Tennessee Valley Authority
TVA, Other Agencies to Conduct Nuclear Drill
September 20, 2011
SPRING CITY, Tenn. – The Tennessee Valley Authority and other federal, state and local agencies will conduct a regularly scheduled emergency preparedness exercise for Watts Bar Nuclear Plant on Wednesday, Sept. 21.
The exercise will involve about 1,000 TVA and state of Tennessee employees and emergency responders in McMinn, Meigs and Rhea counties. Residents may see radiological monitoring teams or other responders in action as part of the exercise and may hear on-site and off-site sirens. The drill will also include a Joint Information Center at the TVA offices in Chattanooga.
The drill is preparation for another exercise in October, when representatives of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will evaluate responders' actions to ensure the health and safety of the public.
The emergency drill 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. Following the graded exercise in October, the Department of Homeland Security will hold a public meeting to discuss the results.
The Tennessee Valley Authority, a corporation owned by the U.S. government, provides electricity for 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states at prices below the national average. TVA, which receives no taxpayer money and makes no profits, also provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists utilities and state and local governments with economic development.
Media Contact
Myra Ireland, Chattanooga, (423) 413-5971
TVA Media Relations, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000