Photographs being distributed anonymously that purport to show a security officer asleep on the job, as well as using an unauthorized cell phone or electronic device, inside the high-security Building 3019 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory could present a budding security scandal in Oak Ridge. Building 3019, which houses a large stockpile of fissile uranium-233, is considered so sensitive from a security standpoint that the Department of Energy will not allow any photographs to be taken of the building’s exterior and affiliated structures. WSI-Oak Ridge, the government’s security contractor, confirmed that it had received copies of the photographs and was conducting an investigation “into all the allegations.”
WSI-Oak Ridge spokeswoman Courtney Henry would not confirm the identity of the individual or whether the photographs were taken inside 3019, the highest-security facility at ORNL. “At this time the investigation has been initiated and until it is complete I don’t have any further details,” she said. “We won’t know the exact building where the photos were taken or any other facts until that time.” The photographs raise the specter of multiple security violations, especially if there is confirmation that the pictures were taken inside Building 3019. In addition to the apparent violations committed by the security officer in the photos, the more serious concern may be that photographs were taken inside the high-security nuclear installation and distributed.
In response to questions, DOE spokesman Mike Koentop said the agency “first and foremost has ensured the security posture remains intact and strong at Building 3019.” He added, “At the same time, WSI will complete their investigation of the situation to determine the facts; and DOE ORO will monitor this investigation very closely. WSI-Oak Ridge has assured us that the investigation will be performed in a timely manner, and when the facts are gathered DOE-ORO will ensure the appropriate actions are taken.” The Inspector General’s office at DOE headquarters in Washington confirmed that the IG had been informed of the matter and was monitoring the Oak Ridge situation to see if further action is warranted.
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