ML033160106

E-mail Press Release 03-099: NRC Finds Indian Point Meets Reasonable Assurance Criteria

ML033160106
Person / Time
Site:	Indian Point, 05000024
Issue date:	07/25/2003
From:	Herr L NRC/OCFO
To:	Jocelyn Craig, Croteau R, Robert Davis, Diaz N, Flack D, Nancy Fragoyannis, Catherine Haney, Holahan G, Christopher Jackson, Kasputys C, Lopez-Otin M, Mcconnell K, Mcosker R NRC/Chairman, NRC/NMSS/DWM, NRC/NMSS/IMNS, Division of Systems Safety and Analysis, NRC/OCM, Division of Engineering Technology, NRC/RES/PMPDAS, Division of Reactor Safety II
References
FOIA/PA-2003-0372, FOIA/PA-2003-0379, FOIA/PA-2003-0388, FOIA/PA-2003-0398
Download: ML033160106 (4)

Text

Christopher Jackson - Fwd: Press Release - NRC Finds Indian Point Meets Reasonable Assurance Criteria Page 1 From: Linda Herr To: Atanasia (Nancy) Fragoyannis; Catherine Haney; Christopher Jackson; Clare Kasputys; Diane Flack; Gary Holahan; John Craig; Keith McConnell; Maria Lopez-Otin; Nils Diaz; Rick Croteau; Robert McOsker; Roger Davis Date: 7/25/03 4:24PM

Subject:

Fwd: Press Release - NRC Finds Indian Point Meets Reasonable Assurance Criteria

Christopher Jackson - Press Release - NRC Finds Indian Point Meets Reasonable Assurance Criteria Page 1 From: OPA To: PRESS1 Date: 7/25/03 4:02PM

Subject:

Press Release - NRC Finds Indian Point Meets Reasonable Assurance Criteria Place: PDR For Emergency Preparedness

Christopher Jackson 099.wpd Page 1 NRC NEWS U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY CONIMISSION Office of Public Affairs Telephone 301/415-8200 Washington, DC 20555-0001 E-mail: opa@nrc.gov Web Site: www.nrc.gov No.03-099 July 25, 2003 NRC FINDS INDIAN POINT MEETS REASONABLE ASSURANCE CRITERIA FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) have distinct yet coordinated responsibilities for assessing emergency preparedness associated with commercial nuclear facilities. FEMA has responsibility for assessing off-site emergency preparedness, including the coordination and implementation of radiological protection guidelines. NRC has responsibility for assessing on-site emergency planning and preparedness; the specific requirements and oversight are established for NRC licensees to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety. Ultimately, the NRC has the overall responsibility for determining that there is reasonable assurance that adequate protective measures can and will be taken in the event of a radiological emergency at an NRC licensed facility.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has received the results of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's most recent review of the adequacy of off-site emergency preparedness plans and procedures for the Indian Point nuclear power facility. FEMA has concluded: "After carefully considering all available information, we have reasonable assurance that appropriate protective measures to protect the health and safety of surrounding communities can be taken and are capable of being implemented in the event of a radiological incident at the Indian Point facility."

The NRC has determined, from its continuing evaluation of the licensee's on-site emergency planning and preparedness for radiological events, that Indian Point meets the requisite criteria for reasonable assurance of adequate protection. Considering both FEMA's off-site and NRC's on-site emergency preparedness assessments, the NRC's overall determination continues to be that Indian Point emergency preparedness is satisfactory and provides reasonable assurance of adequate protection.

Christopher Jackson 099.wpd Page 2 The NRC and FEMA recognize that planning for possible emergencies is an ongoing process. Efforts to improve emergency preparedness associated with the Indian Point facility continue to be made by the State of New York, involved Counties, and the plant operator. The NRC will continue to work closely with FEMA, state and local officials as well as the plant operator to assure continued protection of the public health and safety. In that regard, plans will be developed by the NRC and FEMA, and in coordination with state and local governments, for the next emergency preparedness drill at Indian Point, which will include a simulated terrorist scenario.