Every nuclear power plant has extensive security measures in place to protect the facility from intruders, and the NRC and plant operators hold nuclear power plants to the highest security standards of any American industry. In fact, the nuclear energy industry is one of the few industries whose security program is regulated by the federal government.

Already extensive security systems were examined after Sept. 11, 2001, and the nation’s nuclear power plants increased their security forces by one-third, to approximately 8,000 officers. The industry invested $2.1 billion over and above its ongoing security expenses to make these enhancements. In addition, the industry:

extended and fortified security perimeters
increased patrols within security zones
installed new barriers to protect against vehicle bombs
installed additional high-tech surveillance equipment
fortified plant security training
updated emergency plans

A key focus of all security measures is the plant reactor, which is protected by about four feet of steel-reinforced concrete with a thick steel liner, and the reactor vessel is made of steel about six inches thick. Steel-reinforced concrete containment structures are designed to withstand the impact of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and airborne objects with a significant force.

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) conducted state-of-the-art computer modeling study on the impact of a Boeing 767 crash on a nuclear plant and concluded that nuclear plant containment structures—as well as spent fuel storage pools and steel-and-concrete fuel storage containers—would withstand the impact and protect the fuel.

The industry coordinates with the NRC, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and intelligence agencies on the assessment of potential threats and specific responses and actions by industry security forces.

Sources:
Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, World Association of Nuclear Operators