Plymouth (AP)  -- The National Guard will no longer be part of the security contingent protecting the Pilgrim nuclear power plant in Plymouth.

Homeland Security officials say the drawdown of the 18-person force will begin Sunday under a new security plan developed between plant owner Entergy and state and local officials. The transition will be complete by July.

Juliette Kayyem, undersecretary of the state Homeland Security department, told The Patriot Ledger of Quincy that a modern and more sustainable system was needed to protect the plant.

The new plan includes a direct phone line between plant security employees and state emergency management, state police and Plymouth police.

The troops were put in place seven years ago.