Sep 6 - McClatchy-Tribune Business News Formerly Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News - Elizabeth Souder The Dallas Morning News

Whistleblowers at the South Texas Project nuclear power plant have reported instances of security guards failing to follow protocol, leaving the facility vulnerable to intruders, according to a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists.

The nonprofit group released a report Tuesday outlining instances when security guards didn't follow rules, such as failing to search an equipment truck and allowing it to park 40 yards from a container of spent fuel and allowing a convicted felon into the plant.

An official with the South Texas Project, which is 90 miles southwest of Houston and co-owned by NRG Energy and the cities of Austin and San Antonio, said the plant has addressed each of the complaints.

"The issues that are identified in here have all been identified to us. We have investigated them and taken actions. We've done some fairly significant management changes," said Mark McBurnett, vice president of oversight and regulatory affairs for two new reactors that the South Texas Project intends to build.

The report further states that guards' radio equipment doesn't work properly, some mock intrusion drills don't reflect real-world situations, and cleaning and maintenance staff has access to a room where weapons are stored.

Mr. McBurnett said the guards told plant officials about the problems. He said the complaints seem to stem from friction during the last nine months between guards and management at the company that provides security at the plant, Wackenhut Corp.

NRG is planning to expand the South Texas Project in the next 10 years, and rival TXU Corp. plans to build six nuclear reactors at three sites, possibly in Texas.

Email esouder@dallasnews.com