As a result of an evaluation that has been underway since late last year, TVA's Nuclear Power Group (NPG) discontinue the use of security-contract services and will assume all aspects of nuclear-security functions during fiscal year 2009, officials said.
TVA will assume security-force management following a transition of responsibility with Pinkerton Government Services, which currently is providing security services at the Browns Ferry, Sequoyah and Watts Bar nuclear-power plants.
The schedule for this transition has yet to be finalized and will be determined through ongoing negotiations with PGS.
“We are proud of the professionalism that our security forces demonstrate, and I have a high level of confidence in the officers who protect our plants,” said Chief Nuclear Officer Bill Campbell.
“Our plants play a vital role in the Valley’s energy supply, and they, like other nuclear-power plants across the country, are among the most secure of the nation’s critical infrastructure,” said Mr. Campbell. “The important role of security in our business was one of the key factors in deciding to bring the function in-house. By having the nuclear-security force become part of NPG, we will improve organizational alignment in the company and have more direct and effective management controls and lines of communication with the security workforce. Simply put, it allows us to further enhance our focus on and oversight of the most critical part of our business − ensuring the health and safety of our employees, the public and our plants.”
TVA is working with PGS to develop plans to ensure a transition for the use of in-house security forces for Browns Ferry, Sequoyah and Watts Bar, it was stated.
“I am confident the standards of leadership and values held by NPG will be embraced by security members joining our team,” said Mr. Campbell. “They will be a great addition to the TVA organization, and we are looking forward to the improvements we believe in-house management of this function will bring as we continually look for ways to move NPG forward.”