TVA, Other Agencies to Conduct Nuclear Drill

April 27, 2009

SPRING CITY, Tn. – TVA and other state and local agencies will conduct a regularly scheduled emergency preparedness drill for Watts Bar Nuclear Plant on Wednesday, April 29.

The drill will involve about 1,000 TVA and state of Tennessee employees and emergency responders in McMinn, Meigs and Rhea Counties. Residents of these counties may see radiological monitoring teams or other responders in action as part of the exercise and may hear on-site and off-site sirens sound. In addition, the drill will include a Joint Information Center at the TVA offices in Chattanooga.

The emergency drill is part of a long-term drill and exercise program. Utilities operating nuclear power plants are required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to conduct emergency exercises annually. Every two years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency evaluates the readiness of state and local agencies. An evaluated exercise for Watts Bar Nuclear Plant will be held in June.

TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financing. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 9 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.

Media Contact

Myra Ireland, Chattanooga, 423-413-5971
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000

TVA Newsroom