South Carolina Nuclear Plant to
Consolidate Plutonium

January 23, 2006

The Energy Department is preparing to consolidate plutonium at the Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina, in one place to strengthen defense against terrorism.

Officials said the move will also allow them to better monitor the material.

Agency documents said plutonium will be moved from a former production site to a former nuclear reactor where there are other stockpiles of the material.

Perry Holcomb a member of the Savannah River Site's Citizens Advisory Board said that the new facility will be more secure.

A 2003 study by the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board said current storage at the Savannah River Site lacks proper fire protection, ventilation and filtration. The report also cited the need for the ability to remove plutonium from storage containers to ensure its stability.