Inquiry into the Security Breach at the National Nuclear Security Administration's Y-12 National Security Complex.

摘要

The Y-12 National Security Complex is one of four production facilities in the National Nuclear Security Administration's Nuclear Security Enterprise. The site focuses on the processing and storage of uranium, an activity essential to the safety, security and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile. Y-12 maintains an extensive security mechanism that relies on a well-trained and extensively equipped protective force, advanced technology, and a variety of physical fortifications. During Fiscal Year 2012, Y-12 plans to devote about $150 million in taxpayer funds to ensure the security of its uranium inventory and physical plant. Y-12 has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the most secure facilities in the United States. During the early morning hours of July 28, 2012, three individuals (hereinafter referred to as the trespassers), gained access to the area surrounding the Highly Enriched Uranium Materials Facility (HEUMF) at Y-12 and defaced the building without being interrupted by the security measures in place. In fact, the trespassers were not physically observed by the Y-12 Protective Force until after they had severed three separate fences surrounding the HEUMF. After receiving a call from the Oak Ridge Operations Center, Office of Inspector General (OIG) special agents arrived, arrested the trespassers and transported them to the Blount County Detention Facility. We initiated a joint criminal investigation of the trespass and, at the time of this report, were working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee on this matter. Because of the importance of ensuring the safe and secure storage of nuclear materials we commenced a special inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Y-12 breach within days of the event.