[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 8, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20944-20970]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-11313]




[[Page 20943]]


_______________________________________________________________________

Part III





Federal Emergency Management Agency





_______________________________________________________________________



Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan (FRERP); Operational Plan; 
Notice

Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 8, 1996 / 
Notices

[[Page 20944]]



FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY


Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan (FRERP); Operational 
Plan

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency gives notice of and 
publishes the Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan (FRERP) as 
the operational plan for Federal agencies to discharge their 
responsibilities during peacetime radiological emergencies. The FRERP 
establishes an organized, integrated capability for participating 
Federal agencies to respond to a wide range of peacetime radiological 
emergencies. The Plan provides a concept of operations, outlines 
Federal policies and planning considerations, and specifies authorities 
and responsibilities of each Federal agency that has a significant role 
in such emergencies. The FRERP is now fully operational for use in the 
Federal response to radiological emergencies.

EFFECTIVE DATE: May 8, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas M. Antush, Operations Division, 
Response and Recovery Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 
500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, telephone (202) 646-3617.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 6, 1994, FEMA published the 
proposed Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan in the Federal 
Register (59 FR 46086-46107). Referred to interchangeably as the FRERP, 
or the Plan, the Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan was 
developed by FEMA and 16 other Federal agencies. It was published in 
interim but operational form pending formal agency concurrences by each 
of the 17 agencies that cooperated in the development of this Plan.
    Federal agencies respond to radiological emergencies using the 
FRERP, each agency in accordance with its existing statutory 
authorities and funding resources. The Lead Federal Agency is 
responsible for coordination of the overall Federal response to the 
emergency. FEMA is responsible for coordinating non-radiological 
support using the structure of the Federal Response Plan. The 
relationship between the FRERP and the Federal Response Plan is 
discussed in the FRERP, and will be further described in a Radiological 
Emergencies Annex to the Federal Response Plan.
    Section 304 of Pub. L. 96-295 requires that the President prepare 
and publish a plan to provide for expeditious, efficient, and 
coordinated Federal response to accidents at nuclear power facilities. 
Executive Order (E.O.) 12241 of September 29, 1980, as amended by E.O. 
12657, delegated this responsibility to the Director of FEMA. FEMA 
published the first FRERP on November 8, 1985, 50 FR 46542. The FRERP 
published today updates and supersedes the Plan published in 1985.
    After the September 6, 1994 publication, FEMA presented the interim 
proposed Plan to the management of the other 16 Federal agencies. Each 
of these agencies has provided its written concurrence with the Plan. 
Several of the agencies offered proposed changes to the interim Plan. 
FEMA and other members of the Federal Response Subcommittee reviewed 
those proposed changes and determined that they are minor, clarify 
Federal agency roles and responsibilities, and that they do not affect 
the basic organization or responsiveness of the Plan.
    The 1994 notice requested public comments on the proposed plan. 
Over 70 comments were received from approximately 20 organizations 
representing Federal and State Government agencies and private industry 
that will be affected by changes in the FRERP. The remainder of the 
Preamble provides the Federal Response Subcommittee's (``the 
Committee'') response to the comments received during the comment 
period. The comments, and the Committee's responses, are listed in the 
order of appearance in the FRERP. The page numbers cited in the comment 
summary refer to the page numbers in the September 6, 1994, Federal 
Register notice of the proposed plan. The organization that provided 
the comment is identified in the brackets following the comment.

Responses to Comments

    Comment 1. The word ``domestic'' in II.B.3. of the Table of 
Contents on page 46086 should be stricken and changed to read ``NASA/
DOD Satellites* * *'' In addition, this change should be made 
everywhere in the plan where the word ``domestic'' appears (e.g., pages 
46088-46089), including all such references in the tables. [NASA]
    Response: Based on subsequent discussions with NASA, the word 
``domestic'' is stricken from the title in II.B.3 of the Table of 
Contents, in II.B.3 of the text and in Table II-1, so the category now 
reads ``Satellites Containing Radioactive Materials''.
    Comment 2. The phrase ``that could require a response by several 
Federal agencies'' found in I. Introduction and Background, C. Scope on 
page 46087 is vague and doesn't explain who will make the decision 
based on what criteria. Any Federal response should be tied to a 
structured classification system, statutory authority, or the request 
for assistance from a State or other appropriate jurisdiction. This is 
more clearly stated in Section D.3 on the same page. [Department of 
Nuclear Safety (Illinois)]
    Response--This phrase was purposely worded to provide Federal 
agencies maximum flexibility to respond to State and local requests for 
assistance in the event of a radiological emergency. The Committee 
believes that the use of a structured classification system would 
adversely impact the ability of the Federal Government to configure 
their response to meet the specific needs that would be associated with 
a particular emergency. As the comment recognizes, information 
contained in various paragraphs of II. Concept of Operations, provides 
greater details on how Federal support can be requested.
    Comment 3. Page 46087, I. Introduction and Background, C. Scope, 
last sentence. The U.S. Code citations to the referenced statutory 
authorities should be included (e.g., Subsection 274.b of the Atomic 
Energy Act of 1954, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2021(b). [NASA]
    Response--The appropriate citations have been added to the 
referenced authorities in Appendix C, Federal Agency Response Missions, 
Capabilities and Resources, References, and Authorities.
    Comment 4. On page 46087, the last sentence of the first paragraph 
of I.D.2. Coordination by Federal Agencies, states ``The degree to 
which the Federal response is merged or to which activities are 
adjusted will be based upon the requirements and priorities set by the 
State.'' This is the way the State would hope the Federal Government 
will work with them. However, after reading the rest of the plan, this 
is not the policy the Federal Government is planning on pursuing. 
[Office of Emergency Management--Department of Motor Vehicles and 
Public Safety (Nevada)]
    Response--The Committee made a determined effort to assure that the 
Plan describes a Federal response in support of the State response. As 
stated in Section II.A., ``The concept of operations recognizes the 
preeminent role of State and local governments for determining and 
implementing any measures to protect life, property, and the 
environment in areas not under the

[[Page 20945]]

control of a Federal agency.'' Accordingly, the Federal agencies that 
are signatories to this plan recognize that State and local governments 
are their ``customers'' and that the off-site Federal role is one of 
providing support and assistance as requested. This applies to all 
aspects of a radiological emergency response in the affected off-site 
area (e.g., environmental monitoring and assessment, implementation of 
protective actions, release of public information, and determination of 
restoration priorities). For example, on page 46089 Section II.D.3. 
Radiological Monitoring and Assessment states that the Federal 
radiological monitoring and assessment response activity will ``support 
the monitoring and assessment programs of the States.'' Also, on page 
46091 Section II.D.4. Protective Action Recommendations states ``The 
LFA will assist State and local authorities, if requested, by advising 
them on protective actions for the public.''
    Comment 5. On page 46087 the second paragraph in I.D.2. 
Coordination by Federal Agencies states, ``Appropriate independent 
emergency actions may be taken by the participating Federal agencies 
within the limits of their own statutory authority to protect the 
public, minimize immediate hazards, and gather information about the 
emergency that might be lost by delay.'' This was the philosophy used 
by DOE and EPA in an exercise in which the town of Rachel, NV, was 
evacuated without State and local officials being notified. DOE and EPA 
took it upon themselves to go door to door and issue an evacuation 
order which is not within their statutory authority. They can assist 
but they do not issue an evacuation order. In an emergency, the locals 
may not be able to respond quickly enough to participate in an 
evacuation order, but Federal agencies must inform the State and local 
officials of their plans before they take any action and not after the 
fact. In the State of Nevada, the Governor is the only one who can 
issue an evacuation order. A paragraph stressing the importance of 
Federal agencies informing the State and local officials before the 
response is taken and not after should be inserted into the plan. 
[Office of Emergency Management Department of Motor Vehicles and Public 
Safety (Nevada)]
    Response--While the Committee agrees that State and local officials 
should be notified and kept informed of all Federal activities in the 
affected off-site areas, the Committee believes that this issue is 
adequately addressed in the plan as written. As stated in Section 
II.A., ``The concept of operations recognizes the preeminent role of 
State and local governments for determining and implementing any 
measures to protect life, property, and the environment in areas not 
under the control of a Federal agency.'' The adherence of the Federal 
agencies to this principle has been clearly demonstrated by their 
actions in the FRMAC-93, Hanford, and DIAGRAM JUMP exercises that have 
been conducted with the states of Nebraska, Iowa, and Washington over 
the past 2 years.
    Comment 6. On page 46087, the first paragraph of Section I.D.3. 
Federal Agency Authorities states, ``Some Federal agencies have 
authority to respond to certain situations affecting public health and 
safety with or without a State request.'' It is not clear under what 
circumstances the Federal agencies will respond. The authority is 
vague. I think that if it is in time of emergency that has already been 
addressed, this sentence should be removed. [Office of Emergency 
Management--Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety (Nevada)]
    Response--The purpose of this sentence was to indicate that under a 
few very unlikely situations some Federal agencies have the authority 
to initiate actions to protect public health and safety without being 
requested to do so by either State or local officials. However, because 
the signatories to the FRERP do not believe that these situations will 
occur during a radiological emergency the plan does not go into any 
level of detail about these specific situations. It is the intention of 
all Federal agencies to work closely with State and local officials in 
the development and implementation of actions to protect public health 
and safety. Federal agencies will make every attempt to get approval 
from State and local officials before taking any actions involving the 
general public.
    Comment 7. The Commenter recommended that the following be added to 
I.E. Training and Exercises on page 46087: ``Reimbursement for training 
and exercises shall be in accordance with Section D.6.'' [Yankee Atomic 
Electric Company]
    Response--Paragraph I.D.6. clearly states that each Agency will pay 
its own way in a response to an emergency. Also, each Agency will fund 
its own preparedness and planning activities, including participation 
in drills and exercises. However, there may be situations in which 
special funding may be available for either response or exercise 
participation and Agencies are free to seek reimbursement as 
appropriate. The reimbursement of State and local expenses for their 
participation in training and exercises will be handled in accordance 
with pre-existing agreements between the appropriate Federal agency. 
The Committee made no changes to the plan.
    Comment 8. Paragraph I.F.1. Relationship to the Federal Response 
Plan (FRP) on page 46087 should include explanatory remarks and include 
appropriate U.S. Code citations to the Stafford Act and the provisions 
or section pertinent to a declaration. [NASA]
    Response--The Committee believes that the existing wording 
adequately describes the relationship between the FRERP and the FRP and 
that the intended audience for this plan is sufficiently familiar with 
the Stafford Act that additional clarification is not needed. The 
Radiological Emergencies Annex to the FRP, which is currently under 
development, will provide additional clarification of the FRERP/FRP 
relationship.
    Comment 9. Sections I.F.1. Without a Stafford Act Declaration on 
page 46087 and I.F.2. With a Stafford Act Declaration on page 46088 
state (Section F.1) that in the absence of a Stafford Act declaration, 
FEMA ``is responsible for coordinating non-radiological support using 
the structure of the Federal Response Plan (FRP),'' but then goes on to 
state (Section F.2), ``When a Stafford Act Declaration has activated 
the FRP* * *'' The two statements appear contradictory on their face, 
although perhaps some editing would resolve the apparent contradiction. 
[FEMA--Region II]
    Response--Because the FEMA responsibility for coordination of non-
radiological support would be the same for emergencies whether or not 
there is a Stafford Act declaration, it seems more efficient to use 
procedures and resources that already exist, and are used during 
emergencies throughout the year. The phrase, ``activate the Federal 
Response Plan,'' has come to mean that a Stafford Act declaration has 
been made. In order to make clear that a Stafford Act declaration has 
not been made, but the same familiar emergency response procedures 
should be followed, the phrase, ``using the structure of the Federal 
Response Plan,'' was devised. It indicates that Federal agencies should 
respond using whatever statutory authorities and funding they already 
possess--not Stafford Act authorities or funding. If there is a 
subsequent Stafford Act declaration, Stafford Act authorities and 
funding would then apply. The Radiological Emergencies Annex to the 
FRP, which is under development, will explain the

