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UNIT SIX

FEDERAL RESPONSE SYSTEMS

For a radiological emergency at a facility or site not underthe control of a Federal agency, State and localgovernments have primary responsibility for determiningand implementing measures to protect life, property and theenvironment outside the facility boundary. The owner oroperator of a nuclear facility has primary responsibility foractions within the boundaries of that facility; for providingnotification and advice to off-site officials and forminimizing the radiological hazard to the public.

For radiological emergencies involving an area underFederal control the responsibility for onsite actions belongsto the Federal agency, while off-site actions are theresponsibility of the State or local government. In all otherradiological emergencies, the State or local government hasthe responsibility for taking emergency actions both onsiteand off-site, with support provided, upon request, byFederal agencies as designated by the Federal RadiologicalEmergency Response Plan (FRERP).

Each level of government maintains plans for radiologicalemergency response. In local government the coordinationof that function may be assigned to emergency management,public health, or some other agency or department. Thatrole will be identified in the local plan. At the State level,the responsibility for coordinating radiological emergencyresponse lies with the State emergency management agency.At the Federal level, the Lead Federal Agency (LFA) is thecoordinating agency for Federal response to radiologicalemergencies. In this unit you will explore the Federalresponse to radiological emergencies.

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GATE FRAMEQUESTION

A severe accident has occurred at the commercial nuclearpower plant in your jurisdiction. The facility has issued asite area emergency notification and indicates that unless theproblem is brought under control, off-site radiation levelsare expected to exceed dose limits for the general public. As a result, the Federal Radiological Emergency ResponsePlan (FRERP) has been implemented, and Federal agenciesare gearing up for immediate deployment to the site. Themayor wants to know what the FRERP is, what agencieswill respond, who will be in charge, and what the Federalgovernment can do to help solve the problem.

What will you tell him?

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ANSWER

Your answer should includethe adjacent information.

The FRERP is an operational strategy by which Federalagencies with various statutory responsibilities inradiological protection and response coordinate their effortsat the accident scene.

Because this is an accident at a commercial nuclear facility,the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is the LeadFederal Agency (LFA). This means the NRC manages theFederal response effort and coordinates among the Federalagencies and their interactions with the State. TheDepartment of Energy (DOE) will set up a FederalRadiological Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC).

The FRMAC provides a wide array of monitoring andassessment data to the State and local governments as wellas to the LFA. The LFA will provide advice regardingprotective actions to the State and local governments.

The Federal presence does not impact State and localauthority or responsibility to assess the situation and toselect and implement protective actions.

If your answer included all or most of the above points, youshould be ready for the Summary Questions at the end ofthis unit. Turn to page 6-22.

If your answer did not include these points, complete theinstruction for this unit. Turn to page 6-4.

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FRERP

OVERVIEW OF THE FEDERALRADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY RESPONSEPLAN

In the event of a radiological accident, Federal agencieswith various statutory responsibilities have agreed tocoordinate their efforts at the accident scene under theumbrella of the Federal Radiological Emergency ResponsePlan (FRERP). The FRERP covers any peacetimeradiological emergency that has actual, potential, orperceived radiological consequences within the U.S., itsTerritories, possessions, or territorial waters, and that couldrequire a response by the Federal government. The level ofFederal response to a specific emergency will be based onthe type and/or amount of radioactive material involved, thelocation of the emergency, the impact or the potential forimpact on the public and the environment, and the size ofthe affected area. Emergencies occurring at fixed nuclearfacilities or during the transportation of radioactivematerials, including nuclear weapons, fall within the scopeof the Plan regardless of ownership.

The objective of the FRERP is to establish an organized andintegrated capability for timely coordinated response byFederal agencies to peacetime radiological emergencies. The agency that is responsible for leading and coordinatingall aspects of Federal response is referred to as the LeadFederal Agency (LFA) and is determined by the type ofemergency.

This cooperative effort is intended to assure the States andthe LFA that all Federal technical assistance is fullysupporting their efforts and that monitoring results areprovided in a working data center for immediate use by theState(s) and LFA decision makers. The Federal agencies donot relinquish their statutory responsibilities. However, thismandated cooperation ensures that each agency can obtainthe data critical to its specific responsibility.

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QUESTION

Circle the correct answer

The FRERP ensures that emergency response resources areavailable to respond to any accident scenario. The planidentifies the authorities and responsibilities of each Federalagency that may have a significant role in a radiologicalemergency. The State is fully recognized as the primarydecision maker for any public action outside the boundariesof the facility which experienced the accident (areasconsidered to be off-site).

Answer the following question to check your understandingof the FRERP.

The describes the responsibilities of each Federalagency with major responsibilities in a radiologicalemergency.

a. LFA.

b. FRERP.

Turn the page to check your answer.

