ML20073G623

Testimony of M Waters Re 830309 Radiological Emergency Response Plan Exercise

ML20073G623
Person / Time
Site:	Indian Point
Issue date:	04/11/1983
From:	Michael Waters PARENTS CONCERNED ABOUT INDIAN POINT, PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP, NEW YORK, UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS
To:
Shared Package
ML20073G541	List: ML20073G539 ML20073G563 ML20073G590 ML20073G611 ML20073G623 ML20073G649 ML20073G669 ML20073G689 ML20073G716 ML20073G736 ML20073G775 ML20073G801 ML20073G825 ML20073G846 ML20073G861 ML20073G873 ML20073H091 ML20073H132 ML20073H159 ML20073H211
References
NUDOCS 8304180344
Download: ML20073G623 (3)

Text

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Intervenor Observer Mike Waters Observation Point Cortlandt Emergency Operations Center Time of Observation As intervenor for Croton parents, I was asked to follow a guideline of certain questions pertaining to the drill. I noticed that the Town Government leaders were having lunch when I arrived. I asked to speak to someone in charge and was led to Police Chief Robert Pavone. I also met with another Intervenor - Mrs. Flo Layefsky. We compared notes; she told me some things she had learned earlier and then I approached Mr.

Pavone.

1) Equipment Mr. Pavone was very vague on a lot of the information he was to give me. He stated that most of it was " Police Business" and to give out information was to subject him to a $10,000 lawsuit.

They seemed to have been equipped with Radio Communications -

walkie-talkies - as to the number of units, I was not told. They were also equipped with geiger counters. However, I did not see any and was I not told of the number of units. Chief Pavone stated that they were limited in radiological equipment. Emergency vehicles were enough just to pertain to the workings of the department. Also, he stated that there i

was a limited amount of iodide. Most of the people involved were wearing l

! dosimeters. Available were some that measured " rems" and " millirems."

2) Knowledgeable People Most of the governmental leaders were available at the building. I l felt that Chief Pavone was more than knowledgeable to handle questions so l

I spent most of my time speaking with him. There were three other officers 8304180344 830411 PDR ADOCK 05000247 PDR T

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on duty. The Chief stated that they were able to handle a situation if he was not available. He mentioned that the drill was " good practice" for them.

3) Phone Calls

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These were not obtainable. Chief Pavone alerted us as to any information that he thought was pertinent. At 2:15 pm, the Chief reported an evacuation of a 5-mile radius. He told us a few minutes later that it was heard over a ham radio -- not considered an official frequency, so the report was of an unofficial nature.

4) Preparation of Staff The Chief stated that his department and the other Town departments were capable. He allowed me to read a copy of the " Local Emergency Response Plan," a document made up of the Town departments and chains of command, and regulations to go by in case of any disaster.

I noticed that on the second page or so that a list of emergencies was written out. Whether or not they were in order of importance I' do not know, but Indian Point was listed last. Reading through the report, however, I realized that most of it did pertain to a nuclear disaster.

I l Commentary l

In summing up the two hours worth of the day's activities that I was witness to, I might call the " feeling" of the drill mysterious.

There was an air of mystery and vagueness abounding. For a drill that is l supposed to be performed for the safety of the public, I felt that, as a l

i member of a community I was not being told the whole story. When I arrived, as I stated earlier, the Town officials were having lunch.

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Some of them left after a time, others convened in the Radio Room located on the second floor of the building. I was told that they were<

in conference, pertaining to the drill. No one told us what was going on; it was very secret. I would hope that in an actual emergency that the public would be well informed of the details.

I would have liked to know the specific numbers of important equipment, i.e., geiger counters, dosimeters, first aid, etc., but the information I obtained was limited.

I do feel that Bob Pavone was being as truthful and helpful as he could under the circumstances. I felt comfortable with him, knowing him well from past affiliations.

Leaving there yesterday, I could not help having a feeling of uneasiness. I couldn't help but wonder if,in an emergency of such ceriousness, could the Town actually provde the adequate response and planning to safely carry the situation? Based on the material in this report, I could not come to a conclusion. All we can do is pray, and leave it in our Dear Lord's hands.

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