[[Page 20946]]

relationship between the FRERP and the FRP in more detail.
    Comment 10. Section I.F. Relationship to the Federal Response Plan 
(FRP) on pages 46087 and 46088, refers to a``Stafford Act 
Declaration.'' The FRERP does not define or explain what a ``Stafford 
Act Declaration'' is. Although this terminology may be familiar to FEMA 
personnel and local officials dealing with a variety of natural and 
man-made disasters, it is not necessarily familiar to NRC licensees who 
may potentially be involved in some aspects of implementation of the 
FRERP. Accordingly, a very brief notation that a Stafford Act 
declaration is a formal declaration of a major disaster by the 
President would be appropriate. [NRC--Office of General Counsel]
    Response--The Committee believes that the intended audience for 
this plan is sufficiently familiar with the terminology that additional 
clarifying language is not needed. The Radiological Emergencies Annex 
to the FRP, which is under development, will clearly explain the 
relationship between the FRERP and the FRP.
    Comment 11. Section I.F.1. Without a Stafford Act Declaration at 
the top of the first column on page 46088 says FEMA coordinates non-
radiological support. This appears to be a shift from the old concept 
that FEMA would be the clearinghouse for all requests for Federal 
assistance. [Department of Nuclear Safety (Illinois)]
    Response--The Commenter is correct. Without a Presidential disaster 
declaration, the LFA coordinates the radiological response to the 
emergency while FEMA coordinates the non-radiological response. 
Accordingly, the Federal Government must identify the appropriate 
persons for State and local officials to interact with. The LFA and the 
Senior FEMA Official must work closely together to ensure that all the 
needs of the affected State and local governments are addressed. The 
Radiological Emergencies Annex to the FRP, which is under development, 
will clearly explain the relationship between the FRERP and the FRP.
    Comment 12. Revise the last sentence of I.F.1. Without a Stafford 
Act Declaration on page 46088 to read, ``FEMA, which has the 
responsibility for coordinating non-radiological support, will use the 
structures of the FRP to accomplish this activity.'' [USDA]
    Response--This change was incorporated into the plan.
    Comment 13. The information in Section I.G. Authorities on page 
46088 should be updated with the appropriate citations to the statutory 
authority and the updated information about any amendments to Executive 
Order 12241 should be included. [NASA]
    Response--This information has been incorporated into the plan as 
appropriate.
    Comment 14. In Section II. Concept of Operations on page 46088 some 
reference to radioactive wastes should be addressed. This is and will 
be a major portion of potential emergencies for planning of all 
agencies. This could be addressed in 5 (Other Types of Emergencies). 
[DOE]
    Response--The disposition of radioactive wastes is a component of 
any radiological emergency, not a separate type of emergency. The 
protection of the public from exposure to radioactive waste is included 
in the Protective Action Recommendations section, specifically, 
``Recommendations regarding the disposition of contaminated livestock 
and poultry'' and ``Recommendations for recovery, return and cleanup 
issues.'' Advice to the State will be provided by the LFA supported by 
the Advisory Team for Environment, Food and Health.
    Comment 15. The second paragraph of Section II.A. Introduction on 
page 46088 states, ``The concept of operations recognizes the 
preeminent role of State and local governments for determining and 
implementing any measures to protect life, property, and the 
environment in areas not under the control of a Federal agency.'' 
Recognizing the State and local government roles is fine but it is not 
enough. The plan needs to say that the Federal agencies will work with 
the State and local governments to accomplish their responsibilities. 
The States need to know that the Federal agencies plan to work in 
conjunction with the State and local governments to protect life, 
property, and the environment. It needs to be stated. Otherwise, the 
impression is--well, we recognize your responsibilities, but we don't 
have to support or work with you. [Office of Emergency Management--
Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety (Nevada)]
    Response--The Federal agencies that are signatories to this plan 
recognize that State and local governments are their ``customers'' and 
that the off-site Federal role is one of providing support and 
assistance as requested. This applies to all aspects of a radiological 
emergency response in the affected off-site area (e.g., environmental 
monitoring and assessment, implementation of protective actions, 
release of public information, and determination of restoration 
priorities). For example, on page 46089 Section II.D.3. Radiological 
Monitoring and Assessment states that the Federal radiological 
monitoring and assessment response activity will ``support the 
monitoring and assessment programs of the States.'' Also, on page 46091 
Section II.D.4. Protective Action Recommendations states, ``The LFA 
will assist State and local authorities, if requested, by advising them 
on protective actions for the public.'' The Committee cannot emphasize 
enough the preeminent role of the State and local governments; 
therefore, it has recommended, and the Federal Radiological 
Preparedness Coordinating Committee has agreed to develop a program to 
disseminate the details of the revised FRERP to Federal agency 
responders and the State emergency services organizations.
    Comment 16. The language in Section II.B.1. Nuclear Facility on 
page 46088 should clearly state that State and local requests for 
Federal assistance during a nuclear plant accident should be made 
directly to the NRC. Likewise, Federal assistance for emergencies 
involving DOD, DOE, non-licensed materials, transportation accidents, 
and unknown sources (B.1, 2, 3, 4, & 5) have new LFA designations, and 
presumably these LFAs should handle assistance requests directly. 
Current guidance requires making such requests through FEMA or directly 
to a Federal supporting agency. [Department of Nuclear Safety 
(Illinois)]
    Response--Paragraph I.D.5. Requests for Federal Assistance on page 
46087 clearly states that State and local governments as well as the 
owners and operators of radiological facilities or activities may make 
requests directly to any of the Federal agencies listed in Table II-1 
on page 46089, FEMA, or other Federal agencies with whom they may have 
preexisting arrangements or relationships. While the preferred means of 
notification and requesting support is through the designated LFA, the 
signatory Agencies will automatically notify the appropriate Federal 
agency if they are notified of a radiological emergency for which they 
are not the LFA. For example, if the emergency involved a commercial 
nuclear power plant the NRC is the LFA and any requests, either initial 
or follow-up, should be made to the NRC. However, if EPA is requested 
to provide support by an affected State, the EPA will notify the NRC of 
the situation and then support the NRC response to assist the State as 
appropriate. If the emergency involved unlicensed radioactive material 
that is not owned by DOD or DOE the designated LFA is EPA and should 
receive State and local requests for assistance. If DOE were

[[Page 20947]]

notified of this situation they would automatically call EPA. It should 
be noted that with the publication of this plan previous guidance is 
now superseded.
    Comment 17. Section II.B.1. Nuclear Facility on page 46088 
designates DOD or DOE as the Lead Federal Agency for responding to 
emergencies at facilities that they own. Section II.B.1.(a) provides 
that NRC is the Lead Federal Agency for facilities that it licenses. 
Although the listing for types of facilities that NRC is responsible 
for includes gaseous diffusion facilities, there is ambiguity with 
respect to who is responsible for the gaseous diffusion facilities 
operated by USEC. DOE actually owns the gaseous diffusion plants that 
are leased to U.S. Energy Corporation (USEC). The NRC will be issuing 
certificates of compliance but will not be licensing the USEC operated 
gaseous diffusion plants. If the intent is that NRC should have the 
lead responsibility for these facilities then the phrase ``regarding an 
activity licensed by NRC'' in Section II.B.1.(a) should be revised to 
read ``regarding an activity licensed or regulated by NRC.'' [NRC--
Office of General Counsel]
    Response--It was determined by the Committee that the present FRERP 
language clearly states that the NRC is the designated LFA and that no 
changes in the wording are necessary.
    Comment 18. In Section II.B.3. Domestic Satellites Containing 
Radioactive Materials on page 46088 the word ``domestic'' should be 
deleted from the title to read as ``NASA/DOD Satellites Containing 
Radioactive Materials.'' In addition, it is suggested that wording be 
added to allow NASA and DOD to determine on their own who will be the 
LFA for missions that involve a NASA payload on a DOD launch vehicle or 
visa versa. [NASA]
    Response--The Committee agreed to strike the word ``domestic'' from 
the title. With regard to joint NASA/DOD satellite missions, it is the 
intent of the Committee to allow NASA and DOD to determine between 
themselves who will be the LFA in the event of an accident. Satellites 
that are not domestic are discussed in II.B.4, ``Impact from Foreign or 
Unknown Source.''
    Comment 19. Section II.B.4. Impact from Foreign or Unknown Source 
on page 46088 needs to be revised to clarify what is intended to be 
covered. The text of that paragraph is inconsistent with its title, 
which title suggests no direct involvement by the United States. 
Further, an explanation of ``an ongoing interest'' and ``intimately 
involved in mission operations'' in defining ``joint'' and ``venture'' 
is needed. Such a definition may include cooperative missions, for 
example, between the U.S. and Russia, and, if so, then the appropriate 
policy decisions need to be made at the appropriate levels of the 
Executive and Legislative Branches to mandate this responsibility on 
our government agencies. Coordination or discussions with Executive 
Branch high-level policy officials who are responsible for such 
``ventures'' are needed prior to the finalization of this policy. Also, 
this text and the definitions should be cleared by such officials. If 
not, it is recommended that such coordination take place prior to 
finalizing this FRERP, and that a better understanding be attained as 
to what U.S./foreign governments involvements are contemplated here. 
[NASA]
    Response--Per discussion with NASA, the second paragraph in II.B.4. 
was moved to II.B.3 to be more consistent.
    Comment 20. Table II-1, Identification of Lead Federal Agency for 
Radiological Emergencies on page 46089 should be changed to read 
``NASA/DOD'' satellites instead of ``Domestic'' satellites. It is 
further recommended that DOE be listed as an LFA. [NASA]
    Response--Per discussion with NASA, the wording has been changed to 
read ``Satellites Containing * * *'' with NASA or DOD as the potential 
LFA.
    Comment 21. Section II.C. Radiological Sabotage and Terrorism on 
page 46089 states that, ``Sabotage and terrorism are not treated as 
separate types of emergencies; rather, they are considered a 
complicating dimension of the types listed in Table II-1.'' Sabotage 
and terrorism in our State is a real possibility. There are miles and 
miles of roads that transport nuclear weapons for dismantling at our 
Hawthorne Facility. I think that the threat is not a routine 
radiological incident that becomes complicated. It is planned and 
carried out with due care. It cannot be treated as a complicating 
dimension. These incidents are not widely occurring, however, with the 
situation overseas nothing is for sure. I think you should reconsider 
the Federal stand on this. [Office of Emergency Management--Department 
of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety (Nevada)]
    Response--The comment is correct in that radiological sabotage and 
terrorism are not routine radiological incidents that become 
complicated. The intent of the discussion was to indicate that the 
emergency can involve any of the types of emergencies listed and the 
response is complicated because the LFA must coordinate radiological 
response activities with the FBI's law enforcement response activities. 
The additional coordination results in a more complicated response, 
which the Committee feels is adequately discussed.
    Comment 22. The second paragraph of Section II.C. Radiological 
Sabotage and Terrorism should be clarified to state that although the 
duties of the FBI are to investigate and/or handle the immediate threat 
they are not relieved from the responsibility to protect additional 
facilities or material not immediately affected by an act of sabotage 
or terrorism. [DOE]
    Response--The purpose of the FRERP is to describe overall 
coordination mechanisms. It need not describe all of the duties of each 
agency. The FBI is satisfied that the FRERP discussion is appropriate. 
Additional information on distribution of response duties can be found 
in MOUs between the FBI and each LFA.
    Comment 23. Section II.D. Response Functions and Responsibilities 
on page 46089 does not identify which Federal resources have a 
capability to mitigate a release, only monitor and assess. A section 
should address the agency's responsibility to mitigate a release to 
prevent further loss of life or severe effects to the public. [DOE]
    Response--The Committee disagreed with the need to make mitigating 
statements in that all Federal and civil agencies responsible for 
radiological events take every step to mitigate a release.
    Comment 24. Section II.D.1. Onscene Coordination on page 46089 
states that the LFA will coordinate with ``onscene'' actions and 
oversee ``onsite'' response, but that DOE has the initial 
responsibility for coordinating Federal monitoring and assessment 
activities. Again, does a request for DOE assistance have to be made 
through NRC for a power plant accident? [Department of Nuclear Safety 
(Illinois)]
    Response--The answer is No. However, as stated in the response to 
Comment 16 the preferred route for requesting assistance is through the 
designated LFA identified in Section II.B. Determination of Lead 
Federal Agency (LFA) on page 46088. Although a call to any of the 
Federal agencies that participate in this plan will result in obtaining 
the necessary assistance, a call to the LFA first will get quicker 
results because, for the situation described in the comment, the NRC 
will probably already be in contact with DOE and have it standing by to 
provide assistance.
    Comment 25. The third paragraph of Section II.D.1. Onscene 
Coordination should be revised to read ``* * * (DOI)

