ML020870306
| ML020870306 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Columbia  |
| Issue date: | 03/13/2002 |
| From: | Hayes M State of WA, Dept of Health |
| To: | Castle E Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, Federal Emergency Management Agency |
| References | |
| Download: ML020870306 (2) | |
Text
STATE OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 1112 SE Quince Street
- PO Box 47890 Olympia, Washington 98504-7890 Tel: (360) 236-4010 o FAX (360) 586-7424 TDD Relay Service: 1-800-833-6388 March 13, 2002 Eleanor C. Castle Tech Hazards Program Specialist RRR-TH REP, FEMA Region X 130 2 2 8,h Street S.W.
Bothell, Washington 98021-9796
Dear Ms. Castle:
The Washington State Department of Health has reviewed the policy for potassium iodide general distribution and stockpiling for emergency workers and the general public during a radiological emergency at the Columbia Generating Station (CGS). This review was pursuant to the NRC final rule 66 FR 5427, and FDA's December 10, 2001, guidance document.
We are choosing not to accept NRC's one-time offer to supply potassium iodide, and do not plan at this time to stockpile or pre-distribute potassium iodide to the general public within the 10 mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) at CGS. We will continue to rely upon evacuation of the public as the best response to an emergency situation at CGS, based upon specific site conditions around CGS. For example, the population within the 10-mile EPZ is very small (roughly 6,000),
the nearest resident is five miles away, and the nearest school is seven to eight miles away. The roads that would be used for evacuation are numerous, with limited impediments, and the evacuation plans and procedures are regularly tested by FEMA. The affected population and local officials are very familiar with the evacuation plans.
If you have any questions in regard to this policy, please contact Gary Robertson, Division of Radiation Protection at (360) 236-3241 or Johanna Berkey of Gary's staff at (509) 727-0659.
Sincerely, Maxine Hayes, MD, MPH Health Officer
Eleanor C. Castle Page 2 March 13, 2002 cc:
"Paul Lohaus, Nuclear Regulatory Commission Terry Lindsay, Oregon Health Department Ken Niles, Oregon Office of Energy Dr. Larry Jecha, Benton-Franklin Health District John Sheer, Franklin County Emergency Management Rick Garza, Benton County Emergency Services Fred Klauss, Columbia Generating Station Mary Alice Peterson, Washington State Emergency Management Division Gary Robertson, Washington State Department of Health Johanna Berkey, Washington State Department of Health