Group Accuses Progress Energy of Security Lapses at Nuclear Plant

Dec 13 - The News & Observer

A group opposed to nuclear power filed a complaint Tuesday with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission accusing Progress Energy of security breaches at its Shearon Harris nuclear plant.

The N.C. Waste Awareness & Reduction Network alleged in its complaint that Shearon Harris guards, employed by an outside security firm, have been forced to cheat on recertification tests, forced to work with a broken bone, and allowed to sleep or watch television on their shift.

N.C. WARN's complaint also claimed that a guard was shot at by an unknown gunman in August during patrol near Harris Lake. In addition, it stated that last month, a rail line was sabotaged outside the company's Brunswick Nuclear Plant south of Wilmington. At least four guards were dismissed for alerting the company of these and other alleged problems, the group said.

N.C. WARN's source of information is an unidentified guard at the Shearon Harris plant who brought his complaints to Jim Warren, head of the Durham-based N.C. WARN.

"If true, it's very disturbing," Warren said Tuesday. "These are people who are trying to get the word out to protect themselves and their families and the people in the region."

N.C. WARN sent its complaint to the the FBI, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the N.C. Attorney General.

A Progress Energy spokesman said the grievances have already been reviewed.

"Most of these issues are not new and have already been addressed," said spokesman Rick Kimble. "Security and safety are our highest priority at our nuclear plants and we will investigate these allegations fully."

All security-related issues pertaining to nuclear plants are sealed from public review.

"The NRC does not comment on details of security at U.S. nuclear power plants," said NRC spokesman Scott Burnell. "We take all concerns about security seriously, and we will examine the information the groups provided."

The state Attorney General's Office also will review the allegations, said spokeswoman Noelle Talley.

N.C. WARN's complaint said that three of the four guards who lost their jobs had been reinstated after involvement by the state Department of Labor. Agency spokesman Juan Santos would not confirm that but said the department's Employment Discrimination Bureau is investigating the allegations. Because the case is still open, Santos said the details were not public.

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