Nuclear Regulatory Commission Approves Ohio's Radiological Emergency Response Plan

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has announced the approval of Ohio's off-site radiological emergency response plans and preparedness, following a recent drill and evaluation held in October 2019. The exercise, conducted by the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, aimed to test the state's ability to respond to a nuclear emergency. The results of the drill showed that Ohio and its affected local jurisdictions are adequately prepared to protect public health and safety.

Key Takeaways:

• The Mercy St. Charles Hospital Medical Services Drill was held at the Medical Center's Emergency Department in Lucas County, Ohio on October 22, 2019.
• The Relocation, Reentry, and Return Evaluation was conducted on October 23, 2019 at the Ottawa and Lucas County Emergency Operations Centers.
• No issues were identified during the Evaluation or the Drill, indicating a high level of preparedness among state and local authorities.
• The planning and preparedness demonstrated by Ohio and its affected local jurisdictions provide reasonable assurance that public health and safety can be protected in the event of a nuclear emergency.
• The approval of Ohio's off-site radiological emergency response plans and preparedness is effective due to Title 44 CFR 350.

Statistics:

• 22 October 2019: Mercy St. Charles Hospital Medical Services Drill was held.
• 23 October 2019: Relocation, Reentry, and Return Evaluation was conducted.
• 7 recipients: Document Cc: DHS/FEMA Headquarters NRC Region III NRC Headquarters Document Control Desk www.fema.gov.

Sources:

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security Region V 536 South Clark Street, Floor 7 Chicago, Illinois 60605
• FEMA Enclosed is the Final After-Action Report/Im-provement Plan for the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station Radiological Emergency Program Relocation, Reentry, and Return Evaluation and Medical Services Drill.