The Tennessee Valley Authority is asking for another 2 1/2 years to comply with federal rules for enhanced security at its nuclear power plants.
A nuclear watchdog group on Friday called the extension request "outrageous" and far longer than what most other utilities are requesting from federal regulators.
"Here we are, nearly a decade after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and yet TVA says it still can't comply until late 2012 with all of the security requirements adopted to protect our nuclear plants," said Ed Lyman, a senior nuclear scientist for the Union of Concerned Scientists. "That's unacceptable, and we certainly will oppose granting such an extended exemption."
In federal filings last week, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission said it is considering requests from TVA for more time to meet requirements for added protection around the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant near Spring City, Tenn., the Sequoyah plant near Soddy-Daisy and Browns Ferry near Athens, Ala.
TVA spokesman Terry Johnson said the utility has spent more than $30 million to strengthen security around its nuclear plants since the 9/11 attacks. But he said only a limited number of contractors are available to meet all of the plant security requirements set by the NRC.
NRC spokesman Joey Ledford said most of the U.S. nuclear plants have requested additional time to comply with the March 31 deadline.
At the Vogtle Plant near Augusta, Ga., for instance, Southern Nuclear has promised to be in full compliance with the NRC security rules by Sept. 27.
Mr. Ledford and other officials said the details of the security requirements are not disclosed for security reasons.
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