TVA, Other Agencies to Conduct Nuclear Exercise
September 30, 2002
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. — TVA and other federal, state, and local agencies will conduct a regularly scheduled emergency preparedness exercise at Sequoyah Nuclear Plant on Wednesday, October 2.
During the exercise, sirens at the plant may be heard in areas near the plant. Sirens located off the plant site, which are tested the first Wednesday of each month at noon, will also be sounded during the exercise.
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.
Members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will evaluate responders on the appropriateness of their actions to ensure the health and safety of the public.
This 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 FEMA evaluates state and county readiness to protect public health and safety.
A public meeting to discuss response to the exercise is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Friday, October 4, in the Tennessee River Room at TVA’s Chattanooga Office Complex, 1101 Market Street, in Chattanooga.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power producer, and its power system is self-financed. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve 8.3 million consumers in seven southeastern states.
Media Contact:
Carol Ayers, Chattanooga (423-751-6875) or TVA News Bureau, Knoxville (865-632-6000)