[[Page 20948]]

will provide liaison between the LFA and Indian tribal governments 
except in cases where existing agreements permit direct communication * 
* *.'' [NRC--Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards]
    Response--The Committee agrees and has revised the first sentence 
to read, ``In the absence of existing agreements for radiological 
emergencies occurring on or with possible consequences to Indian tribal 
land, DOI will provide liaison between Federally recognized Indian 
tribal governments and LFA, State, and local agencies for coordination 
of response and protective action efforts.''
    Comment 26. The last sentence in the second paragraph of Section 
II.D.3. Radiological Monitoring and Assessment on page 46090 implies 
that the affected State does not have the lead response role in the 
event of the activation of additional Federal resources. It is 
recommended that the last sentence be revised to read, ``States should 
be encouraged to allow the FRMAC to collocate with their radiological 
assessment activities.'' [Virginia Power]
    Response--The second paragraph of Section II.A. Introduction on 
page 46088 states, ``The concept of operations recognizes the 
preeminent role of State and local governments for determining and 
implementing any measures to protect life, property, and the 
environment in areas not under the control of a Federal agency.'' As 
stated in the response to Comment 15 this applies to all aspects of a 
Federal response to State and local requests for assistance in 
responding to a radiological emergency. The purpose of the last 
sentence in the second paragraph of Section II.D.3. Radiological 
Monitoring and Assessment on page 46090 was to recommend that Federal 
and State/local assets be collocated in order to maximize the 
efficiency of the response and to better protect public health and 
safety and environmental quality. It may be overwhelming for a FRMAC 
with a working environment for 200 people to collocate with State 
radiological assessment activities. However, in order to address the 
comment the sentence has been reworded to read, ``Federal Government 
and States are encouraged to collocate their radiological assessment 
activities at this center.''
    Comment 27. Section II.D.3.a.(1) Initial Response Coordination 
Responsibility on page 46090 states DOE will ``maintain a common set of 
all offsite radiological monitoring data * * * and ensure the technical 
integrity of the data.'' The language should be clarified to indicate 
the responsibility refers to all offsite data gathered by DOE and other 
Federal agencies. There is no practical way DOE can ensure the 
technical integrity of data gathered by States or utilities unless DOE 
sets the standards for all radiological monitoring prior to 
implementation of the FRERP. Such would not be a workable situation. 
Likewise, the following section (d) should clarify that DOE will 
provide interpretations, etc., based on its own data or that of other 
Federal agencies. [Department of Nuclear Safety (Illinois)]
    Response--The Committee agrees with the recommendation to reword 
this sentence to indicate that this requirement applies only to data 
gathered by the FRMAC and this change has been made to the plan. 
However, the Committee disagrees with the recommendation to limit the 
interpretation of monitoring data by the FRMAC only to the data 
obtained by Federal agencies. FRMAC staff will be used to evaluate any 
available monitoring data that becomes available to them during the 
course of the emergency. Likewise, State and local staff should be free 
to use any and all data that they have available regardless of whether 
it comes from State or Federal sources.
    Comment 28. Section II.D.3.a.(2) Transition of Response 
Coordination Responsibility on page 46090 implies that EPA will assume 
responsibility for coordination only if the other Federal agencies will 
provide resources, personnel, and money for the long-term duration. EPA 
should identify a mechanism for controlling the costs associated with 
these resources. If EPA does not have the equipment, personnel, and 
money to follow up and coordinate the response, then why would any 
agency commit to an open checkbook with the past record that has been 
demonstrated. These agencies should be able to track and have input to 
the costs incurred. [DOE]
    Response--As Section I.D.6. Reimbursement on page 46087 states, 
``The cost of each Federal agency's participation in support of the 
FRERP is the responsibility of that agency, * * *'' The Committee feels 
that this issue was clearly stated as written and that the mechanisms 
for tracking response costs is an internal process specific to each 
agency and therefore is best handled on an agency-specific basis.
    Comment 29. Section II.D.3.c. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA) 
on page 46090 should allow for the release of official information to 
the local governments also impacted or involved in the event and not 
just to the State agency, particularly if the local agency asked for 
the assistance. It should provide a mechanism to allow for official 
release of information to the local governments in an expedient manner. 
[DOE]
    Response--The Committee agrees with this recommendation and 
reworded the sentence to read ``Approve the release of official Federal 
offsite monitoring data and assessments.'' This will allow the release 
of approved material to all affected parties as quickly as possible.
    Comment 30. Section II.D.3.c. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA) 
on page 46090 states, ``Approve the release of official Federal offsite 
monitoring data and assessments to the State.'' In our DOE exercise, 
this approval was so long in the making that the exercise came to a 
complete standstill and information flow was not generated until after 
the exercise. Again, you practice what you will do in an actual 
emergency. Why does the Lead Federal Agency need to approve information 
released to the State? Once something is released into the environment 
it is no longer classified. In order for the State to respond to the 
incident, we must have information to assist us in the necessary 
response. Any delay in that information flow could be lethal to the 
general public as well as to the environment. Information for the 
general public may have to be screened so as not to panic the private 
citizens, but information for the responders needs to be timely and 
complete. If the Lead Federal Agency is screening information for 
security purposes, they must remember to forward this confirmed 
information immediately to the states. [Nevada]
    Response--The Committee agrees that the timely release of accurate 
information is very important. The Lead Federal Agency is responsible 
for clearing information to ensure that the State and local responders 
receive accurate and timely information. It is the intent of the FRMAC 
and other Federal response centers to release information as soon as 
the correctness of the information is verified.
    Comment 31. Section II.D.3.d.(1) USDA on page 46090 should clarify 
that in each case USDA will assist the affected States, in monitoring, 
collecting samples, etc. These activities should not be carried out 
independently by Federal agencies. [Department of Nuclear Safety 
(Illinois)]
    Response--As stated in the response to Comment 15, the role of the 
Federal agencies is to support the State and local governments response 
to the emergency. Section II.D.3 states that Federal offsite monitoring 
and assessment activities will be

[[Page 20949]]

coordinated with those of the State and that Federal procedures for 
implementing this monitoring are designed to be compatible with the 
requirements of the State.
    Comment 32. The second sentence in Section II.D.4. Protective 
Action Recommendations on page 46091 should be changed to read as 
follows: ``This includes emergency actions such as sheltering, 
evacuation, and guidance on the use of radioactive substances (e.g., 
thyroid blocking agents).'' The reason for this change is that iodine, 
itself, is not given as a prophylactic agent; typically, it is 
administered as potassium iodide. [Westinghouse Electric Corporation]
    Response--The Committee agrees with this recommendation and 
reworded the sentence to address this comment by inserting the word 
``stable'' before ``iodine.''
    Comment 33. The third sentence in Section II.D.4.b. Role of the 
Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health on page 46091 states, 
``The Advisory Team will not release information to the public * * *'' 
should make clear that the Team releases no information to the public 
without authorization from the LFA after consultation with the affected 
States. As currently worded, it could be interpreted that the Team 
could be authorized to release information by some agency other than 
the LFA. [Department of Nuclear Safety (Illinois)]
    Response--The Committee believes that the wording is appropriate as 
written. The Advisory Team is prohibited from releasing any information 
to the public without the express permission of the LFA. Even if the 
Advisory Team receives permission to release information/
recommendations from a Federal agency that has jurisdiction in a 
specific area it cannot release the information/recommendations until 
the LFA has also approved its release.
    Comment 34. Section II.D.4.b. Role of the Advisory Team for 
Environment, Food, and Health on page 46091 should be modified to 
reflect that re-entry is part of the mitigation efforts as determined 
by the incident commander and command staff, which is comprised of the 
agencies directly involved. Non-emergency re-entry is part of the 
recovery planning process and should be addressed under that planning. 
Please clarify this section to state this is for emergency re-entry or 
non-emergency re-entry. [DOE]
    Response--The LFA will assist the State and local authorities 
(including the incident commander), if requested, by advising them on 
such issues as reentry to perform mitigation activities. The Advisory 
Team agencies have expertise and experience to assist the LFA in 
developing the advice. The paragraph was intended to list the areas of 
expertise of the Advisory Team. It does not imply that the Advisory 
Team will perform those functions.
    Comment 35. Section II.D.4.b. Role of the Advisory Team for 
Environment, Food, and Health on page 46091 states that the Advisory 
Team will select a ``chairman.'' This should be changed to read ``chair 
or chairperson or team leader'' in accordance with Government 
guidelines. [NASA]
    Response--The Committee agrees and replaced ``chairman'' with 
``chair.''
    Comment 36. The first sentence in Section II.D.4.b. Role of the 
Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health on page 46091 should be 
changed to read as follows: ``The Advisory Team is established by 
representatives from EPA, HHS, USDA, and other Federal agencies as 
needed for the provision of interagency coordinated advice to the LFA 
concerning environmental, food and health matters.'' The deletion of 
LFA from the list of representatives makes the wording consistent with 
Section II.D.4.b. and Appendix B--Definitions. [Westinghouse Electric 
Corporation]
    Response--The FRERP establishes the concept of the Advisory Team. 
The current wording was carefully written to assure that the Advisory 
Team is available to the LFA when the LFA needs advice. The Advisory 
Team is not established by EPA, HHS, and USDA, but is always available 
to support the LFA.
    Comment 37. In Section II.D.4.b. Role of the Advisory Team for 
Environment, Food, and Health on page 46091 the wording of (6) should 
be changed to read as follows: ``(6) Recommendations for minimizing 
losses of agricultural resources from the effects of radioactive 
contamination.'' The effects of the accident on agricultural resources 
will be from the radioactive contamination on or in the food that could 
result in unacceptable internal exposure from eating the food. The 
health effects would not result from the exposure of the food to 
radiation, which would have no effect. [Westinghouse Electric 
Corporation]
    Response--The Committee felt the present wording was appropriate 
and no change was necessary.
    Comment 38. Section II.D.5.b. Role of Other Federal Agencies on 
page 46091 should be revised by adding a statement that the types of 
available support listed here supplements the roles/responsibilities of 
these agencies which are outlined in the Federal Response Plan. [FEMA--
Region VII]
    Response--The types of available support listed in this section are 
intended to describe the many non-radiological activities that FEMA 
will coordinate. In fact, there may be other activities not listed here 
that FEMA will also coordinate. FEMA will provide guidance on how it 
will accomplish that coordination in supporting documents.
    Comment 39. The lead paragraph in II.D.5.b. Role of Other Federal 
Agencies on page 46091 contains the statement, ``The following types of 
assistance not related to radiological monitoring and assessment that 
may be provided by Federal agencies as needed or requested.'' However, 
under the departmental listing are the following direct references 
related to radiological monitoring and assessment activities:
    (1) USDA, item (e),
    (2) DOC, ``loaning radiation shielding materials'' for what 
purpose?
    (3) DOD, advice on proper medical treatment of personnel exposed to 
or contaminated by radioactive materials,
    (4) DOE, advice on medical treatment of personnel exposed to or 
contaminated by radioactive materials,
    (5) HHS, (c) study of exposed populations, (d) medical advice, (e) 
assessing health impacts.
    These are all areas of legitimate Federal activity, but they should 
be listed among the direct radiological monitoring and assessment 
responsibilities of these agencies, not under the non-technical support 
roles. [Department of Nuclear Safety (Illinois)]
    Response--The Committee understands the confusion and reworded the 
sentence to read, ``The following indicates other types of assistance 
that may be provided by Federal agencies as needed or requested:''
    Comment 40. Sections II.D.5.b.(1) Department of Agriculture on page 
46091 and paragraph A.2.(14) in Appendix C on page 46101 state 
temporary housing is a responsibility of the Department of Agriculture 
(USDA). Is that true? [FEMA--Region VII]
    Response--USDA is a potential source of temporary housing 
resources. Through its farm loan programs the USDA typically has a 
number of repossessed properties that may be available for use as 
temporary housing in emergency situations. Although housing is not the 
primary responsibility of USDA, it does have resources that could be 
beneficial and should be factored into Federal response assets.
    Comment 41. Section II.D.5.b.(7) Department of Interior (DOI) on 
page

[[Page 20950]]

