ML20162A056

(FEMA Hq Letter 06-01-20) COVID-19 Preparedness Assessments for FEMA Region X - Columbia Generating Station

ML20162A056
Person / Time
Site:	Columbia
Issue date:	06/01/2020
From:	Hampton H US Dept of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, US Federal Emergency Management Agency, Technological Hazards Division
To:	Kathryn Brock NRC/NSIR/DPR
Anderson J, 287-9300
References
Download: ML20162A056 (3)

Text

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20472 www.fema.gov June 1, 2020 Kathryn Brock Director, Division of Preparedness and Response Office of Nuclear Security and Response U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Mail Stop T4D22A Washington, D.C. 20555 RE: COVID-19 Preparedness Assessments for FEMA Region X Columbia Generating Station, Richland, Washington

Dear Ms. Brock:

Pursuant to the FEMA Preparedness Assessment Framework - COVID-19 Memorandum dated May 13, 2020, FEMA Region X completed the assessment for the State of Washington and local communities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) of the Columbia Generating Station. This assessment included the examination of the local offsite response organizations (OROs), in order to assess their continued capability to adequately respond to an incident at the station.

Based on the assessment conducted and the Regions review of available information gathered in discussions with the OROs, FEMA concludes that offsite radiological emergency preparedness remains adequate to provide Reasonable Assurance and that appropriate measures can be taken to protect the health and safety of the public in a radiological emergency at the station. At this time, FEMA is not initiating any further actions. If FEMA does become aware of any degradation of the offsite infrastructure or a significant reduction in OROs capabilities that could directly impact public health and safety, FEMA stands ready initiate assessments and forward those findings to the NRC for appropriate review and action.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20472 www.fema.gov Page 2 June 1, 2020 Please contact me at 202-436-5838, if you have any questions or require any further assistance on this matter.

Sincerely, Hampton H. Hart, Jr.

Acting Director Technological Hazards Division

Attachment:

RX Assessment - Columbia Generating Station cc:

Deputy Administrator, Resilience Assistant Administrator, National Preparedness Directorate Associate Administrator, Office of Response and Recovery REP Program Branch Chief Region X RAC Chair FEMA National Watch Center Digitally signed by HAMPTON H HART JR Date: 2020.06.01 07:57:56

-04'00'

From:

Hlavaty-LaPosa, Janet To:

Hart, Hampton; Quinn, Vanessa; Bates, Kerris

Subject:

Columbia Generating Assessment Date:

Friday, May 29, 2020 5:24:50 PM Good afternoon Hampton, Vanessa and Darren,

On May 29, 2020, based on the assessment performed, our review of available information gathered in discussions with the OROs, FEMA Region X has concluded that offsite radiological emergency preparedness (EP) remains adequate to provide Reasonable Assurance and that appropriate measures can be taken to protect the health and safety of the public in a radiological emergency at the Columbia Generating Station. At this time, FEMA is not initiating any further action within the Columbia Generating Station 10-mile emergency planning zone. If FEMA does become aware of any degradation of the offsite infrastructure or a significant reduction in ORO capabilities that could directly impact public health and safety, FEMA stands ready to initiate assessments and forward its findings to the NRC for appropriate review and action.

I will continue to send the daily reports on the effects of COVID-19 on the OROs in the 10- and 50-mile EPZs. Our site specialist Jeremy Jones and I have stayed in constant contact with the OROs, offering support and assistance as needed. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 425-487-4618, or at janet.hlavaty-laposa@fema.dhs.gov.

Regards, Jan

Janet L. Hlavaty-LaPosa Regional Assistance Committee Chair &

Senior Site Specialist Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program National Preparedness Division, FEMA Region X Office: (425) 487-4618 l Mobile: (206) 953-2279 janet.hlavaty-laposa@fema.dhs.gov