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ANSWERS

QUESTION

Circle the correct answer.

a. Incorrect. The Lead Federal Agency is one of theentities whose responsibilities are described withinthe FRERP.

Try the next question

b. Right! The Federal Radiological EmergencyResponse Plan is the umbrella under which Federalagencies coordinate response to radiologicalemergencies.

Turn to page 6-8

The LFA is the primary decision maker for all public actionsoutside the boundaries of the facility where the accidentoccurred.

a. true.

b. false.

Turn the page to check your answer.

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ANSWERS a. No, the State makes the decisions regarding off-sitepublic actions.

You should reread this section before moving on.

b. That’s right. The Federal agencies are there to assistthe State, not take over the State government.

Turn to page 6-8.

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THE FEDERAL RADIOLOGICALMONITORING AND ASSESSMENTCENTER

The Department of Energy (DOE) may respond to a State or LFArequest for assistance by dispatching a Radiological AssistanceProgram (RAP) team. If the situation requires more assistance thana RAP team can provide, DOE will alert or activate additionalresources. These resources may include the establishment of aFederal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center(FRMAC), to be used as an on-scene coordination center forFederal radiological assessment activities. Federal and Stateagencies are encouraged to collocate their radiological assessmentactivities at the FRMAC.

The following radiological information is provided by theFRMAC to the States and the LFA:

• Plume predictions, as appropriate;

• Air and ground concentrations in time and space;

• Deposition patterns of isotopic concentrations & exposure rates;

• Concentrations in environmental media in time and space;

• Assurance of quality of data;

• Retrievable documentation of environmental conditions;

• Dose predictions in time and space;

• Results of data collection, analysis, and evaluation;

• Evaluations, assessments, and interpretation of data, asapplicable;

• Technical assistance to State and LFA decision-making officials,as requested; and

• Weather forecasts

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QUESTION

Circle the correct answer.

Answer the following question to check your understandingof the FRMAC.

In a major radiological emergency, the State might rely onthe FRMAC to provide

a. data on the scope and radiation content of theplume.

b. off-site emergency rescue capability.

Turn to the next page to check your answer.

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ANSWERS

QUESTION

Circle the correct answer.

a. That’s correct. The FRMAC provides technicalassistance to the State(s).

Turn to page 6-12.

b. No, the off-site emergency response is provided bylocal and State agencies with possible assistancefrom Federal entities other than the FRMAC.

Try the next question.

How would a local radiological response team access theFRMAC for technical assistance with low level radiationaccidents?

a. call the Department of Energy.

b. the FRMAC would not be available.

Turn to the next page to check your answer.

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ANSWERS a. No, a FRMAC is only established in the event of asignificant radiological emergency. A localjurisdiction contacts the State Radiation Authorityfor technical assistance with a localized problem.

Review this section before proceeding.

b. Correct. You realize that the FRMAC is establishedin the event of significant radiological emergencies.

Turn to page 6-12.

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THE LEAD FEDERAL AGENCY

When the State or facility owner requests Federal assistancein a radiological emergency, the FRERP is activated.

Under the FRERP, the LFA will lead and coordinate allFederal response activities from an on-scene location,referred to as the Joint Operations Center (JOC).

The LFA will oversee the federal response, monitor andsupport owner or operator activities (if applicable), andserve as the principal Federal source of information aboutonsite conditions. The LFA will provide a hazardassessment of onsite conditions that might have significantoff-site impact and ensure onsite measures are taken tomitigate off-site consequences.

The LFA will establish a Joint Information Center (JIC) formedia release coordination and approval. It is the centralpoint of contact for all news media at the scene of theincident. Public information officials from all participatingFederal agencies collocate at the JIC.

The assignment of LFA responsibility is determined by thetype and location of radiological accident.

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TYPE OF RADIOLOGICAL ACCIDENTLFA

Nuclear Facilities

Licensed by NRC or an Agreement State

Owned or operated by DoD or DOE

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

Department of Defense (DoD) or Departmentof Energy (DOE)

Material Not Licensed, Owned, or Operatedby a Federal Agency or Agreement State

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Transportation of Radioactive Materials

Shipment of Materials Licensed by NRC oran Agreement State

Materials shipped by or for DoD or DOE

Shipment of Materials Not Licensed orOwned by a Federal Agency or an AgreementState

NRC

DoD or DOE

EPA

Satellite Containing Radioactive Material NASA or DoD

Impact from Foreign or Unknown Source EPA

Other Types of Emergencies LFAs confer

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QUESTION

Circle the correct answer.

To apply your knowledge, answer the following question.

The decisions regarding protective actions to berecommended to the public in a radiological emergency aremade by

a. the State.

b. the LFA.

Turn to the next page to check your answer.

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ANSWER

QUESTION

Circle the correct answer.

a. Correct. The FRERP fully recognizes the State asthe primary decision maker for any public actionoutside the boundaries of the facility thatexperienced the accident.