46092 should include DOI's responsibility concerning Indian lands. 
[FEMA-Region VII]
    Response--The Committee revised this section to include Indian 
tribal lands.
    Comment 42. The second paragraph of Section II.D.6. Public 
Information Coordination on page 46092 should clarify that if it is 
deemed necessary to release Federal information regarding public health 
and safety prior to establishment of a Federal presence at the JIC, any 
such release must be coordinated through the LFA and the States before 
it is made. States, in compliance with NUREG-0654 for fixed nuclear 
facilities, already have in place a mechanism for coordinated 
dissemination of public information during an emergency. Any attempt by 
the Federal Government to release information outside of this mechanism 
has the potential for causing confusion for State authorities and the 
public. [Department of Nuclear Safety (Illinois)]
    Response--The Committee agrees with the comment and has revised the 
sentence in that paragraph to read, ``In these instances, Federal 
agencies will coordinate with the LFA and the State in advance or as 
soon as possible after the information has been released.''
    Comment 43. Section II.D.7.b. White House Coordination on page 
46093 states that FEMA submits information concerning the non-technical 
response to the Lead Federal Agency for inclusion in the reports to the 
White House. Does this eliminate the requirement for FEMA SITREP 
reporting (from the DFO and/or Regional Operations Centers) under the 
FRERP? [FEMA--Region VII]
    Response--No, this section does not apply to the generation of 
reports under other response plans. In those situations in which the 
FRP and FRERP are both being used the Radiological Emergencies Annex to 
the FRP, which is under development, should be consulted to determine 
the appropriate mechanism for developing White House reports and 
briefings.
    Comment 44. The wording in II.E.1.a.(3) and on page 46093 is 
duplicated in E.2.a. (1) and (2). Delete E.1.a. (3) and (4). [Yankee 
Atomic Electric Company]
    Response--The Committee recognizes that this was indeed a 
duplication, but that it was appropriate to keep as written.
    Comment 45. Step (4) of Section II.E.1.a. Role of the Lead Federal 
Agency on page 46094 under requires the LFA to ``Verify that the State 
has been notified.'' That verification step by the LFA is not reflected 
in Figure II-1. Notification Process. The figure indicates that only 
FEMA is required to verify State and local notification. [Department of 
Nuclear Safety (Illinois)]
    Response--The Committee agrees and Figure II-1 has been changed as 
appropriate.
    Comment 46. Figure II-1, Notification Process, on page 46095 should 
not reflect that the Lead Federal Agency must notify the State and 
local response organizations. The State and local response 
organizations are notified by the onsite organization, which may be the 
Lead Federal Agency. The verification is specified to be performed by 
FEMA. This diagram indicates duplication of activities that could be 
resolved by the clarification recommended above. [Yankee Atomic 
Electric Company]
    Response--It is true that for fixed facilities, the onsite 
organization notifies the State and local response organizations. The 
FRERP also covers transportation accidents and unknown source 
emergencies. In these cases, the LFA may be the first to receive direct 
notification from local police or a member of the public. Anyone at any 
level of government or private industry or any member of the general 
public may call and request Federal assistance under the FRERP. In 
fact, there have been numerous situations in which the EPA, as the LFA, 
has received notification from private individuals and organizations 
about potential radiological emergency situations. In each of these 
cases, EPA's first action is to inform the individual or organization 
to call the appropriate State or local agency. EPA then also calls the 
State or local agency to ensure that they are notified of the 
situation. The current wording assures that the State and local 
organizations are notified under all potential emergencies.
    Comment 47. Section II.E.2. Activation and Deployment on page 46096 
has FEMA, as well as the LFA, and other Federal agencies initially 
coordinating response actions from ``their headquarters locations, 
usually from their respective headquarters EOCs.'' Under the Regional 
Response Plan, coordination would be from the Regional Operations 
Center, which would be activated by the Regional Director, and staffed 
with ESF Departments and Agencies at the Regional level. [FEMA--Region 
II]
    Response--The FRERP statement is true for many of the LFAs in the 
early phase of a Federal response even if this response is little more 
than to receive the first notification and notify the affected region. 
In fact, one LFA does not have regions. No changes were made because 
the majority of LFAs respond this way even for a short time.
    Comment 48. Section II.E.2.a. Role of Lead Federal Agency (LFA) on 
page 46096 should be revised by adding words that indicate that the 
Federal Onscene Commander will be the Senior Agency Official for this 
mishap/accident. [NASA]
    Response--The use of the term Federal Onscene Commander was chosen 
to indicate that the FRERP is consistent with the Incident Command 
System that is used by most State and local organizations. The concept 
and duties of an OSC are understood by State and local organizations. 
It is the intent of the FRERP that agencies adopt the FRERP terminology 
as much as possible in order to standardize the Federal response.
    Comment 49. Section II.E.2.b. Role of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency (FEMA) on page 46096 has FEMA deploying ERT-A, 
although there is still no mention of the Regional Office, and 
establishing a DFO, although there is no mention of a Stafford Act 
Declaration in this regard. [FEMA--Region II]
    Response--The Committee understands the concerns expressed by the 
comment and is deleting the deployment of the ERT-A and establishment 
of the DFO from this section.
    Comment 50. Section II.E.3. Response Operations on page 46096 
should be revised by adding a statement to indicate that, during the 
initial stages of response (i.e., first 48 to 72 hours), FEMA and other 
appropriate non-technical Federal agencies will coordinate their 
response from the Joint Operations Center. This will contribute to more 
effective coordination, between the Lead Federal Agency and FEMA, of 
on-site and off-site activities, including public information concerns 
during the critical stages of an incident. [FEMA--Region VII]
    Response--The FRERP was written to take advantage of systems 
already in place. Although the Joint Operations Center is a new term in 
the FRERP, these facilities have long been identified for LFA emergency 
response. They cannot always accommodate all response activities. Some 
are not owned by or under the control of the LFA. Some are located on 
protected property that could pose logistical problems for access and 
use. FEMA also has a system in place to fulfill its non-radiological 
functions. It was determined that it would be efficient to maintain 
those systems and share information with the extensive use of liaisons. 
Participating

[[Page 20951]]

agencies should exercise with liaisons to develop those coordination 
skills.
    Comment 51. Section II.E.3. Response Operations on page 46096 has 
FEMA and OFA liaison and support of response operations coming out of 
their headquarters offices, with exchange of liaisons at EOCs to 
support onscene operations. They may ``also activate a regional or 
field office EOC in support of the emergency.'' This may be entirely 
appropriate for the FRERP, but has little to do with the FRP. [FEMA--
Region II]
    Response--Section II.E.3 was written in broad terms so that 
existing agency plans could be used without major changes. The terms 
``will generally'' and ``may also activate'' allow flexibility to adopt 
the FRERP as each agency deems appropriate.
    Comment 52. Section II.E.3. Response Operations on page 46096 
should use correct outline form. [USDA]
    a.
    (1)
    (a)
    etc.
    Response--The Committee agrees that the correct format should be 
used and the plan was reviewed to ensure that the appropriate format 
was followed.
    Comment 53. Section II.E.3. Response Operations, b. Disaster Field 
Office (DFO) on page 46098 states that a Disaster Field Office will be 
established by FEMA, ``in coordination with the State and local 
authorities and other Federal Agencies.'' Again, there is no mention of 
a declaration in regard to establishing a DFO. Furthermore, the 
description of the DFO's coordinating function does not mention the 
ESF-based operation envisaged under the FRP. Is it the intention of 
this plan to establish a DFO for the FRERP in the absence of a 
declaration? How does this provision relate to the activation ``of a 
regional or field office EOC in support of the emergency'' described on 
above? [FEMA--Region II]
    Response--FEMA will use the structures of the FRP to provide the 
appropriate level and type of resources needed to support its role 
under the FRERP and to meet the requirements of the situation. 
Initially, FEMA will implement its monitoring and coordination 
functions from a ROC, State EOC or other facility. A DFO will be 
established in conjunction with an emergency or disaster declared and 
the appointment of a Federal Coordinating Officer.
    Comment 54. Section II.E.3.b. Disaster Field Office (DFO) on page 
46098 states that the Senior FEMA Official (SFO) is the official in 
charge of the DFO without a Stafford Act Declaration. However, with a 
Stafford Act Declaration, the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) is the 
designated authority. This paragraph should be clarified accordingly. 
[FEMA--Region VII]
    Response--The comment is correct. The Senior FEMA Official is in 
charge of the coordination function without a Stafford Act declaration 
and the FCO is in charge of this function from a DFO with a Stafford 
Act declaration.
    Comment 55. The section heading II.E.3.d. Advisory Team on 
Environment, Food, and Health on page 46098 should be Change to: ``d. 
Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health.'' [USDA]
    Response--The Committee accepted the recommendation and made 
necessary changes.
    Comment 56. The first sentence in Section II.E.3. Response 
Operations, d. Advisory Team on Environment, Food, and Health on page 
46098 should be revised by deleting the term ``LFA'' (not on the team, 
supported by the team). [USDA]
    Response--The Committee accepted this recommendation and made the 
change.
    Comment 57. The first paragraph of Section II.E.4. Response 
Deactivation on page 46098 states, ``Each agency will discontinue 
emergency response operations when advised that Federal assistance is 
no longer required or when its statutory responsibilities have been 
fulfilled.'' The language is vague and subjective. It should be 
clarified to state who makes the determination and on what basis. It is 
suggested that agencies discontinue emergency response operation after 
determining in consultation with the State(s) that initially requested 
support, that Federal assistance is no longer required. Sections b., 
c., d., and e. all provide criteria for discontinuance of specific 
functions and facilities, while Section a. does not. [Department of 
Nuclear Safety (Illinois)]
    Response--The Committee believes that the criteria in paragraphs b. 
through e. provide adequate discussion of the criteria for the 
termination of Federal responses at those facilities. Paragraph a. is 
applicable to paragraphs b. through e.
    Comment 58. In Section II.E.5. Recovery on page 46098 should EPA be 
listed along with the State as being responsible for planning the 
recovery of the affected area? [USDA]
    Response--No, the EPA's philosophy is that they will support State 
and local governments, if and when requested, during environmental 
restoration activities.
    Comment 59. Appendix A--Acronyms on page 46099 should contain all 
the acronyms used in the plan (e.g., GIS). [NASA]
    Response--The Committee agrees with this comment and will review 
the plan to ensure that all acronyms are listed in Appendix A.
    Comment 60. In Appendix B--Definitions the definition for 
``onsite'' on page 460100 may not be adequate. The definition of 
``onsite'' given in the FRERP, which is based on jurisdiction, is 
somewhat different than the definition typically used when considering 
packaging of radioactive waste for the Department of Energy, which is 
based on ``access control.'' An example of where a jurisdiction-based 
definition may not be adequate: If a site does not have Access Control 
Boundaries (e.g., physical barriers or security guards), then the area 
does not qualify as ``onsite'' relative to being exempt from DOE 
packaging regulations. [Westinghouse Electric Corporation]
    Response--The Committee believes the current definition of 
``onsite'' in the FRERP is appropriate for its intended use under this 
plan and that no change was necessary.
    Comment 61. In Appendix B--Definitions the definition of Protective 
Action Guide (PAG) on page 46100 should cite applicable EPA and FDA 
references for PAGs. [FEMA-Region VII]
    Response--The definition of Protective Action Guide (PAG) is not 
limited to EPA and FDA PAGs but acknowledges State PAGs may exist.
    Comment 62. The second sentence in Section A.1. Summary of Response 
Mission in Appendix C on page 46100 should be changed to read: ``USDA 
will actively participate with EPA and HHS on the Advisory Team * * *, 
when convened.'' [USDA]
    Response--The Committee agrees with this recommendation and made 
the change.
    Comment 63. The fourth reference listed in Section D.3. DOE 
References of Appendix C on page 46102 should be changed to read as 
follows: ``(4) DOE Order 5500.4A, Public Affairs Policy and Planning 
Requirements for Emergencies, June 1992 which supersedes the cited 
reference.'' [Westinghouse Electric Corporation]
    Response--The Committee agreed with this recommendation and made 
the change.
    Comment 64. The first sentence of Section J.2. Capabilities and 
Resources in Appendix C on page 46104 should be revised to read: ``DOT 
is responsible for working with the International Atomic Energy Agency 
* * *'' [USDA]

[[Page 20952]]

