Yes, the ISFSI will be included in the Protected Area. It will be continuously monitored (24/7/365), including the use of close circuit TV, and microwave intrusion detection systems.

The nuclear energy industry has always had the highest security standards of any American industry. The industry is required to meet Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations for security and exceeds these requirements in many areas. IPEC has well-armed and highly trained security forces that are routinely drilled and tested. Since Sept. 11, 2001, security has been significantly strengthened. Access to the plants has been tightened and security officers search all entering vehicles and people. All workers entering plant operating areas must also pass through sensitive metal and explosive detection equipment. Additional vehicle barrier systems have been installed to protect against vehicle bombs. IPEC Security coordinates with the Department of Homeland Security and intelligence agencies on the assessment of potential threats and the specific actions by industry security forces in the event of a credible threat. IPEC also has emergency response procedures and contingency plans in the event of a plant accident or terrorist event. These procedures, reviewed and improved following Sept. 11, are evaluated every two years during extensive drills involving plant personnel, local police, fire and emergency management organizations. NRC and Federal Emergency Management Agency expert teams evaluate these drills.

The Hi-Storm structure is a hardened structure with over two feet of concrete surrounding a stainless steel canister. The casks need to be free standing to radiate heat and take advantage of a passive cooling system which does not need to rely on power sources as an active cooling system would. Another advantage of the Hi Storm design is that the casks remain in full view at all times.

Given the many layers of security involved, it is highly unlikely that a terrorist would have access to perpetrate this kind of act. However, this scenario has received considerable attention and analysis, in the event that multiple security barriers failed simultaneously. For example, Sandia National Laboratory subjected a container to a device 30 times more powerful than a typical anti-tank weapon. The result left the inner container intact and left a ¼” hole in the outer cylinder. The NRC determined that a large-scale release of radioactivity would be prevented. (www.nei.org/documents/SafeShipBrochure1.pdf )