Lab upgrades to Security Condition Two

Contact: Kevin Roark, knroark@lanl.gov, (505) 665-0582 (03-016)

Recent News Los Alamos scientist named Asian American Engineer of the Year Los Alamos scientist featured in NASA science update Los Alamos muon detector could thwart nuclear smugglers Wojciech H. Zurek named Phi Beta Kappa visiting scholar Four Los Alamos physicists honored by American Physical Society Los Alamos National Laboratory organizations earn seven out of 13 NNSA Pollution Prevention awards Carter Hydrick returns to the Bradbury Science Museum Feb. 15 Laboratory supports summer science program New NASA IBEX mission to carry Los Alamos instrument Beason takes top threat reduction post at Los Alamos

LOS ALAMOS, N.M., Feb. 7, 2003 -- Consistent with national terrorist threat level orange, announced today by the U.S. Attorney General, the Department of Energy has directed Los Alamos National Laboratory to upgrade to Security Condition (SECON) two, the same level in effect immediately after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and again on Sept. 9, 2002.

“This move to SECON 2 is in response to the national threat upgrade – it is not in response to any specific threat against the Laboratory,” said Interim Director Pete Nanos.

The Laboratory has implemented several actions to achieve SECON 2 by increasing security patrols and putting additional traffic controls on the Pajarito Road corridor as well as other less visible activities.

While at SECON 2 Pajarito Road corridor access will be limited to badge holders only, a standard practice under SECON 2. One badge holder per vehicle will be required and that badge holder will be responsible for any other passengers in the vehicle. It is not known at this time how long the Laboratory will remain at SECON 2.

To lessen the possibility of traffic tie-ups, Laboratory personnel and area motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes unless they have a specific need to enter the Pajarito Road corridor.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is operated by the University of California for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S. Department of Energy and works in partnership with NNSA's Sandia and Lawrence Livermore national laboratories to support NNSA in its mission.

Los Alamos enhances global security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health and national security concerns.