    Response--The Committee agreed with this recommendation and made 
the change.
    Comment 65. Revise reference 1 in Section O.3. NASA References in 
Appendix C on page 46106 to read ``(1) KHB 1860.1B.'' [NASA]
    Response--The Committee agreed with this recommendation and made 
the change.
    Comment 66. Revise the second authority in Section O.4. NASA 
Specific Authorities in Appendix C on page 46106 read: ``(2) NHB 
1700.1(V1-B) NASA Safety Policy and Requirements Document.'' [NASA]
    Response--The Committee agreed with this recommendation and made 
the change.
    Comment 67. Pursuant to 44 CFR Part 350, State and local 
jurisdictions that fall within the emergency planning zones of 
commercial nuclear facilities are required to develop and maintain 
comprehensive radiological emergency response capabilities. These 
capabilities are required to be demonstrated during Federally evaluated 
exercises to provide continued reasonable assurance of the health and 
safety of the public. Typically, this capability is demonstrated 
without full regard to the Federal resources that would be provided by 
the activation of the FRERP. To assist in the prevention of potential 
coordination difficulties at the State level, it is recommended that 
FEMA be given the responsibility to provide personnel to simulate the 
involvement of the various Federal agencies. Another alternative would 
be to establish measures for supporting a smooth integration of Federal 
resources. This could include the evaluation and demonstration of the 
interactions between FRERP, State, local, and other involved agencies.
    It is recommended that the FRERP be revised to address the issuance 
of emergency public information related to an emergency at a fixed 
nuclear site. Emergency public information provided by any Federal 
agency should be either limited to the coordinated issuance of 
information through the Joint Information Center or restricted to 
information not associated with response actions, emergency conditions 
at the facility, or pertaining to protective action recommendations, or 
their bases, in any way. Without this control of emergency information, 
the flow of coordinated and consistent information to the public could 
be easily compromised. [Virginia Power]
    Response--Federal agencies are encouraged to participate in 
exercises to the extent they are able in order to test coordination 
functions. It would not be helpful to an agency if FEMA acted for them 
in exercises. State and Federal agencies should cooperate in planning 
exercises that test coordination activities.
    The Committee understands the concern about the uncoordinated 
release of public information during a radiological emergency. It also 
believes that the Section II.D.6. Public Information Coordination on 
page 46092 adequately states how the Federal agencies will address this 
issue. Moreover, LFAs are expected to develop supporting documents that 
provide details on how they intend to implement their public 
information coordination responsibilities described in the FRERP.
    Comment 68. Section II.E.3. Response Operations, which begins on 
page 46096 should be revised to clarify how data will be transferred 
between the FRMAC, JIC, DFO, and EOF and whether or not these 
facilities will be colocated or located in different areas. [Department 
of HealthNebraska]
    Response--The FRERP is a plan that is designed to provide the basic 
framework for coordinating the Federal response to a radiological 
emergency. It is not a detailed operating procedure. The location of 
these facilities is dependent upon many factorsthe nature of accident, 
the geographical location of affected areas, the type and amount of 
radionuclide(s) released, the availability of appropriate facilities, 
etc. Because of this large number of factors it is impossible to tell 
beforehand how these facilities will be positioned. FRMAC operations 
documents provide details for transferring data among emergency 
response facilities when authorized by the State and the LFA.
    Comment 69. Only the Governor or Director of Radiological Health 
can activate the FRERP on behalf of the State of Mississippi. This 
limit on activation authority should be retained. The ability of a 
newly elected Civil Defense Director to activate the FRERP could create 
unnecessary confusion. [Department of Health--Mississippi]
    Response--It is not the intent of the FRERP to restrict who may 
request Federal assistance in responding to a radiological emergency. 
If the State of Mississippi wishes to place a limitation on who among 
its professional staff can request Federal assistance that is their 
prerogative. However, the signatory agencies to the FRERP will always 
respond to requests for assistance from any level of State or local 
government or private industry.
    The FRERP is not a plan that is activated by some specific action, 
request, or criteria having been met. The FRERP is intended to be used 
whenever any signatory Federal agency responds to a radiological 
emergency no matter what size. This assures that notification, 
coordination, sharing information, and reporting activities are not 
overlooked in any response.
    Comment 70. The NRC contributes very little to the offsite 
management of an accident at a commercial nuclear power plant. Although 
they have given themselves the lead role as spokesperson in the JIC, 
they do not drill with the State. Therefore they should not come in 
during an actual event and take over the management of the media. 
[Department of HealthMississippi]
    Response--It is not the intent of the FRERP to have the NRC or any 
other LFA to manage the JIC or the media. Rather, the LFA is expected 
to coordinate the Federal public information at the JIC. This activity 
is coordinated with the State representatives to ensure that the public 
has the latest and most accurate information.
    Comment 71. Who takes over the radiological monitoring and 
assessment activities under the FRERP if DOE is dissolved? Will this 
activity go away or will the functions be transferred to another 
agency? [Department of Health--Mississippi]
    Response--The FRERP was written based on the current structures and 
functions of the various agencies and departments that are signatories 
to the plan. If any of these agencies should be dissolved the remaining 
agencies will review the situation and address any deficiencies that 
may result. If the changes are severe enough the plan may be revised.
    Comment 72. Recent experiences with radiological incidents in 
Michigan have led to confusion and problematic jurisdictional issues 
arising from implementation of the revised FRERP. For example, the 
Michigan Department of Public Health was forced to make a determination 
on the radiological consequences of a contaminated rail car because the 
EPA and NRC regional offices felt they had no authority to make a 
determination based on their understanding of the FRERP. Also, during a 
bomb-scare incident involving radioactive material (thorium) the NRC 
claimed they had no responsibility pursuant to the FRERP and that EPA 
was the Lead Federal Agency. It is unclear whether EPA is properly 
prepared to provide such assistance, both from a resource perspective 
and a regulatory jurisdiction perspective for emergencies involving AEA 
materials for which no licensee has been

[[Page 20953]]

identified. Although Michigan supports the FRERP concept and welcomes 
the availability of Federal resources for responding to radiological 
emergencies, we are very concerned that implementation of the current 
FRERP may be premature, resulting in unnecessary confusion and 
inefficient management of actions necessary for adequate public health 
protection. [Department of Public Health--Michigan]
    Response--The Committee understands the concerns expressed. 
However, we believe that most of these concerns represent ``growing 
pains'' as the various Federal agencies adapt to their new roles and 
responsibilities. The Committee strongly believes that the revised 
FRERP will result in providing improved Federal support to State and 
local governments.
    Comment 73. The definition of emergency in the FRERP appears to 
include any situation that may result in substantial damage to or loss 
of property. The key qualifier in the definition being the word 
``substantial'' which is extremely subjective and imparts a vague 
context to the entire FRERP. It is now unclear whether the FRERP is, or 
is intended to be, a new Federal mechanism to address radiologically 
contaminated sites vis a vis the NRC's Site Decommissioning Management 
Plan, DOE's Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program, or EPA's 
National Priorities List under Superfund. [Department of Health--
Michigan]
    Response--The definition of emergency was written to be vague in 
order to provide flexibility to the Federal Government in responding to 
State and local requests for assistance. Because the level of expertise 
and available resources varies significantly from one State to another, 
what might be substantial to one State might not be substantial to 
another. Also, who would determine what is substantialthe State or the 
Federal Government. By leaving the definition vague the affected State 
and local governments and the Federal Government can work together to 
develop the appropriate level of response based on the specific 
characteristics of the emergency at hand. With regard to using the 
FRERP to address radiologically contaminated sitesthat is not its 
purpose. Generally speaking these sites do not present an imminent 
danger to the health and safety of the general public and therefore do 
not qualify as emergencies, even though the cost to clean them up may 
be significant. Therefore, the cleanup of contaminated land should be 
accomplished in accordance with other mechanisms.
    Comment 74. The comments received by FEMA on the proposed revisions 
to the FRERP should be shared with all parties that may be directly 
affected by the implementation of the FRERP. [Department of Public 
Health--Michigan]
    Response--The Committee agrees with this comment. All of the 
significant comments received by FEMA, along with the Federal response, 
will be published with the final FRERP as soon as it is approved.

    Dated: May 1, 1996.
James L. Witt,
Director.

    Accordingly, the Federal Emergency Management Agency gives notice 
that the Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan is operational. 
The text of the Plan reads as follows.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables
Statements of Consideration
I. Introduction and Background
    A. Introduction
    B. Participating Federal Agencies
    C. Scope
    D. Plan Considerations
    1. Public and Private Sector Response
    2. Coordination by Federal Agencies
    3. Federal Agency Authorities
    4. Federal Agency Resource Commitments
    5. Requests for Federal Assistance
    6. Reimbursement
    E. Training and Exercises
    F. Relationship to the Federal Response Plan (FRP)
    1. Without a Stafford Act Declaration
    2. With a Stafford Act Declaration
    G. Authorities
II. Concept of Operations
    A. Introduction
    B. Determination of Lead Federal Agency (LFA)
    1. Nuclear Facility
    a. Licensed by Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or an 
Agreement State
    b. Owned or Operated by DOD or DOE
    c. Not Licensed, Owned, or Operated by a Federal Agency or an 
Agreement State
    2. Transportation of Radioactive Materials
    a. Shipment of Materials Licensed by NRC or an Agreement State
    b. Materials Shipped by or for DOD or DOE
    c. Shipment of Materials Not Licensed or Owned by a Federal 
Agency or an Agreement State
    3. Satellites Containing Radioactive Materials
    4. Impact from Foreign or Unknown Source
    5. Other Types of Emergencies
    C. Radiological Sabotage and Terrorism
    D. Response Functions and Responsibilities
    1. Onscene Coordination
    2. Onsite Management
    3. Radiological Monitoring and Assessment
    a. Role of Department of Energy (DOE)
    b. Role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    c. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA)
    d. Role of Other Federal Agencies
    4. Protective Action Recommendations
    a. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA)
    b. Role of the Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health
    5. Other Federal Resource Support
    a. Role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
    b. Role of Other Federal Agencies
    6. Public Information Coordination
    a. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA)
    b. Role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
    c. Role of Other Participating Agencies
    7. Congressional and White House Coordination
    a. Congressional Coordination
    b. White House Coordination
    8. International Coordination
    9. Response Function Overview
    E. Stages of the Federal Response
    1. Notification
    a. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA)
    b. Role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
    2. Activation and Deployment
    a. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA)
    b. Role of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
    c. Role of Other Federal Agencies
    3. Response Operations
    a. Joint Operations Center (JOC)
    b. Disaster Field Office (DFO)
    c. Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC)
    d. Advisory Team for Environment, Food and Health
    e. Joint Information Center (JIC)
    4. Response Deactivation
    5. Recovery
Appendix A  Acronyms
Appendix B  Definitions
Appendix C  Federal Agency Response Missions, Capabilities and 
Resources, References, and Authorities
List of Figures
    II-1  Notification Process
    II-2  Onscene Response Operations Structure
List of Tables
    II-1  Identification of Lead Federal Agency for Radiological 
Emergencies
    II-2  Response Function Overview

I. Introduction and Background

A. Introduction

    The objective of the Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan 
(FRERP) is to establish an organized and integrated capability for 
timely, coordinated response by Federal agencies to peacetime 
radiological emergencies.
    The FRERP:
    1. Provides the Federal Government's concept of operations based on 
specific authorities for responding to radiological emergencies;
    2. Outlines Federal policies and planning considerations on which 
the

[[Page 20954]]

concept of operations of this Plan and Federal agency specific response 
plans are based; and
    3. Specifies authorities and responsibilities of each Federal 
agency that may have a significant role in such emergencies.
    There are two Sections in this Plan. Section I contains background, 
considerations, and scope. Section II describes the concept of 
operations for response.

B. Participating Federal Agencies

    Each participating agency has responsibilities and/or capabilities 
that pertain to various types of radiological emergencies. The 
following Federal agencies participate in the FRERP:

1. Department of Agriculture (USDA);
2. Department of Commerce (DOC);
3. Department of Defense (DOD);
4. Department of Energy (DOE);
5. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS);
6. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD);
7. Department of the Interior (DOI);
8. Department of Justice (DOJ);
9. Department of State (DOS);
10. Department of Transportation (DOT);
11. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA);
12. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
13. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA);
14. General Services Administration (GSA);
15. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA);
16. National Communications System (NCS); and
17. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

C. Scope

    The FRERP covers any peacetime radiological emergency that has 
actual, potential, or perceived radiological consequences within the 
United States, its Territories, possessions, or territorial waters and 
that could require a response by the Federal Government. The level of 
the Federal response to a specific emergency will be based on the type 
and/or amount of radioactive material involved, the location of the 
emergency, the impact on or the potential for impact on the public and 
environment, and the size of the affected area. Emergencies occurring 
at fixed nuclear facilities or during the transportation of radioactive 
materials, including nuclear weapons, fall within the scope of the Plan 
regardless of whether the facility or radioactive materials are 
publicly or privately owned, Federally regulated, regulated by an 
Agreement State, or not regulated at all. (Under the Atomic Energy Act 
of 1954 [Subsection 274.b.], the NRC has relinquished to certain States 
its regulatory authority for licensing the use of source, byproduct, 
and small quantities of special nuclear material.)

