ML033600120

Handwritten Note to Maria, Attaching e-mail from W. Dean to K. Jackson, with Attached e-mail from John Jolicoeur to John Craig, Regarding Draft Statement

ML033600120
Person / Time
Site:	Indian Point
Issue date:	06/30/2003
From:	Bill Dean - No Known Affiliation
To:	Jackson K Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
2.206, FOIA/PA-2003-0379, FOIA/PA-2003-0388
Download: ML033600120 (4)

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Kia Jackson - Fwd: DRAFT Statement re FEMA announcemrent Page 1 From: William Dean To: Kia Jackson Date: 6/30103 11:56AM

Subject:

Fwd: DRAFT Statement re FEMA announcement Here is the draft statement you needed.

CC: Raines, Jacqueline

. . sa w ss r M-otlu1 announcement Page' From: John Jolicoeur To: John Craig Date: 6130103 11:37AM

Subject:

DRAFT Statement re FEMA announcement John:

Attached Is the draft statement concerning the anticipated FEMA announcement concerning Indian Point emergency preparedness. This statement has been developed by OEDO with support from a HQ and Region I.

Please note that OGC has expressed a sensitivity as to whether the statements that 'we find emergency preparedess at Indian Point to be satisfactory' (see paragraphs 3 and 5) should be made in this forum given the pending 2.206 petitions concerning Indian Point emergency preparedness.

The staff is working on a comm plan and a set of Q&As. I'll get them to you as soon as possible.

John CC: Brian Holian; Hubert J. Miller; Lawrence Chandler; William Dean; William Kane; William Travers

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has received the results of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) 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. [ ***** might need to add something here about FEMA's decision recognizes continuing enhancements are being made to e plans/programs of State/counties " ]

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.

Especially since the events of 9/1 1, significant public interest has been expressed to the NRC regarding security and emergency preparedness. In particular, security concerns at Indian Point and other nuclear power plants have intensified the level of interest in the adequacy of emergency preparedness programs. In this regard, it is important to point out that the NRC has, through numerous advisories and orders, acted to assure security programs at all sites have been significantly strengthened.

Emergency planning has always been a dynamic process. 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.