Are nuclear power plants today capable of withstanding a 9/11-scale attack — or even the smaller attacks anticipated before 9/11/01?
Before September 11, 2001, the security measures in place provided reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the public would be protected in the event of an attack within the design basis threat (DBT) of radiological sabotage in 10 CFR 73.1. Since September 11, 2001, the defensive capability of the industry has been significantly enhanced as a result of the actions taken by licensees voluntarily and in response to the Advisories issued by the NRC after September 11, 2001, and the Orders issued on February 25, 2002. In addition, on April 29, 2003, NRC issued a revised DBT against that licensees must be prepared to defend. The enhancements include security measures against an insider, waterborne attacks, vehicle bombs, and land-based assault threats. Additional measures will be considered in the future as necessary.
Related Questions
- Are nuclear power plants today capable of withstanding a 9/11-scale attack -- or even the smaller attacks anticipated before 9/11/01?
- Are nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities vulnerable to terrorist attacks? Is anything being done to protect them?
- Are any more nuclear power plants being built today?
