ML26006A064
| ML26006A064 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Oconee  |
| Issue date: | 01/16/2026 |
| From: | Michael Waters Policy and Oversight Branch |
| To: | Doolin J Federal Emergency Management Agency |
| References | |
| Download: ML26006A064 (0) | |
Text
1 NRCs Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. (ML25169A044) 2 ADAMS (ML25225A104)
Joel Doolin Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator National Preparedness Directorate Federal Emergency Management Agency, 400 C Street, SW Washington, DC 20024
SUBJECT:
OCONEE NUCLEAR STATION ALERT AND NOTIFICATION SYSTEM EVALUATION REPORT
Dear Mr. Doolin:
On behalf of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), I am responding to your \
letter dated June 10, 2025, which provided the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approval of Revision 1 of the Oconee Nuclear Station (ONS) Alert and Notification System Evaluation Report (Alert and Notification System (ANS) Design Report) which was received on June 23, 20251.
As described in Rev. 1 of the ONS ANS Design Report, ONS replaced its primary alerting system, the Outdoor Warning System (OWS) (sirens), with the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System - Wireless Emergency Alerts (IPAWS-WEA). ONS also intends to use the OWS to replace route alerting and notification as the backup alerting method and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) as the backup notification method.
Per Section V, Parts A and B of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS/FEMA) and the NRC regarding radiological emergencies, planning, and preparedness, dated July 22, 20252:
FEMA coordinates all Federal planning for offsite impact of radiological emergencies and takes the lead for assessing offsite radiological emergency response plans and preparedness, makes findings and determinations as to the adequacy and capability of implementing offsite plans, and communicates those findings and determinations to the NRC. As outlined within Section V, Part A, FEMA Approves ANS design reports.
When the ANS design report undergoes significant changes, including any changes to primary and backup alert methods, FEMA will allow the NRC to review the ANS design report to ensure that the NRC-regulated aspects of ANS are maintained.
January 16, 2026
2 J. Doolin As outlined within Section V, Part B:
The NRC reviews FEMA's findings and determinations in conjunction with the NRC onsite findings for the purpose of making determinations on the overall state of emergency preparedness. These overall findings and determinations are used by the NRC to make radiological health and safety decisions in the issuance of licenses and the continued operation of licensed utilization facility to include taking enforcement actions such as notices of violations, civil penalties, orders, or shutdown of operating reactors.
This delineation of responsibilities avoids duplicative efforts by the NRC in preparedness matters.
Additionally, as outlined within Part B, the NRC:
Reviews FEMA's findings and determinations of offsite plans to determine that the plans, including ANS design reports, are adequate and can be effectively implemented.
The NRC evaluated the updated ONS ANS Design Report Rev. 1 and supplemental information, and found that it contained sufficient information to be considered an adequate submittal for NRC to conduct its review. At this time, the NRC did not identify any licensing basis issues associated with the ONS ANS Design Report.
Consistent with the roles of each respective agency as set forth in the aforementioned MOU, the NRC conducted a review of the FEMA findings. To aid its review, the NRC utilized the FEMA evaluation criteria and sample template for ANS changes and use of IPAWS3. The NRC review focused on the applicable requirements in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Section 50, Appendix E,Section IV.D.3.
The NRC staff conducted a risk-informed assessment and thorough review to determine if there is reasonable assurance that backup capability for alert and notification would be available in the event the primary ANS is unavailable during an emergency. The staff concluded that the backup capability does exist.
In conclusion, the NRC accepts the findings of FEMA that Rev. 1 of the ONS ANS Evaluation Report, which enables the NRC to maintain a finding of reasonable assurance for public health and safety.
Please feel free to contact my staff, Cindy Rosales-Cooper, Chief, Policy and Oversight Branch at (301) 287-9500 or at Cindy.Rosales-Cooper@nrc.gov, if you have questions.
Sincerely, Michael Waters, Acting Director Division of Preparedness and Response Office of Nuclear Security and Incident
Response
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Signed by Waters, Michael on 01/16/26
Ltr ML26006A064 OFFICE NSIR/DPR/POB NSIR/DPR/POB NSIR/DPR NAME DMyal CRosales-Cooper MWaters DATE Jan 6, 2026 Jan 6, 2026 Jan 16, 2026