Advertisement
Grab your lab coat. Let's get started
Welcome!
Welcome!
Create an account below to get 6 C&EN articles per month, receive newsletters and more - all free.
It seems this is your first time logging in online. Please enter the following information to continue.
As an ACS member you automatically get access to this site. All we need is few more details to create your reading experience.
Not you? Sign in with a different account.
Not you? Sign in with a different account.
ERROR 1
ERROR 1
ERROR 2
ERROR 2
ERROR 2
ERROR 2
ERROR 2
Password and Confirm password must match.
If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)
ERROR 2
ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.
Safety
Classified Data Missing at Labs
Los Alamos, Sandia face work stand- down, more investigations
by Jeff Johnson
July 26, 2004
| A version of this story appeared in
Volume 82, Issue 30
The Department of Energy announced last week more details in a continuing investigation into the loss of computer disks holding classified weapons data at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
The two "classified removable electronic media" were discovered missing on July 7. All classified work at the lab was halted on July 15, and an employee retraining program and an inventory of all classified data began.
The investigation is being led by Linton F. Brooks, administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, and DOE Deputy Secretary Kyle E. McSlarrow. According to DOE Secretary Spencer Abraham, the investigation will involve the FBI.
The investigation so far shows "widespread disregard of security procedures," Abraham said. "This is absolutely unacceptable."
Los Alamos Director G. Peter Nanos also promised a full investigation and said those people responsible could be fired. He also warned at an all-hands meeting last week that survival of the institution is at stake.
The incident is the latest in a series of security problems at Los Alamos. These lapses led Abraham to offer the lab's management contract, which has been held by the University of California for 50 years, out for competitive bid.
A lab official adds that there will be no "race to restart" classified operations. "We are going to do it right and take as long as necessary."
Classified material also was lost recently at Sandia National Laboratories. The data have been recovered, a lab official says, adding that Sandia, too, is preparing for a stand-down of classified work.
The power is now in your (nitrile gloved) hands
Sign up for a free account to get more articles. Or choose the ACS option that’s right for you.
Already have an ACS ID? Log in
Join the conversation
Contact the reporter
Submit a Letter to the Editor for publication
Engage with us on Twitter