TVA, Other Agencies To Conduct Nuclear Exercise

Nov. 2, 2009

ATHENS, Ala. – TVA and other federal, state and local agencies will conduct a regularly scheduled emergency preparedness exercise for Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant on Wednesday, Nov 4.

The exercise will involve about 1,000 TVA and state of Alabama employees and emergency responders in Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison and Morgan 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 sound.

Representatives of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will evaluate responders on the appropriateness of their actions to ensure the health and safety of the public.

The 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, the Department of Homeland Security evaluates the readiness of state and local agencies. The Department of Homeland Security will conduct a public meeting to discuss response to the exercise. The public meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. CST Friday, Nov. 6, in the Morgan County Emergency Operations Center at the Morgan County Courthouse in Decatur, Ala.

TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financing. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 9 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also creates economic development opportunities and manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.

Media Contact

Jason Huffine, Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, (256) 729-7698
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000

TVA Newsroom