attacks.
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- The changes will become permanent, pending a review of
public comments. They may be sent to: Coast Guard Marine Safety Office
Philadelphia, 1 Washington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19147. Attn: Lt. Kevin
Sligh.
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- The deadline is Monday.
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- http://pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/10688922414400.xml
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