Press Release-03-009, Initial NRC Reaction to Witt Report
| ML030160882 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Millstone, Indian Point  |
| Issue date: | 01/16/2003 |
| From: | Office of Public Affairs |
| To: | |
| Category:Press Release | |
| References | |
| FOIA/PA-2003-0379, FOIA/PA-2003-0388 Press Release-03-009 | |
| Download: ML030160882 (1) | |
Text
NRC NEWS U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Public Affairs Telephone: 301/415-8200 Washington, DC 20555-0001 E-mail: opa@nrc.gov Web Site: www.nrc.gov No.03-009 January 16, 2003 INITIAL NRC REACTION TO WITT REPORT The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is reviewing the draft report issued by James Lee Witt Associates entitled Review of Emergency Preparedness at Indian Point and Millstone-Draft. The draft was prepared for the State of New York and was released on January 10.
NRC regulations require that comprehensive emergency plans be prepared and periodically exercised to assure that actions can and will be taken to protect citizens in the vicinity of a nuclear power plant. The current emergency plans are designed to cope with very severe accidents involving significant releases, regardless of the cause. We are reviewing the draft reports findings that these emergency plans require modification. In the meantime, the NRC will continue to work with its licensees, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and State and local officials in support of ongoing efforts to improve emergency preparedness programs.
The conclusions in the draft report appear to be based in part on concern over the effects a terrorist attack could have on the plant. Although we are reviewing the draft reports recommendations concerning the implications of terrorism for emergency planning, we want to reassure the public that significantly enhanced security measures have been put in place since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In general, these requirements, issued under NRC orders, include increased patrols, augmented security forces and capabilities, additional security posts, installation of additional physical barriers, vehicle checks at greater standoff distances, enhanced coordination with law enforcement and military authorities, and more restrictive site access controls for all personnel. The NRC has conducted numerous inspections at the Indian Point Energy Center to confirm that security measures have been and are being implemented.