FP&L might be fined over nuclear plant security

[jpak]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzfpl0411sbapr11,0,2008712.story

For the second time this year, federal regulators want to fine Florida Power & Light for security violations at the Turkey Point nuclear power plant near Miami.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced Thursday that it is proposing a $130,000 fine, after an agency investigation revealed that half a dozen contracted security guards at the plant were found dozing on duty multiple times from 2004 to 2006, according to the commission.

FPL, the state's largest utility with 4.5 million customers, has 30 days to pay the fine or challenge it, said commission spokesman Ken Clark, adding there are no pending security issues at Turkey Point.

As part of its investigation, Clark said, the commission interviewed former employees.

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[Mika]

1. Isn't Jeb Bush on the board of Wackenhut? n/t

[struggle4progress]

2. Cat naps at U.S. nuclear plant may catch hefty fine

Thu 10 Apr 2008, 15:25 GMT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Thursday may fine Florida Power & Light Co $130,000 (66,000 pounds) after security officers at the company's Turkey Point nuclear power plant near Miami were found sleeping on the job.

The NRC said its investigators found that on multiple occasions from 2004 through 2006 "security officers at Turkey Point were wilfully inattentive to duty or served as lookouts so other officers could sleep on duty."

An NRC inspector specifically saw on April 6, 2006, a security officer sleeping on duty while posted in a vital area of the reactor, the agency said.

In a letter to the company this week, the NRC said it "considers this matter to be a significant security concern" and sleeping security personnel "cannot be tolerated." ...

http://africa.reuters.com/odd/news/usnN10332957.html