A guard who the NRC claims was found sleeping on the job at the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant in Buchanan could be terminated, officials said Monday.

A Nuclear Regulatory Commission inspector found the five-year veteran guard, whose name is being withheld due to privacy issues, in an "inattentive" state Sunday afternoon. NRC inspectors often patrol the plant. The inspector said he spent two minutes trying to wake the worker.

Plant owner Entergy said the guard was put on administrative leave shortly after the incident and may be terminated.

The incident is drawing renewed criticism of the nuclear plant. A spokeswoman for Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano said, "It's well and good that the NRC does these spot inspections, but where is Entergy's oversight? If the NRC didn't pick this particular time, this guy could have been sleeping all day."

"This does not reflect responsible leadership," said Congresswoman Nita Lowey. "It's unfortunate that the NRC found this person sleeping."

Lowey is claiming the guard was the only person in the command center when he was found.

However, all Entergy officials are saying is that the guard was the only person at his post. They would not confirm how many guards were on duty, citing security concerns.

AP wire reports contributed to this story.