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Power plant security tightened
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Posted on Aug 14 2004
The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is implementing stricter security measures at the Lower Base power plant in view of the July 1 worldwide implementation of new port security rules.
CUC executive director Lorraine Babauta said the U.S. Coast Guard approved the utility corporation’s facility security plan after the USCG made an inspection at the Lower Base power plant.
This approval will remain valid for five years. During the period, Coast Guard personnel will continue to audit CUC’s adherence with the requirement of the security plan on an annual basis.
CUC had been subjected to the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, which was enacted after Sept. 11, 2001. The federal maritime law was later adopted worldwide as the International Shipping and Port Facility Security Code, effective July 1.
Babauta said that before the Coast Guard’s approval of the facility security plan, CUC was able to operate the Lower Base power plant pursuant to an authorization issued by the port captain from USCG.
She added that during the course of time that the Coast Guard reviewed CUC’s security plan, the Coast Guard noted two incidents of security breaches at the power plant.
Babauta said that, in two unannounced visits to the power plant, Coast Guard personnel managed to enter the premises by simply walking in and without a security guard questioning their purpose.
CUC corrected the errors by replacing the existing security guard and advising the security company “that any breach of security as a result of security personnel failure will result in reduction in force from the contract or complete termination of contract.”
“We cannot stress further the seriousness of the security plan,” Babauta said.
The Commonwealth Ports Authority has also beefed up security at the Saipan seaport, in compliance with the new international rules.
Saipan seaport manager Antonio Cabrera earlier said that anyone entering the port facility will have to show identification and present documents showing what business they have at the harbor.
Private vehicles are also prohibited from entering the port compound in Puerto Rico.
