Pipe bomb intercepted at Palo Verde
Saturday, 3 November 2007
A seven-hour security alert was triggered at the Palo Verde nuclear power plant on 2 November by the discovery of what appeared to be a pipe bomb. Plant owner APS notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of an 'unusual event' and initiated a security lockdown.
A seven-hour security alert was triggered at the Palo Verde nuclear power plant on 2 November by the discovery of what appeared to be a pipe bomb. Plant owner APS notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of an 'unusual event' and initiated a security lockdown.
A suspicious capped pipe was discovered at about 8am in the bed of a contract worker's pick-up truck during normal screening of vehicles entering the site. It was then confirmed to contain explosives by a team from local police, before being safely removed from site. Reports have described the device as crude but credible.
An AFP report said that the contract worker had been arrested and interviewed by police but released. Authorities felt the man did not know the device was in his truck.
In a statement, APS Executive Vice President and chief nuclear officer Randy Edington said, "Our entire staff - and in particular our security officers - responded appropriately and professionally to this event."
The security alert was ended at 3pm the same day, from which time APS said it would resuming normal activities at the plant. Palo Verde is home to three operating pressurized water reactors and supplies about 3800 MWe. Power generation at the plant was not disturbed.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is handling the matter with APS's cooperation.
Further information
APS
A seven-hour security alert was triggered at the Palo Verde nuclear power plant on 2 November by the discovery of what appeared to be a pipe bomb. Plant owner APS notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of an 'unusual event' and initiated a security lockdown.A suspicious capped pipe was discovered at about 8am in the bed of a contract worker's pick-up truck during normal screening of vehicles entering the site. It was then confirmed to contain explosives by a team from local police, before being safely removed from site. Reports have described the device as crude but credible. An AFP report said that the contract worker had been arrested and interviewed by police but released. Authorities felt the man did not know the device was in his truck.
In a statement, APS Executive Vice President and chief nuclear officer Randy Edington said, "Our entire staff - and in particular our security officers - responded appropriately and professionally to this event."
The security alert was ended at 3pm the same day, from which time APS said it would resuming normal activities at the plant. Palo Verde is home to three operating pressurized water reactors and supplies about 3800 MWe. Power generation at the plant was not disturbed.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is handling the matter with APS's cooperation.
Further information
APS
Most Read
Guidelines drawn up for AI use in nuclear sector
Thursday, 12 September 2024
President Biden signs ADVANCE Act into law
Wednesday, 10 July 2024
Long-term safety at Koeberg assessed
Friday, 13 September 2024
.jpg)
Joint preparatory review for Thorizon One reactor
Wednesday, 4 September 2024
Podcasts & Features
Podcast: Financiers back idea of nuclear expansion, but what are the challenges?
Podcasts & Features Tuesday, 24 September 2024
Viewpoint: Building the industrial foundations for new nuclear growth
Podcasts & Features Friday, 20 September 2024
