TVA, Other Agencies To Conduct Nuclear Exercise
August 28, 2006
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. – TVA and other federal, state and local agencies will conduct a regularly scheduled emergency preparedness exercise for Sequoyah Nuclear Plant on Wednesday, Aug. 30.
The exercise will involve about 1,000 TVA and state of Tennessee employees and emergency responders in Hamilton and Bradley 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.
Representatives of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will evaluate responders on the appropriateness of their actions to ensure the health and safety of the public.
The emergency exercise is part of a long-term drill and exercise program. Utilities operating nuclear power plants are required by the NRC to conduct emergency exercises annually. Every two years, the Department of Homeland Security evaluates the readiness of state and local agencies.
The Department of Homeland Security will conduct a public meeting to discuss response to the exercise. The public meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1, in the Tennessee River room at TVA’s Chattanooga Office Complex, 1101 Market St.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financing with revenues of $7.8 billion in 2005. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 8.6 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
Kay Whittenburg, Chattanooga, (423) 751-7152
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000
