Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station Security Violation Was Mishap

PLYMOUTH, MA — The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has determined a pair of workers weren't planning mayhem by using a single security badge to get into a Massachusetts nuclear power plant; one worker had simply forgotten his badge.

A yearlong investigation into the 2016 incident determined the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station workers were "tailgating" - scanning in and out of a secure area with one worker's badge then handing it over to another worker to gain entry.

The Cape Cod Times reports the proper procedure for a forgotten badge is to contact security and obtain a visitor's pass.

The incident was reported by a witness who said the men looked like they were planning something at the Plymouth plant. When interviewed, the men said they didn't know they weren't allowed to tailgate.

Photo credit: Entergy