The Tennessee Valley Authority announced today that it will end its contract with a private security firm that has provided guards at TVA nuclear plants since 1997.
TVA Nuclear Chief Bill Campbell said the federal utility plans to terminate its contract with Pinkerton Government Services and bring back security positions as TVA employees during the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. The change will affect about 500 security workers employed at TVA’s Sequoyah, Watts Bar and Browns Ferry nuclear plants, TVA spokesman John Moulton said.
Under its current contract, TVA paid Pinkerton $159 million, or $26.5 million a year, for security at the three nuclear plants from October 2002 through October 2008.
“By having the nuclear security force become part of TVA’s nuclear power group, we will improve organizational alignment in the company and have more direct and effective management controls and lines of communication with the security workforce,” Mr. Campbell said in a memo to employees today. “Simply put, it allows us to further enhance our focus and oversight of the most critical part of our business — ensuring the health and safety of our employees, the public and our plants.”
In a statement to employees, TVA said it is working with Pinkerton to ensure a transition for the use of in-house security forces at the three nuclear plants.
See tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press for complete coverage.
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