ABC News: Sleeping Security Guards Cost Nuclear Plant $65,000

The operators of a Pennsylvania nuclear power plant have been fined $65,000 after a federal commission learned several security guards at the facility were sleeping while on duty.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) leveled the penalty against Chicago-based Exelon Nuclear after an investigation found "multiple occasions during which multiple guards were inattentive" at the Peach Bottom plant outside of Philadelphia.

"They are in the ready room to be on watch or to respond," said Diane Screnci, a spokesperson for the NRC. "They were not attentive."

Beth Archer, a spokesperson for Exelon Nuclear, agreed that the behavior of the guards was unacceptable. "We have agreed to pay the fine," said Archer. "We feel the amount was appropriate for the issue."

Peter Stockton, a senior investigator at Project on Government Oversight, a Washington-based government watchdog organization, called the fine incurred by Exelon "unbelievable" and said it was not enough.

via ABC News: Sleeping Security Guards Cost Nuclear Plant $65,000.