Officials To Test Pennsylvania Readiness For Nuclear Emergency
Release Date: November 14, 2003
Release Number: R3-03-119
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- A federal team will evaluate Pennsylvania's readiness for nuclear power plant emergencies next week, announced an official of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
FEMA Region III Acting Regional Director Patricia G. Arcuri said the goal of the exercise is to demonstrate the ability of officials to protect public health and safety within the 10-mile emergency planning zone of the Limerick Generating Station. The facility is located 1.7 miles southeast of Pottstown Borough on the Schuylkill River.
FEMA will hold a public briefing at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Hampton Inn Reading, 1800 Paper Mill Road. The meeting will provide an overview of the exercise. Speakers will include representatives from FEMA, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Exelon, operator of the power plant.
FEMA will send a final report within 90 days of the exercise date to the NRC, the regulatory agency for nuclear power plant operations, Arcuri said. The report also will be available to the public.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 17-Nov-2003 09:36:16