19 October 2001
Text: Threat to Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant Deemed Non-Credible
(Plant workers remain on high alert) (630)
The U.S. intelligence community has deemed "non-credible" a potential
terrorist threat directed at the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power
plant near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
A press release issued October 18 by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
does not describe the nature of the threat, but authorities did take
it seriously. As a result, TMI plant supervisors, federal and state
authorities are taking a number of security measures.
According to press reports, the warning of a possible threat came from
U.S. intelligence services late October 17. TMI plant workers have not
been evacuated, but the workers and local law enforcement remain on
high alert.
While no other nuclear power plants have received specific threats,
security at all of the nation's plants -- 103 reactors at 64 sites in
31 states -- has been increased since the September 11 terrorist
attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon near
Washington, D.C.
In 1979 TMI was the site of the nation's worst-ever commercial nuclear
reactor accident, when about a third of the fuel inside one of the
plant's three reactors melted and radiation was released into the
atmosphere.
Following is the text of the press release:
(begin text)
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
Office of Public Affairs
October 18, 2001
THREAT TO THREE MILE ISLAND NUCLEAR PLANT DEEMED NON-CREDIBLE; NRC
MONITORING CONTINUES AND WEBSITE RESTORED
A potential terrorist threat directed at the Three Mile Island nuclear
power plant near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has been determined by the
intelligence community to be non-credible.
However, when the threat came into the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
it was taken seriously, resulting in a number of security measures
taken by TMI's licensee, Exelon, as well as by other Federal and State
authorities.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is continuing to closely monitor
security at all nuclear reactors and nuclear fuel facilities around
the country.
Contrary to some rumors, the agency has not ordered any plants to shut
down for security reasons. Some plants are, as usual, shut down for
normal refueling and maintenance.
All nuclear power plants have remained at the highest level of
security since September 11. Subsequently, the agency has advised all
of its licensees of additional actions considered prudent and
appropriate to strengthen security further. The NRC is closely
monitoring the actions being taken to enhance security.
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks and the continuing
uncertainty about future terrorist intentions, the agency is
conducting a comprehensive review of its safeguards and physical
security program at the direction of Chairman Richard A. Meserve, with
the support of the Commission.
On September 26, Chairman Meserve sent letters to the governors of 40
states that have nuclear power plants or other NRC-regulated nuclear
facilities, advising them that it would be prudent to establish clear
liaison between nuclear facilities and state authorities in the event
that state security forces might be needed to augment security. Clear
lines of communication among the State, the NRC and licensees have
been established.
The NRC continues to maintain close contact with the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, other intelligence agencies and other law enforcement,
military and state authorities to assess the latest threat information
and to discuss current conditions and plans.
NRC's website, which was closed down last week, was restored Wednesday
with a limited amount of information. Taking down the agency website
was a precaution to make sure it did not contain information that
could be helpful to terrorists. As the agency's review continues,
other information and documents deemed non-sensitive will be added to
the site.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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