TVA, Other Agencies to Conduct Nuclear Exercise

Nov. 3, 2003

SPRING CITY, Tenn. — TVA and other federal, state and local agencies will conduct a regularly scheduled emergency preparedness drill on Wednesday, Nov. 5, and Thursday, Nov. 6, to demonstrate how they would respond to an emergency at Watts Bar Nuclear Plant.

The exercise, part of a long-term emergency drill program, will involve about 1,000 TVA and state of Tennessee employees and emergency responders in McMinn, Meigs, and Rhea counties.

Residents of these counties may see radiological monitoring teams or other responders in action as part of the exercise. During the exercise, sirens at the plant may be heard in areas near Watts Bar.

Utilities operating nuclear power plants are required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to conduct emergency exercises each year. Every two years the Federal Emergency Management Agency evaluates state and county readiness. FEMA and NRC representatives will evaluate responders on the appropriateness of their actions to ensure the health and safety of the public.

A public meeting to discuss response to the exercise is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at the Best Western in Sweetwater, Tenn.

TVA is the nation’s largest public power producer and is completely self-financed. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve 8.3 million consumers in seven southeastern states.

Media Contact:

Carol Ayers, Watts Bar Nuclear Plant (423-365-1574) or TVA News Bureau, Knoxville (865-632-6000)