D. Plan Considerations

    1. Public and Private Sector Response. For an emergency at a fixed 
nuclear facility or a facility not under the control of a Federal 
agency, State and local governments have primary responsibility for 
determining and implementing measures to protect life, property, and 
the environment in areas outside the facility boundaries. The owner or 
operator of a nuclear facility has primary responsibility for actions 
within the boundaries of that facility, for providing notification and 
advice to offsite officials, and for minimizing the radiological hazard 
to the public.
    For emergencies involving an area under Federal control, the 
responsibility for onsite actions belongs to a Federal agency, while 
offsite actions are the responsibility of the State or local 
government.
    For all other emergencies, the State or local government has the 
responsibility for taking emergency actions both onsite and offsite, 
with support provided, upon request, by Federal agencies as designated 
in Section II of this plan.
    2. Coordination by Federal Agencies. This Plan describes how the 
Federal response to a radiological emergency will be organized. It 
includes guidelines for notification of Federal agencies and States, 
coordination and leadership of Federal response activities onscene, and 
coordination of Federal public information activities and Congressional 
relations by Federal agencies. The Plan suggests ways in which the 
State, local, and Federal agencies can most effectively integrate their 
actions. The degree to which the Federal response is merged or to which 
activities are adjusted will be based upon the requirements and 
priorities set by the State.
    Appropriate independent emergency actions may be taken by the 
participating Federal agencies within the limits of their own statutory 
authority to protect the public, minimize immediate hazards, and gather 
information about the emergency that might be lost by delay.
    3. Federal Agency Authorities. Some Federal agencies have authority 
to respond to certain situations affecting public health and safety 
with or without a State request. Appendix C of this Plan cites relevant 
legislative and executive authorities. This Plan does not create any 
new authorities nor change any existing ones.
    A response to radiological emergencies on or affecting Federal 
lands not occupied by a government agency should be coordinated with 
the agency responsible for managing that land to ensure that response 
activities are consistent with Federal statutes governing the use and 
occupancy of these lands. This coordination is necessary in the case of 
Indian tribal lands because Federally recognized Indian tribes have a 
special relationship with the U.S. Government, and the State and local 
governments may have limited or no authority on their reservations.
    In the event of an offsite radiological accident involving a 
nuclear weapon, special nuclear material, classified components, or all 
three, the owner (either DOD, DOE, or NASA) will declare a National 
Defense Area (NDA) or National Security Area (NSA), respectively, and 
this area will become ``onsite'' for the purposes of this plan. NDAs 
and NSAs are established to safeguard classified information, and/or 
restricted data, or equipment and material. Establishment of these 
areas places non-Federal lands under Federal control and results only 
from an emergency event. It is possible that radioactive contamination 
would extend beyond the boundaries of these areas.
    In accordance with appropriate national security classification 
directives, information may be classified concerning nuclear weapons, 
special nuclear materials at reactors, and certain fuel cycle 
facilities producing military fuel.
    4. Federal Agency Resource Commitments. Agencies committing 
resources under this Plan do so with the understanding that the 
duration of the commitment will depend on the nature and extent of the 
emergency and the State and local resources available. Should another 
emergency occur that is more serious or of higher priority (such as one 
that may jeopardize national security), Federal agencies will reassess 
resources committed under this Plan.
    5. Requests for Federal Assistance. State and local government 
requests for assistance, as well as those from owners and operators of 
radiological facilities or activities, may be made directly to the 
Federal agencies listed in Table II-1, FEMA, or to other Federal 
agencies with whom they have preexisting arrangements or relationships.
    6. Reimbursement. The cost of each Federal agency's participation 
in support of the FRERP is the responsibility of that agency, unless 
other agreements or reimbursement mechanisms exist. GSA will be

[[Page 20955]]

reimbursed for supplies and services provided under this Plan in 
accordance with prior interagency agreements.

E. Training and Exercises

    Federal agencies, in conjunction with State and local governments, 
will periodically exercise the FRERP. Each agency will coordinate its 
exercises with the Federal Radiological Preparedness Coordinating 
Committee's (FRPCC's) Subcommittee on Federal Response to avoid 
duplication and to invite participation by other Federal agencies.
    Federal agencies will assist other Federal agencies and State and 
local governments with planning and training activities designed to 
improve response capabilities. Each agency should coordinate its 
training programs with the FRPCC's Subcommittee on Training to avoid 
duplication and to make its training available to other agencies.

F. Relationship to the Federal Response Plan (FRP)

    1. Without a Stafford Act Declaration. Federal agencies will 
respond to radiological emergencies using the FRERP, each agency in 
accordance with existing statutory authorities and funding resources. 
The LFA has responsibility for coordination of the overall Federal 
response to the emergency. FEMA is responsible for coordinating non-
radiological support using the structure of the Federal Response Plan 
(FRP).
    2. With a Stafford Act Declaration. When a major disaster or 
emergency is declared under the Stafford Act and an associated 
radiological emergency exists, the functions and responsibilities of 
the FRERP remain the same. The LFA coordinates the management of the 
radiological response with the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO). 
Although the direction of the radiological response remains the same 
with the LFA, the FCO has the overall responsibility for the 
coordination of Federal assistance in support of State and local 
governments using the FRP.

G. Authorities

    The following authorities are the basis for the development of this 
Plan:
    1. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Authorization, Public Law 96-295, 
June 30, 1980, Section 304. This authorization requires the President 
to prepare and publish a ``National Contingency Plan'' (subsequently 
renamed the FRERP) to provide for expeditious, efficient, and 
coordinated action by appropriate Federal agencies to protect the 
public health and safety in case of accidents at commercial nuclear 
power plants.
    2. Executive Order (E.O.) 12241, National Contingency Plan, 
September 29, 1980. This E.O. delegates to the Director of FEMA the 
responsibility for publishing the National Contingency Plan (i.e., the 
FRERP) for accidents at nuclear power facilities and requires that it 
be published from time to time in the Federal Register. Executive Order 
12241 has been amended by Executive Order 12657, FEMA Assistance in 
Emergency Preparedness Planning at Commercial Nuclear Power Plants.
    Authorities for the activities of individual Federal agencies 
appear in Appendix C.

II. Concept of Operations

A. Introduction

    The concept of operations for a response provides for the 
designation of one agency as the Lead Federal Agency (LFA) and for the 
establishment of onscene, interagency response centers. The FRERP 
describes both the responsibilities of the LFA and other Federal 
agencies that may be involved and the functions of each of the onscene 
centers.
    The concept of operations recognizes the preeminent role of State 
and local governments for determining and implementing any measures to 
protect life, property, and the environment in areas not under the 
control of a Federal agency.

B. Determination of Lead Federal Agency (LFA)

    The agency that is responsible for leading and coordinating all 
aspects of the Federal response is referred to as the LFA and is 
determined by the type of emergency. In situations where a Federal 
agency owns, authorizes, regulates, or is otherwise deemed responsible 
for the facility or radiological activity causing the emergency and has 
authority to conduct and manage Federal actions onsite, that agency 
normally will be the LFA.
    The following identifies the LFA for each specified type of 
radiological emergency.
    1. Nuclear Facility--a. Licensed by Nuclear Regulatory Commission 
(NRC) or an Agreement State. The NRC is the LFA for an emergency that 
occurs at a fixed facility or regarding an activity licensed by the NRC 
or an Agreement State. These include, but are not limited to, 
commercial nuclear power reactors, fuel cycle facilities, DOE-owned 
gaseous diffusion facilities that are operating under NRC regulatory 
oversight, and radiopharmaceutical manufacturers.
    b. Owned or Operated by DOD or DOE. The LFA is either DOD or DOE, 
depending on which agency owns or authorizes operation of the facility. 
These emergencies may involve reactor operations, nuclear material and 
weapons production, radioactive material from nuclear weapons, or other 
radiological activities.
    c. Not Licensed, Owned, or Operated by a Federal Agency or an 
Agreement State. The EPA is the LFA for an emergency that occurs at a 
facility not licensed, owned, or operated by a Federal agency or an 
Agreement State. These include facilities that possess, handle, store, 
or process radium or accelerator-produced radioactive materials.
    2. Transportation of Radioactive Materials--a. Shipment of 
Materials Licensed by NRC or an Agreement State. The NRC is the LFA for 
an emergency that involves radiological material licensed by the NRC or 
an Agreement State.
    b. Materials Shipped by or for DOD or DOE. The LFA is either DOD or 
DOE depending on which of these agencies has custody of the material at 
the time of the accident.
    c. Shipment of Materials Not Licensed or Owned by a Federal Agency 
or an Agreement State. The EPA is the LFA for an emergency that 
involves radiological material not licensed or owned by a Federal 
agency or an Agreement State.
    3. Satellites Containing Radioactive Materials. NASA is the LFA for 
NASA spacecraft missions. DOD is the LFA for DOD spacecraft missions. 
DOE and EPA provide technical assistance to DOD and NASA.
    In the event of an emergency involving a joint U.S. Government and 
foreign government spacecraft venture containing radioactive sources 
and/or classified components, the LFA will be DOD or NASA, as 
appropriate. A joint U.S./foreign venture is defined as an activity in 
which the U.S. Government has an ongoing interest in the successful 
completion of the mission and is intimately involved in mission 
operations. A joint venture is not created by simply selling or 
supplying material to a foreign country for use in their spacecraft. 
DOE and EPA will provide technical support and assistance to the LFA.
    4. Impact from Foreign or Unknown Source. The EPA is the LFA for an 
emergency that involves radioactive material from a foreign or unknown 
source that has actual, potential, or perceived radiological 
consequences in the United States, its Territories, possessions, or 
territorial waters. The foreign or unknown source may be a reactor 
(e.g., Chernobyl), a spacecraft

[[Page 20956]]

containing radioactive material, radioactive fallout from atmospheric 
testing of nuclear devices, imported radioactively contaminated 
material, or a shipment of foreign-owned radioactive material. Unknown 
sources of radioactive material refers to that material whose origin 
and/or radiological nature is not yet established. These types of 
sources include contaminated scrap metal or abandoned radioactive 
material. DOD, DOE, NASA, and NRC provide technical assistance to EPA.
    5. Other Types of Emergencies. In the event of an unforeseen type 
of emergency not specifically described in this Plan or a situation 
where conditions exist involving overlapping responsibility that could 
cause confusion regarding LFA role and responsibilities, DOD, DOE, EPA, 
NASA, and NRC will confer upon receipt of notification of the emergency 
to determine which agency is the LFA.

