ML033160120
| ML033160120 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Indian Point  |
| Issue date: | 11/05/2003 |
| From: | Christopher Jackson Division of Systems Safety and Analysis |
| To: | Lopez-Otin M NRC/OCM |
| References | |
| FOIA/PA-2003-0372, FOIA/PA-2003-0379, FOIA/PA-2003-0388, FOIA/PA-2003-0398 | |
| Download: ML033160120 (3) | |
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4CG~io4e has , eefi4hs-o TieaWuct-: Regu Federal Emergency Management Agenc ~FEMA)Imost recent review of offsite emergency preparedness plans and procedures for the Indian Point nuclear power facility. FEMA has determined that offsite emergency preparedness near Indian Point continues to provide reasonable assurance of protection for public health and safety. [ uadc-something o
aeed here-aooutrFE7A's l I deQsion recQgnizeso ntinuioenehareeementseein§-made4le-pnsiprogrOams-of In the interagency process for assessing emergency preparedness associ.4with commercial nuclear facilities, FEMA has responsibility for assessing off-site emergency preparedness. The.4 NRC. assesses on-site emergency planning and preparedness, as well as having the responsibility for determining whether, overall, there is reasonable assurance that adequate .- A protective measures can and will be taken In the event of a radiological emergency. Given its s.
importance, this judgment quite necessarily entails frequent communication and coordination with FEMA with respect to its decisions on off-site planning. For example, the NRC works closely with and supports FEMA through mechanisms such as Regional Assistance Committees (RAC) that have been established at each FEMA region. These Committees, which are comprised of experts from numerous Federal agencies, assist FEMA in reviewing emergency plans and exercises. This was last done at Indian Point during the exercise that was performed in September 2002. That exercise, evaluated by FEMA and observed by the NRC, was judged by FEMA to be a successful demonstration of off-site emergency response responsibilities.
In making Its overall reasonable assurance determination, the NRC utilizes the results of both the off-site and the on-site emergency planning assessments. Our assessments evaluate, among other things, whether important links between plant operator and responsible off-site officials are sound and capable of dealing with emergencies. Based on FEMA's evaluation as well as our own evaluation, we find emergency preparedness at Indian Point to be satisfactory.
Eapeciali since the events of 9/11, significant public interest has been expressed to the NRC regarding security and emergency preparedness. knpai asr-- eo ,,maltIndian Point-dtudotlier iucvWie ower-plents+sve-interrsified th~rtml dMMt9r rpahUZ of emergencylrepTedness-pregrams- Irui .iat he NRC has, through numerous advisories and orders, acted to assure security programs at all sites have been significantly strengthened. ., .
Emergency t planning hesmIW *Warm iprocess .le NRC Is aware that efforts to improve emergency planning associated with the Indian Po~it facility continue to be made by the State of New York, involved Counties and plant operator. While both FEMA and NRC find emergency preparedness at Indian Point to be satisfactory, we will continue to work closely with FEMA as enhancements are made and plans are tested in upcoming exercises.
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has completed the most recent review of offsite emergency preparedness plans and procedures for the Indian Point nuclear power facility. FEMA has determined that offsite emergency preparedness near Indian Point continues to provide reasonable assurance of protection for public health and safety. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) considers that on-site operations at Indian Point continue to provide adequate protection the public's health and safety.
In the interagency process for assessing emergency preparedness associated with commercial nuclear facilities, FEMA has responsibility for assessing off-site emergency preparedness. The NRC assesses on-site emergency planning and preparedness, as well as having the responsibility for determining whether, overall, there is reasonable assurance that adequate protective measures can and will be taken in the event of a radiological emergency. Given its importance, this judgment quite necessarily entails frequent communication and coordination with FEMA with respect to Its decisions on off-site planning. For example, the NRC works closely with and supports FEMA through mechanisms such as Regional Assistance Committees (RAC) that have been established at each FEMA region. These Committees, which are comprised of experts from numerous Federal agencies, assist FEMA in reviewing emergency plans and exercises. This was last done at Indian Point during the exercise that was performed in September 2002. That exercise, evaluated by FEMA and observed by the NRC, was judged by FEMA to be a successful demonstration of off-site emergency response responsibilities.
In making its overall reasonable assurance determination, the NRC utilizes the results of both the off-site and the on-site emergency planning assessments. Our assessments evaluate, among other things, whether important links between plant operator and responsible off-site officials are sound and capable of dealing with emergencies. Based on FEMA's evaluation as well as our own evaluation, we find emergency preparedness at Indian Point to be satisfactory.
Since the events of 9/1 1, significant public interest has been expressed to the NRC regarding security and emergency preparedness. The NRC has, through numerous advisories and orders, acted to assure security programs at all sites have been significantly strengthened.
Planning for possible emergencies is an ongoing process. For example, the NRC is aware that efforts to improve emergency planning associated with the Indian Point facility continue to be made by the State of New York, involved Counties and plant operator. While both FEMA and NRC find emergency preparedness at Indian Point to be satisfactory, we will continue to work closely with FEMA as enhancements are made and plans are tested in upcoming exercises.