Schumer Calls For Probe Into Waterfront Security Efforts At Indian Point
PEEKSKILL, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) - Sen. Charles Schumer wants the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to review maritime security at the Indian Point nuclear power plant.
Schumer says there's no requirement for a 24-hour, on-duty patrol boat near Indian Point. A new report commissioned by the Department of Defense shows the only thing on the water protecting Indian Point 24 hours a day from terrorists are buoys.
"No terrorist is going to call up and say 'oh, can we have permission to go past the buoys?' So you need somebody there all the time," Schumer told reporters including WCBS 880's Monica Miller.
Schumer Calls For Probe Into Waterfront Security Efforts At Indian Point
Schumer announced he's asking the Coast Guard to work with federal, state and local authorities to pull their resources together and provide protection.
"You don't need a big destroyer or a big frigate to do this patrol. All you need is a small, little craft," said the senator.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says it does not discuss details of plant security. But it says even if there's not a boat there at a given moment, other security measures can detect a person or group trying to get onto the plant grounds from the Hudson River area.
Entergy spokesman Jerry Nappi said the plant's security measures are in compliance with the NRC.
"24/7, they can protect the plant not just on the land but from the water," he told Miller.
Schumer is suggesting that the Coast Guard "quarterback the effort'' to provide a 24-hour maritime security plan.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and environmental groups have called for the closure of Indian Point, noting its location within close proximity of a major population center.
The plant is in Buchanan, 35 miles from Manhattan.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories
(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
