Lab returns to Security Condition Three

Contact: Kevin Roark, knroark@lanl.gov, (505) 665-0582 (03-031)

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LOS ALAMOS, N.M., Feb. 28, 2003 -- Los Alamos National Laboratory has changed its Security Condition (SECON) to an enhanced SECON-3, consistent with the national threat level yellow. The Laboratory had been at a higher state of alert, SECON-2, since Feb. 7.

Enhanced SECON-3 retains vehicular controls along the Pajarito Road corridor, limiting the roadway to badge-holders only. One badge holder per vehicle will be required and that badge holder will be responsible for any other passengers in the vehicle.

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.

“Under this enhanced security condition we’re expanding the distance between unchecked vehicular traffic along Pajarito Road and our mission-critical facilities located along the corridor,” said Acting Safeguards and Security Division leader Scott Gibbs. “This does not add to the number of vehicular checkpoints overall, but does pull them out farther away from the critical facilities. Should there be some kind of action against those facilities, the distance gives our security force more time to react and respond.”

The badge-holder only restriction along the Pajarito corridor will remain in effect until further notice.

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.