Tests of a powdery substance found with a threatening letter Tuesday at the home of Westinghouse Savannah River Co. President Bob Pedde found that it posed no danger.
"What they found was that it was not a biological toxin. So, it's negative results,'' said Ed Reinhold, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Augusta office, which is working with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Postal Service inspectors on the case.
"The lab has not yet been able to determine what it is, but they have ruled out biological agents,'' said Pam Tucker, Columbia County's emergency services director. "This is great news to those exposed, as well as all of the emergency responders.''
A second suspicious letter, found Tuesday afternoon at the home of Lawrence J. Simmons, the president of Bechtel Savannah River Inc., contained no powder, Mr. Reinhold said. Bechtel is a subcontractor at SRS.
Although nothing was deemed dangerous in either letter, the FBI issued a call to the public Wednesday for help in finding whoever might have been involved in the incidents, which occurred the day after Mr. Pedde announced the layoffs of 400 people at Savannah River Site.
Will Callicott, a spokesman for Westinghouse Savannah River Co., would not discuss the letter Mr. Pedde received. He referred questions about the Simmons letter to law enforcement authorities.
Mr. Callicott did say Mr. Pedde attended an off-site business meeting in Aiken on Wednesday.
"As a general rule, we're not going to talk to you about security precautions we're going to take on site or off," Mr. Callicott said.
In an e-mail to SRS employees Wednesday, Mr. Pedde urged people to be alert to their surroundings and to be sensitive to those targeted for layoffs.
"In these stressful times, it's also important that we remember to pay attention to the difficulties that people around us may be experiencing," Mr. Pedde wrote.
Citing the ongoing investigation, Mr. Reinhold said he couldn't elaborate on what the letters said or say whether there are any leads. However, he did say the letters seem to be connected. Mr. Reinhold said both cases are classified as terroristic threats and that the perpetrator could face federal charges.
Reach Preston Sparks at 868-1222, ext. 115, or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.
Reach Josh Gelinas at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or josh.gelinas@augustachronicle.com.
Possible penalty
According to the U.S. Department of Justice's official Web site, a hoax or threat involving anthrax or any other biological weapon could, upon conviction, carry a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
To report informationCall Augusta's Federal Bureau of Investigation office at 722-3702 or the Columbia County Sheriff's Office at 541-2800.
COMPANY RESPONSE
Excerpts from an e-mail Bob Pedde, the president of Westinghouse Savannah River Co., sent employees Wednesday:
By now, many of you have probably read or heard about the law enforcement response to a pair of suspicious letters received off site, one at my home and one at the home of Larry Simmons, President of BSRI. Since this matter is under investigation, I'm not in a position to go into any additional specific detail; I would only say that I'm very appreciative of the quick and thorough response by the agencies that are investigating this event. ... This was certainly a reminder to me about the importance of being alert to suspicious situations both on site and off site. I would urge you to be observant as well, and to be aware of the appropriate security reporting procedures. ... It's also important that we remember to pay attention to the difficulties that people around us may be experiencing. This is a difficult week for everyone at the site, not only for those who are leaving, but also for many of you who may be grieving over the departure of co-workers and friends. We all should be particularly sensitive to what's going on around us and use all the resources available... to help those people who may need assistance. Finally, as always, continue to work safely and don't let yourself become distracted from your work.