Indian Point To Conduct Security Drills

BUCHANAN, NY — Security drills will be conducted at the Indian Point Energy Center over the next few weeks using technology to simulate the use of weapons without using real ammunition.

Holtec International, which acquired Indian Point in May from Entergy Corp., announced in a news release that "force-on-force" drills will take place during the evenings of Thursday, April 21, Tuesday, April 26, Tuesday, May 3 and Thursday, May 12.

During the drills, weapons that simulate the sound of actual gunfire will be used, and the company said that people near the site may hear the sound of simulated gunfire as participants carry out the exercises.

Officials said local law enforcement has been notified about the drills.

Holtec will be using technology during the drills known as multiple integrated laser engagement systems, or "MILES" gear. The systems involve the use of lasers and vests with laser-detection equipment, which duplicate the effects, including the sound, of live ammunition.

The company said the gear is used for military and counter-terrorism training across the country to make the drills as realistic as possible without using real bullets.

Indian Point was home to three nuclear power plants that operated from 1962 to 2021. Unit 3 was shut down April 30 after generating electricity for 45 years. Unit 2 was shut down in April 2020, and Unit 1 was permanently retired in 1974.

Holtec is in the process of decommissioning the power plant site.