May 13, 2008 8:03 pm US/Eastern
NRC Chief Tours Turkey Point, Expresses Concerns
NRC Plans To Fine FPL $130-Thousand For Security Violations
Tens Of Thousands Could Be Affected In SOFLA In Case Of A Spill
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
More than a month after Turkey Point was cited for serious security violations, the chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission toured the Turkey Point nuclear power plant in South Miami-Dade Tuesday.
After touring the facility and meeting with plant managers, Chairman Dale Klein said he's been assured the facility is secure. Klein also said he's been assured by management that staffing issues at the plant are being addressed, as too many employees are working long hours.
"Currently the employees have a little bit more overtime than we typically would like to see, and quite frankly would like to see," said Klein.
The agency has proposed fining the plant's operator, Florida Power & Light, $130-thousand for a number of violations which occurred from 2004 to 2006. The agency says security personnel employed by Wackenhut Nuclear Services slept on duty while others covered for the napping guards.
In 2006, a
CBS4 News investigation revealed security guards at the entrance shack to the plant carrying weapons with no ammunition. When
CBS4's cameras passed by this time around, their assault weapons did have ammunition.
"My comments to the staff and to the management is, 'do not become complacent'," said Klein.
NRC officials, in a statement, wrote the fine was being proposed because of the 2006 investigation found that security officers employed by Wackenhut Nuclear Services were "willfully inattentive to duty (sleeping)."
FPL intends to build two more nuclear power reactors at the plant, but if that is the case, it may have to do much convincing that these concerns have been addressed.
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