FEMA sets preparedness exercise for Beaver Valley Power Station

PHILADELPHIA -- The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency will evaluate a Biennial Radiological Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the Beaver Valley Power Station, June 11 to assess the ability of emergency responders in Pennsylvania and West Virginia in the event of an incident at the nuclear 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 3. "We will assess state and local government emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and State of West Virginia."

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for use in licensing decisions. The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.

FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 4:30 p.m. on June 13. Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA and the NRC. The meeting will take place in-person at Pittsburgh Airport Marriott, in Coraopolis, Pa.

At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to: MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator, FEMA Region 3, 615 Chestnut St., 6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106.