National Guard ends reactor patrols

BUCHANAN, N.Y. - National Guard members will no longer be deployed to patrol the perimeter of the Indian Point nuclear power plant.

A spokeswoman for the governor's office said Saturday that the National Guard was reassessing how the troops are deployed to determine their best use.

The spokeswoman did not say when the troops will be removed from their patrol duties at the nuclear power plant, which is about 35 miles north of Manhattan.

Entergy Corp., the owner of Indian Point, said it had not been notified about the changes. A spokesman for the utility said the troops are not required by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The spokesman said the company does not depend on the soldiers for security, and that the power plant is sufficiently guarded without them.

ASSOCIATED PRESS