   Table II-1.--Identification of Lead Federal Agency for Radiological  
                               Emergencies                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Type of emergency                   Lead Federal agency     
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Nuclear Facility:                                                    
  a. Licensed by NRC or an Agreement       NRC.                         
   State.                                                               
  b. Owned or Operated by DOD or DOE.....  DOD or DOE.                  
  c. Not Licensed, Owned, or Operated by   EPA.                         
   a Federal Agency or an Agreement State.                              
2. Transportation of Radioactive                                        
 Materials:                                                             
  a. Shipment of Materials Licensed by     NRC.                         
   NRC or an Agreement State.                                           
  b. Materials Shipped by or for DOD or    DOD or DOE.                  
   DOE.                                                                 
  c. Shipment of Materials Not Licensed    EPA.                         
   or Owned by a Federal Agency or an                                   
   Agreement State.                                                     
3. Satellites Containing Radioactive       NASA or DOD.                 
 Materials.                                                             
4. Impact from Foreign or Unknown Source.  EPA.                         
5. Other Types of Emergencies............  LFAs confer.                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Radiological Sabotage and Terrorism

    For fixed facilities and materials in transit, responses to 
radiological emergencies generally do not depend on the initiating 
event. The coordinated response to contain or mitigate a threatened or 
actual release of radioactive material would be essentially the same 
whether it resulted from an accidental or deliberate act. For 
malevolent acts involving improvised nuclear or radiation dispersal 
devices, the response is further complicated by the magnitude of the 
threat and the need for specialized technical expertise/actions. 
Therefore, sabotage and terrorism are not treated as separate types of 
emergencies; rather, they are considered a complicating dimension of 
the types listed in Table II-1.
    The Atomic Energy Act directs the Federal Bureau of Investigation 
(FBI) to investigate all alleged or suspected criminal violations of 
the Act. Additionally, the FBI is legally responsible for locating any 
nuclear weapon, device, or material and for restoring nuclear 
facilities to their rightful custodians. In view of its unique 
responsibilities under the Atomic Energy Act (amended by the Energy 
Reorganization Act), the FBI has concluded formal agreements with the 
LFAs that provide for interface, coordination, and technical assistance 
in support of the FBI's mission.
    Generally, for fixed facilities and materials in transit, the 
designated LFA and supporting agencies will perform the functions 
delineated in this plan and provide technical support and assistance to 
the FBI in the performance of its mission. It would be difficult to 
outline all the possible scenarios arising from criminal or terrorist 
activity. As a result, the Federal response will be tailored to the 
specific circumstances of the event at hand. For those emergencies 
where an LFA is not specifically designated (e.g., improvised nuclear 
device), the Federal response will be guided by the established 
interagency agreements and contingency plans. In accordance with these 
agreements and plans, the signatory agency(ies) supporting the FBI will 
coordinate and manage the technical portion of the response and 
activate/request assistance under the FRERP for measures to protect the 
public health and safety. In all cases, the FBI will manage and direct 
the law enforcement and intelligence aspects of the response; 
coordinating activities with appropriate Federal, State, and local 
agencies within the framework of the FRERP and/or as provided for in 
established interagency agreements or plans.

D. Response Functions and Responsibilities

    1. Onscene Coordination. The LFA will lead and coordinate all 
Federal onscene actions and assist State and local governments in 
determining measures to protect life, property, and the environment. 
The LFA will ensure that FEMA and other Federal agencies assist the 
State and local government agencies in implementing protective actions, 
if requested by the State and local government agencies.
    The LFA will coordinate Federal response activities from an onscene 
location, referred to as the Joint Operations Center (JOC). Until the 
LFA has established its base of operations in a JOC, the LFA will 
accomplish that coordination from another LFA facility, usually a 
Headquarters operations center.
    In the absence of existing agreements for radiological emergencies 
occurring on or with possible consequences to Indian tribal lands, DOI 
will provide liaison between federally recognized Indian tribal 
governments and LFA, State, and local agencies for coordination of 
response and protective action efforts. Additionally, DOI will advise 
and assist the LFA on economic, social, and political matters in the 
United States insular areas should a radiological emergency occur.
    2. Onsite Management. The LFA will oversee the onsite response; 
monitor and support owner or operator activities (when there is an 
owner or operator); provide technical support to the owner or operator, 
if requested; and serve as the principal Federal source of information 
about onsite conditions. The LFA will provide a hazard assessment of 
onsite conditions that might have significant offsite impact and ensure 
onsite measures are taken to mitigate offsite consequences.
    3. Radiological Monitoring and Assessment. DOE has the initial 
responsibility for coordinating the offsite Federal radiological 
monitoring and assessment assistance during the response to a 
radiological emergency. In a prolonged response, EPA will assume the 
responsibility for coordinating the assistance at some mutually 
agreeable time, usually after the emergency phase.
    Some of the participating Federal agencies may have radiological 
planning and emergency responsibilities as part of their statutory 
authority, as well as established working relationships with State 
counterpart agencies. The monitoring and assessment activity, 
coordinated by DOE, does not alter those responsibilities but 
complements them by providing for coordination of the initial Federal 
radiological monitoring and assessment response activity.
    Activities will:
    <bullet> Support the monitoring and assessment programs of the 
States;
    <bullet> Respond to the assessment needs of the LFA; and
    <bullet> Meet statutory responsibilities of participating Federal 
agencies.
    Federal offsite monitoring and assessment activities will be

[[Page 20957]]

coordinated with those of the State. Federal agency plans and 
procedures for implementing this monitoring and assessment activity are 
designed to be compatible with the radiological emergency planning 
requirements for State, local governments, specific facilities, and 
existing memoranda of understanding and interagency agreements.
    DOE may respond to a State or LFA request for assistance by 
dispatching a Radiological Assistance Program (RAP) team. If the 
situation requires more assistance than a RAP team can provide, DOE 
will alert or activate additional resources. These resources may 
include the establishment of a Federal Radiological Monitoring and 
Assessment Center (FRMAC) to be used as an onscene coordination center 
for Federal radiological assessment activities. Federal and State 
agencies are encouraged to collocate their radiological assessment 
activities.
    Federal radiological monitoring and assessment activities will be 
activated as a component of an FRERP response or pursuant to a direct 
request from State or local governments, other Federal agencies, 
licensees for radiological materials, industries, or the general public 
after evaluating the magnitude of the problem and coordinating with the 
State(s) involved.
    DOE and other participating Federal agencies may learn of an 
emergency when they are alerted to a possible problem or receive a 
request for radiological assistance. DOE will maintain national and 
regional coordination offices as points of access to Federal 
radiological emergency assistance. Requests for Federal radiological 
monitoring and assessment assistance will generally be directed to the 
appropriate DOE radiological assistance Regional Coordinating Office. 
Requests also can go directly to DOE's Emergency Operations Center 
(EOC) in Washington, DC. When other agencies receive requests for 
Federal radiological monitoring and assessment assistance, they will 
promptly notify the DOE EOC.
    a. Role of Department of Energy (DOE)--(1) Initial Response 
Coordination Responsibility. DOE, as coordinator, has the following 
responsibilities:
    (a) Coordinate Federal offsite radiological environmental 
monitoring and assessment activities;
    (b) Maintain technical liaison with State and local agencies with 
monitoring and assessment responsibilities;
    (c) Maintain a common set of all offsite radiological monitoring 
data, in an accountable, secure, and retrievable form, and ensure the 
technical integrity of the FRMAC data;
    (d) Provide monitoring data and interpretations, including exposure 
rate contours, dose projections, and any other requested radiological 
assessments, to the LFA, and to the States;
    (e) Provide, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, the 
personnel and equipment needed to perform radiological monitoring and 
assessment activities;
    (f) Request supplemental assistance and technical support from 
other Federal agencies as needed; and
    (g) Arrange consultation and support services through appropriate 
Federal agencies to all other entities (e.g., private contractors) with 
radiological monitoring functions and capabilities, and technical and 
medical advice on handling radiological contamination and population 
monitoring.
    (2) Transition of Response Coordination Responsibility. The DOE 
FRMAC Director will work closely with the Senior EPA representative to 
facilitate a smooth transition of the Federal radiological monitoring 
and assessment coordination responsibility to EPA at a mutually 
agreeable time and after consultation with the States and LFA. The 
following conditions are intended to be met prior to this transfer:
    (a) The immediate emergency condition has been stabilized;
    (b) Offsite releases of radioactive material have ceased, and there 
is little or no potential for further unintentional offsite releases;
    (c) The offsite radiological conditions have been characterized and 
the immediate consequences have been assessed;
    (d) An initial long-range monitoring plan has been developed in 
conjunction with the affected States and appropriate Federal agencies; 
and
    (e) EPA has received adequate assurances from the other Federal 
agencies that they will commit the required resources, personnel, and 
funds for the duration of the Federal response.
    b. Role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)--Prior to 
assuming responsibility for the FRMAC, EPA will:
    (1) Provide resources, including personnel, equipment, and 
laboratory support (including mobile laboratories), to assist DOE in 
monitoring radioactivity levels in the environment;
    (2) Assume coordination of Federal radiological monitoring and 
assessment responsibilities from DOE after the transition;
    (3) Assist in the development and implementation of a long-term 
monitoring plan; and
    (4) Provide nationwide environmental monitoring data from the 
Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring Systems for assessing the 
national impact of the accident.
    c. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA)--(1) Ensure that State's 
needs are addressed.
    (2) Approve the release of official Federal offsite monitoring data 
and assessments.
    (3) Provide other available radiological monitoring data to the 
State and to the FRMAC.
    d. Role of Other Federal Agencies--Agencies carrying out 
responsibilities related to radiological monitoring and assessment 
during a Federal response also will coordinate their activities with 
FRMAC. This coordination will not limit the normal working relationship 
between a Federal agency and its State counterparts nor restrict the 
flow of information from that agency to the States. The radiological 
monitoring and assessment responsibilities of the other Federal 
agencies include:
    (1) Department of Agriculture (USDA)
    (a) Inspect meat and meat products, poultry and poultry products, 
and egg products identified for interstate and foreign commerce to 
assure that they are safe for human consumption.
    (b) Assist, in conjunction with HHS, in monitoring the production, 
processing, storage, and distribution of food through the wholesale 
level to eliminate contaminated product or to reduce the contamination 
in the product to a safe level.
    (c) Collect agricultural samples within the Ingestion Exposure 
Pathway Emergency Planning Zone. Assist in the evaluation and 
assessment of data to determine the impact of the emergency on 
agriculture.
    (2) Department of Commerce (DOC)
    (a) Prepare operational weather forecasts tailored to support 
emergency response activities.
    (b) Prepare and disseminate predictions of plume trajectories, 
dispersion, and deposition.
    (c) Archive, as a special collection, the meteorological data from 
national observing systems applicable to the monitoring and assessment 
of the response.
    (d) Ensure that marine fishery products available to the public are 
not contaminated.
    (e) Provide assistance and reference material for calibrating 
radiological instruments.
    (3) Department of Defense (DOD)
    (a) Provide radiological resources to include trained response 
personnel,

[[Page 20958]]

