NRC: News Release - 2003-099 - NRC Finds Indian Point Meets Reasonable Assurance Criteria for Emergency Preparedness


Index \| Site Map \| FAQ \| Facility Info \| Reading Rm \| New \| Help \| Glossary \| Contact Us

NRC NEWS U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
Office of Public Affairs	Telephone: 301/415-8200
Washington, DC 20555-0001	E-mail: OPA.Resource@nrc.gov
www.nrc.gov

No. 03-099

July 25, 2003

NRC FINDS INDIAN POINT MEETS REASONABLE ASSURANCE
CRITERIA FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Printable Version

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) have distinct yet coordinated responsibilities for assessing emergency preparedness associated with commercial nuclear facilities. FEMA has responsibility for assessing off-site emergency preparedness, including the coordination and implementation of radiological protection guidelines. NRC has responsibility for assessing on-site emergency planning and preparedness; the specific requirements and oversight are established for NRC licensees to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety. Ultimately, the NRC has the overall responsibility for determining that there is reasonable assurance that adequate protective measures can and will be taken in the event of a radiological emergency at an NRC licensed facility.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has received the results of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s most recent review of the adequacy of off-site emergency preparedness plans and procedures for the Indian Point nuclear power facility. FEMA has concluded: "After carefully considering all available information, we have reasonable assurance that appropriate protective measures to protect the health and safety of surrounding communities can be taken and are capable of being implemented in the event of a radiological incident at the Indian Point facility."

The NRC has determined, from its continuing evaluation of the licensee’s on-site emergency planning and preparedness for radiological events, that Indian Point meets the requisite criteria for reasonable assurance of adequate protection. Considering both FEMA’s off-site and NRC’s on-site emergency preparedness assessments, the NRC’s overall determination continues to be that Indian Point emergency preparedness is satisfactory and provides reasonable assurance of adequate protection.

The NRC and FEMA recognize that planning for possible emergencies is an ongoing process. Efforts to improve emergency preparedness associated with the Indian Point facility continue to be made by the State of New York, involved Counties, and the plant operator. The NRC will continue to work closely with FEMA, state and local officials as well as the plant operator to assure continued protection of the public health and safety. In that regard, plans will be developed by the NRC and FEMA, and in coordination with state and local governments, for the next emergency preparedness drill at Indian Point, which will include a simulated terrorist scenario.

NRC news releases are available through a free listserv subscription at the following Web address: http://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/listserver.html. The NRC Home Page at www.nrc.gov also offers a Subscribe to News link in the News & Information menu. E-mail notifications are sent to subscribers when news releases are posted to NRC's Web Site.