FEMA to Perform 'Full-Scale Exercise' at Nuclear Power Plant

Next week’s training will analyze response to a radiological release at the Seabrook Station; NH, Mass. emergency officials participating.

SEABROOK, NH - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct a “full-scale” training exercise at the NextEra Energy Seabrook Station Nuclear Power Plant located in Seabrook on April 8, 2016. The exercise if being organized by FEMA, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and state and local emergency management officials

“This exercise allows federal teams to examine the ability of the participating local, state and utility officials to protect the health and safety of the public living near the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant in the event of a radiological release,” according to Bruce Brodoff of the FEMA. “FEMA will observe and evaluate governmental responses. The NRC will observe and evaluate the on-site performance of Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant staff.”

Officials from communities in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, within a 10-mile radius of the plant, are being requested to activate their emergency operations centers during the exercise, according to a press statement.

The organizations will hold a public briefing at 11 a.m. on April 8, at the end of the exercise, at the Courtyard Marriot’s Seacoast Ballroom in Portsmouth. Written comments and questions can be submitted from the public at that time or after the meeting, according to officials.

Link: http://patch.com/new-hampshire/hampton-northhampton/fema-perform-full-scale-exercise-nuclear-power-plant