Although Congress recently denounced a report that downplayed the risk of a terrorist attack on college campuses' nuclear research reactors, some UF scientists disagree with lawmakers.
Federal auditors wrote that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which regulates commercial nuclear power plants nationwide, contradicted expert opinions and belittled terrorist threats posed on campus reactors in its report, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
One of the concerns was that many reactors still run on enriched uranium, which could be converted into fuel for an atomic bomb.
But Alireza Haghighat, chairman of UF's nuclear and radiological engineering department, said UF converted its nuclear reactor's fuel from highly enriched uranium to low-enriched uranium in September 2006.
Haghighat said it's nearly impossible to create an atomic bomb with low-enriched uranium.
Nevertheless, he said the nuclear engineering department implemented extra security measures following Sept. 11, but he wouldn't reveal details for safety reasons.
Despite the department's assertion of its security, a 2005 ABC News report noted the apparent lack of security surrounding the reactors at UF and on other campuses.
According to the report, students who gained access to UF's reactor were able to carry large bags inside the building without being searched.
The report also noted that UF did not utilize guards, metal detectors or background checking.
However, Haghighat said ABC's report was misleading.
There are several layers of protection surrounding the reactor, he said, including three doors that can only be opened with a key.
Furthermore, the reactor is located under 50 tons of concrete, he said. The probability of a terrorist taking fuel from the reactor to create a bomb is highly unlikely, Haghighat said.
"There's no such thing as impossible, but it's close to impossible," he said.
William Vernetson, director of UF's reactor, said the reactor's small size also makes it difficult for it to pose any serious danger.
Vernetson said that UF has always taken security for its nuclear reactor seriously.
