RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- No matter where you live in Central Virginia, you are not too far from nuclear power plants in Surry and Louisa counties.
A new report from the Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Project at the University Of Texas at Austin finds those nuclear reactors, along with every other commercial reactor in the country, are not protected enough from terrorists.
According to researchers, 107 reactors across the country are vulnerable to an attack, while 11 are most at risk, including Dominion Virginia Power’s Surry plant.
The report specifically labels the Surry reactor as one of those vulnerable to a terrorist attack from the sea, but one that is not required to prevent against ship borne attacks.
CBS 6 News contacted Dominion about this report. The power company provided a statement that reads in part:
“Our nuclear generating stations, including North Anna and Surry power stations, are among the most robust and well-protected structures in the world today, and our security forces are trained and tested to the highest standards.
We remain in close communication with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, and others in the nuclear industry in an ongoing self-improvement program to enhance the security of our facilities.”
CBS 6 talked to people who live in Surry County regarding the report. Many say it's not something that concerns them.
"Our armed forces do a really good job I think protecting the waters out there," said Surry resident, Dan Riggs
Edward Farmer has lived in Surry County for over 20 years. He said living near the plant never worried him.
"They do have good security here, and that's most important to know that," he said.