Turn to page 6-17.

b. No. The LFA will recommend protective actionmeasures to the State(s).

Try another question.

If a vehicle carrying high-level radioactive waste to a DOEfacility is involved in a major accident with resulting fire anddispersion of radioactive materials, the LFA would be the

a. NRC.

b. DOE.

Turn to the next page to check your answer.

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ANSWERS a. No. The NRC is the LFA for significanttransportation accidents where the radioactivematerials are not shipped for DOE or DoD.

Review this section before continuing.

b. That is correct.

Go to page 6-17.

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ROLES OF FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCALAGENCIES

As defined by the FRERP, FEMA will coordinate provisionof non-radiological Federal resources and assistance toaffected State and local governments. The Federal non-radiological resource and assistance coordination functionswill be performed at a Disaster Field Office (DFO).

The DOE, under the FRERP, has the initial responsibilityfor coordinating off-site Federal radiological monitoring andassessment assistance during response to a radiologicalemergency. Seven overall responsibilities fall initially to theDOE:

• Provide support to the State through coordination of theoff-site Federal radiological monitoring, assessment, andevaluation activities;

• Maintain technical liaison with the State and localagencies having monitoring and assessmentresponsibilities;

• Maintain a common set of off-site radiologicalmonitoring data;

• Provide monitoring data and any interpretations to theLFA and appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies;

• Provide off-site support, including the FRMAC and themajority of personnel to operate it; and

• Provide various operational assets, including detectionand measurement equipment, communications support,and aerial sampling capability, as appropriate.

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STATE AND LOCALGOVERNMENTS

Following the initial phase of the emergency, the DOE willtransfer certain responsibilities to the EPA at a mutuallyagreeable time. The EPA will assume the Federal agencyresponsibility for coordinating the intermediate and long-term, off-site radiation monitoring activities. EPA assumescontrol of the FRMAC with adequate assurances from DOEand the other Federal agencies that they will commit thenecessary resources, personnel, and funds for the durationof the Federal response effort.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulatesthe use of byproduct, source, and special nuclear material,including activities at commercial and research nuclearfacilities. The NRC provides assistance in Federalradiological monitoring and assessment activities duringincidents. The NRC also provides, where available,continuous measurement of ambient radiation levels aroundNRC licensed facilities, primarily power reactors, usingthermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs).

State and local governments are responsible for the healthand welfare of the general public during an emergency. Off-site authority and responsibility at the accident site restswith the State and local officials. State and local officialsalso assess the situation and issue instructions for necessaryprotective actions to ensure the health and safety of thegeneral public, making use of the recommendation of theLFA and the data provided by the FRMAC.

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QUESTION

Circle the correct answer.

Answer the following question to check your understanding.

The Federal agency that will coordinate the Federalradiological emergency response with the State(s) is

a. FEMA.

b. LFA.

Turn to the next page to check your answer.

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ANSWERS

QUESTION

Circle the correct answer.

a. No, FEMA coordinates provision of non-radiological Federal resources and assistance.

Try another question.

b. That is correct. The LFA assists State and localgovernments in determining protective actions andensures that other Federal agencies assist State andlocal government in implementing protectiveactions.

Go to page 6-22.

The DOE is responsible for all off-site radiologicalassessment activities.

a. true.

b. false.

Turn to the next page to check your answer.

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ANSWERS a. Incorrect. State and local officials will assess thesituation, making use of the recommendation of theLFA and the data provided by the FRMAC.

Review the section before proceeding.

b. Correct. State and local officials also assess thesituation and issue instructions for necessary off-siteprotective actions.

You are ready for the Summary Questions. Turn to page 6-22.

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QUESTION

Circle the correct answer.

SUMMARY QUESTIONS

As a local member of a State radiological emergencyresponse team, who do you report to in the event of aradiological accident in which Federal response also isinvolved?

a. the State radiological response team leader.

b. the LFA.

Turn to the next page to check your answer.

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ANSWERS

QUESTION

Circle the correct answer.

a. Correct. The organizational structures of Stateresponse are unaffected by the Federal presence.

Try the next question.

b. No. The LFA manages onsite Federal, not off-siteState and local, response actions.

You should go back and review the unit before trying thenext question.

2. One of the benefits to the local and Stategovernments of Federal assistance in a radiologicalemergency is

a. freedom from decision making.

b. the monitoring and assessment data provided by theFRMAC.

Turn the page to check your answer.

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ANSWERS a. No. The responsibilities of the State and localgovernments for the health and welfare of theirpublic remain intact.

You should review the unit before continuing on in thecourse.

b. Yes. The FRMAC provides an excellent resource tothe States as well as the LFA and other Federalagencies involved.

Move ahead to Unit Seven.