FEMA to Test Virginia Nuclear Plant's Readiness
We will assess state and local emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone, as well as the adjacent support jurisdictions within the Commonwealth of Virginia," said MaryAnn Tierney, regional administrator for FEMA Region III.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced it will evaluate a Biennial Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the Surry Power Station, a two-reactor power plant operated by Dominion. The plant is in southeastern Virginia, on the south bank of the James River across from historic Jamestown. FEMA announced the exercise will occur during the week of Feb. 9 to test the ability of the Commonwealth of Virginia to respond to an emergency at the facility.
"These drills are held every other year to evaluate government's ability to protect public health and safety," said MaryAnn Tierney, regional administrator for FEMA Region III. "We will assess state and local emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone, as well as the adjacent support jurisdictions within the Commonwealth of Virginia."
Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for use in licensing decisions, and FEMA's final report will be available to the public about 120 days after the exercise. FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise in a public meeting at 11 a.m. Feb. 13 at the Newport News Town Center Hotel. Written comments may be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov.