Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Gibbons wants details on security strategies for Yucca shipments

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jim Gibbons is seeking details on proposed security safeguards for nuclear waste shipments to a planned repository at Yucca Mountain.

Gibbons, R-Nev., said in a letter disclosed Monday that he wanted to know whether the Energy Department has consulted with the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, nuclear safety officials and state managers on strategies to guard shipments.

He also requested information on what steps have been taken to train emergency responders in the 43 states that shipments would pass through en route to Nevada.

"What type of training will they receive and what type of real-life drills will these groups perform?" asked Gibbons, who is chairman of the House homeland security subcommittee on intelligence and counterterrorism.

Gibbons added that he wants to know whether first responders will be trained to a federal security level or to safety levels set by individual states.

"A highly trained team of first responders and a foolproof contingency plan is not only appropriate, but necessary" to guard against possible terrorist attacks or sabotage of railcars and trucks expected to carry radioactive spent fuel to the burial site, Gibbons said.

Gibbons sent the letter late Friday to Margaret Chu, director of DOE's Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management, Nils Diaz, chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta.

Copies also were sent to Transportation Department officials who oversee research and hazardous material safety.