specialized radiation instruments, mobile instrument calibration, 
repair capabilities, and expertise in site restoration.
    (b) Perform special sampling of airborne contamination on request.
    (4) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
    (a) In conjunction with USDA, inspect production, processing, 
storage, and distribution facilities for human food and animal feeds, 
which may be used in interstate commerce, to assure protection of the 
public health.
    (b) Collect samples of agricultural products to monitor and assess 
the extent of contamination as a basis for recommending or implementing 
protective actions.
    (5) Department of the Interior (DOI)
    (a) Provide hydrologic advice and assistance, including monitoring 
personnel, equipment, and laboratory support.
    (b) Advise and assist in evaluating processes affecting 
radioisotopes in soils, including personnel, equipment, and laboratory 
support.
    (c) Advise and assist in the development of geographical 
information systems (GIS) databases to be used in the analysis and 
assessment of contaminated areas including personnel, equipment, and 
databases.
    (6) Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
    (a) Provide assistance in Federal radiological monitoring and 
assessment activities during incidents.
    (b) Provide, where available, continuous measurement of ambient 
radiation levels around NRC licensed facilities, primarily power 
reactors using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD).
    4. Protective Action Recommendations. Federal protective action 
recommendations provide advice to State and local governments on 
measures that they should take to avoid or reduce exposure of the 
public to radiation from a release of radioactive material. This 
includes advice on emergency actions such as sheltering, evacuation, 
and prophylactic use of stable iodine. It also includes longer term 
measures to avoid or minimize exposure to residual radiation or 
exposure through the ingestion pathway such as restriction of food, 
temporary relocation, and permanent resettlement.
    a. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA). The LFA will assist State 
and local authorities, if requested, by advising them on protective 
actions for the public. The development or evaluation of protective 
action recommendations will be based upon the Protective Action Guides 
(PAGs) issued by EPA and HHS. In providing such advice, the LFA will 
use advice from other Federal agencies with technical expertise on 
those matters whenever possible. The LFA's responsibilities for the 
development, evaluation, and presentation of protective action 
recommendations are to:
    (1) Respond to requests from State and local governments for 
technical information and assistance;
    (2) Consult with representatives from EPA, HHS, USDA, and other 
Federal agencies as needed to provide advice to the LFA on protective 
actions;
    (3) Review all recommendations made by other Federal agencies 
exercising statutory authorities related to protective actions to 
ensure consistency;
    (4) Prepare a coordinated Federal position on protective action 
recommendations whenever time permits; and
    (5) Present the Federal assessment of protective action 
recommendations, in conjunction with FEMA and other Federal agencies 
when practical, to State or other offsite authorities.
    b. Role of the Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health. 
Advice on environment, food, and health matters will be provided to the 
LFA through the Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health 
(Advisory Team) consisting of representatives of EPA, HHS, and USDA 
supported by other Federal agencies, as warranted by the circumstances 
of the emergency. The Advisory Team provides direct support to the LFA 
and has no independent authority. The Advisory Team will not release 
information or make recommendations to the public unless authorized to 
do so by the LFA. The Advisory Team will select a chair for the Team. 
The Advisory Team will normally collocate with the FRMAC.
    For emergencies with potential for causing widespread radiological 
contamination where no onscene FRMAC is established, the functions of 
the Advisory Team may be accomplished in the LFA response facility in 
Washington, DC.
    The primary role of the Advisory Team is to provide a mechanism for 
timely, interagency coordination of advice to the LFA, States, and 
other Federal agencies concerning matters related to the following 
areas:
    (1) Environmental assessments (field monitoring) required for 
developing recommendations;
    (2) PAGs and their application to the emergency;
    (3) Protective action recommendations using data and assessment 
from the FRMAC;
    (4) Protective actions to prevent or minimize contamination of 
milk, food, and water and to prevent or minimize exposure through 
ingestion;
    (5) Recommendations regarding the disposition of contaminated 
livestock and poultry;
    (6) Recommendations for minimizing losses of agricultural resources 
from radiation effects;
    (7) Availability of food, animal feed, and water supply inspection 
programs to assure wholesomeness;
    (8) Relocation, reentry, and other radiation protection measures 
prior to recovery;
    (9) Recommendations for recovery, return, and cleanup issues;
    (10) Health and safety advice or information for the public and for 
workers;
    (11) Estimate effects of radioactive releases on human health and 
environment;
    (12) Guidance on the use of radioprotective substances (e.g., 
thyroid blocking agents), including dosage and projected radiation 
doses that warrant the use of such drugs; and
    (13) Other matters, as requested by the LFA.
    5. Other Federal Resource Support. FEMA will coordinate the 
provision of non-radiological (i.e., not related to radiological 
monitoring and assessment) Federal resources and assistance to affected 
State and local governments. The Federal non-radiological resource and 
assistance coordination function will be performed at the Disaster 
Field Office (DFO) (or other appropriate location established by FEMA).
    a. Role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)--(1) 
Monitor the status of the Federal response to requests for non-
radiological assistance from the affected States and provide this 
information to the States.
    (2) Keep the LFA informed of requests for assistance from the State 
and the status of the Federal response.
    (3) Identify and inform Federal agencies of actual or apparent 
omissions, redundancies, or conflicts in response activity.
    (4) Establish and maintain a source of integrated, coordinated 
information about the status of all non-radiological resource support 
activities.
    (5) Provide other non-radiological support to Federal agencies 
responding to the emergency.
    b. Role of Other Federal Agencies. In order to properly coordinate 
activities, Federal agencies responding to requests for non-
radiological support or directly providing such support under statutory 
authorities will provide liaison personnel to the DFO. The following

[[Page 20959]]

indicates types of assistance that may be provided by Federal agencies 
as needed or requested:
    (1) Department of Agriculture (USDA)--(a) Provide emergency food 
coupon assistance in officially designated disaster areas, if a need is 
determined by officials and if the commercial food system is sufficient 
to accommodate the use of food coupons.
    (b) Provide for placement of USDA donated food supplies from 
warehouses, local schools, and other outlets to emergency care centers. 
These are foods donated to various outlets through USDA food programs.
    (c) Provide lists that identify locations of alternate sources of 
food and livestock feed.
    (d) Assist in providing temporary housing for evacuees.
    (e) Assess damage to crops, soil, livestock, poultry, and 
processing facilities; and incorporate findings in a damage assessment 
report.
    (f) Provide emergency communications assistance to the agricultural 
community through the State Research, Education, and Extension 
Services' electronic mail system.
    (2) Department of Commerce (DOC)--Provide radiation shielding 
materials.
    (3) Department of Defense (DOD)--DOD may provide assistance in the 
form of personnel, logistics and telecommunications, advice on proper 
medical treatment of personnel exposed to or contaminated by 
radioactive materials, and assistance, including airlift services, when 
available, upon the request of the LFA or FEMA. Requests for assistance 
must be directed to the National Military Command Center or through 
channels established by prior agreements.
    (4) Department of Energy (DOE)--Provide advice on proper medical 
treatment of personnel exposed to or contaminated by radioactive 
materials.
    (5) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)--(a) Ensure the 
availability of health and medical care and other human services 
(especially for the aged, poor, infirm, blind, and others most in 
need).
    (b) Assist in providing crisis counseling to victims in affected 
geographic areas.
    (c) Provide guidance to State and local health officials on disease 
control measures and epidemiological surveillance and study of exposed 
populations.
    (d) Provide advice on proper medical treatment of personnel exposed 
to or contaminated by radioactive materials.
    (e) Provide advice and guidance in assessing the impact of the 
effects of radiological incidents on the health of persons in the 
affected area.
    (6) Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)--(a) Review 
and report on available housing for disaster victims and displaced 
persons.
    (b) Assist in planning for and placing homeless victims in 
available housing.
    (c) Provide staff to support emergency housing within available 
resources.
    (d) Provide housing assistance and advisory personnel.
    (7) Department of the Interior (DOI)--Advise and assist in 
assessing impacts to economic, social, and political issues relating to 
natural resources, including fish and wildlife, subsistence uses, 
public lands, Indian Tribal lands, land reclamation, mining, minerals, 
and water resources.
    (8) Department of Transportation (DOT)--(a) Support State and local 
governments by identifying sources of civil transportation on request 
and when consistent with statutory responsibilities.
    (b) Coordinate the Federal civil transportation response in support 
of emergency transportation plans and actions with State and local 
governments. (This may include provision of Federally controlled 
transportation assets and the controlling of airspace or transportation 
routes to protect commercial transportation and to facilitate the 
movement of response resources to the scene.)
    (c) Provide Regional Emergency Transportation Coordinators and 
staff to assist State and local authorities in planning and response.
    (d) Provide technical advice and assistance on the transportation 
of radiological materials and the impact of the incident on the 
transportation system.
    (9) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)--(a) Provide medical 
assistance using Medical Emergency Radiological Response Teams 
(MERRTs).
    (b) Provide temporary housing.
    (10) General Services Administration (GSA)--(a) Provide acquisition 
and procurement of floor space, telecommunications and automated data 
processing services, supplies, services, transportation, computers, 
contracting, equipment, and material; as well as specified logistical 
services that exceed the capabilities of other Federal agencies.
    (b) Activate the Regional Emergency Communications Planner (RECP) 
and a Federal Emergency Communications Coordinator (FECC). RECP will 
provide technical support and accept guidance from the FEMA Regional 
Director during the pre-deployment phase of a telecommunications 
emergency.
    (c) Upon request, will dispatch the FECC to the scene to expedite 
the provision of the telecommunications services.
    (11) National Communications System (NCS)--Acting through its 
operational element, the National Coordinating Center for 
Telecommunications (NCC), the NCS will ensure the provision of adequate 
telecommunications support to Federal FRERP operations.
    6. Public Information Coordination. Public information coordination 
is most effective when the owner/operator, Federal, State, local, and 
other relevant information sources participate jointly. The primary 
location for linking these sources is the Joint Information Center 
(JIC).
    Prior to the establishment of Federal operations at the JIC, it may 
be necessary to release Federal information regarding public health and 
safety. In these instances, Federal agencies will coordinate with the 
LFA and the State in advance or as soon as possible after the 
information has been released.
    This coordination will accomplish the following: compile 
information about the status of the emergency, response actions, and 
instructions for the affected population; coordinate all information 
from various sources with the other Federal, State, local, and non-
governmental response organizations; allow various sources to work 
cooperatively, yet maintain their independence in disseminating 
information; disseminate timely, consistent, and accurate information 
to the public and the news media; and establish coordinated 
arrangements for dealing with citizen inquiries.
    a. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA). The LFA is responsible 
for information on the status of the overall Federal response, specific 
LFA response activities, and the status of onsite conditions.
    The LFA will:
    (1) Develop joint information procedures for providing Federal 
information to and for obtaining information from all Federal agencies 
participating in the response;
    (2) Work with the owner/operator and State and local government 
information officers to develop timely coordinated public information 
releases;
    (3) Inform the media that the JIC is the primary source of onscene 
public information and news from facility, local, State, and Federal 
spokespersons;
    (4) Establish and manage Federal public information operations at 
the JIC; and

[[Page 20960]]

    (5) Coordinate Federal public information among the various media 
centers.
    b. Role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA 
will assist the LFA in coordinating non-radiological information among 
Federal agencies and with the State. When mutually agreeable, FEMA may 
assume responsibility from the LFA for coordinating Federal public 
information. Should this occur, it will usually be after the onsite 
situation has been stabilized and recovery efforts have begun.
    c. Role of Other Participating Agencies. All Federal agencies with 
an operational response role under the FRERP will coordinate public 
information activities at the JIC. Each Federal agency will provide 
information on the status of its response and on technical information.
    7. Congressional and White House Coordination. a. Congressional 
Coordination. Federal agencies will coordinate their responses to 
Congressional requests for information with the LFA. Points of contact 
for this function are the Congressional Liaison Officers. All Federal 
agency Congressional Liaison Officers and Congressional staffs seeking 
site-specific information about the emergency should contact the LFA 
headquarters Congressional Affairs Office. Congress may request 
information directly from any Federal agency. Any agency responding to 
such requests should inform the LFA as soon as feasible.
    b. White House Coordination. The LFA will report to the President 
and keep the White House informed on all aspects of the emergency. The 
White House may request information directly from any Federal agency. 
Any agency responding to such requests should inform the LFA as soon as 
feasible. The LFA will submit reports to the White House. The initial 
report should cover, if possible, the nature of and prognosis for the 
radiological situation causing the emergency and the actual or 
potential offsite radiological impact. Subsequent reports by the LFA 
should cover the status of mitigation, corrective actions, protective 
measures, and overall Federal response to the emergency. Federal 
agencies should provide information related to the technical and 
radiological aspects of the response directly to the LFA. FEMA will 
compile information related to the non-radiological resource support 
aspects of the response and submit to the LFA for inclusion in the 
report(s).
    8. International Coordination. In the event of an environmental 
impact or potential impact upon the United States, its possessions, 
Territories, or territorial waters from a radiological emergency 
originating on foreign soil or, conversely, a domestic incident with an 
actual or potential foreign impact, the LFA will immediately inform DOS 
(which has responsibility for official interactions with foreign 
governments). The LFA will keep DOS informed of all Federal response 
activities. The DOS will coordinate notification and information 
gathering activities with foreign governments, except in cases where 
existing bilateral agreements permit direct communication. Where the 
LFA has existing bilateral agreements that permit direct exchange of 
information, those agencies should keep DOS informed of consultations 
with their foreign counterparts. Agency officials should take care that 
consultations do not exceed the scope of the relevant agreement(s). The 
LFA will ensure that any offers of assistance to or requests from 
foreign governments are coordinated with DOS.
    9. Response Function Overview. Table II-2 provides an overview of 
the responsible Federal agencies for major response functions.

                 Table II-2.--Response Function Overview                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Response action                     Responsible agency    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Maintain cognizance of the Federal       LFA.                       
 response; conduct and manage Federal                                   
 onsite actions.                                                        
(2) Coordinate Federal offsite radiological                             
 monitoring and assessment:                                             
    --Initial Response.....................  DOE.                       
    --Intermediate and Long-Term Response..  EPA.                       
(3) Develop and evaluate recommendations     LFA, in coordination with  
 for offsite protective actions for the       other agencies.           
 public.                                                                
(4) Present recommendations for offsite      LFA, in conjunction with   
 protective actions to the appropriate        FEMA and other Federal    
 State and/or local officials.                agencies when practical.  
(5) Coordinate Federal offsite non-          FEMA.                      
 radiological resource support.                                         
(6) Coordinate release of Federal            LFA; FEMA after mutual     
 information to the public.                   agreement.                
(7) Coordinate release of Federal            LFA.                       
 information to Congress.                                               
(8) Provide reports to the President and     LFA.                       
 keep the White House informed on all                                   
 aspects of the emergency.                                              
(9) Coordinate international aspects and     DOS; LFA as appropriate.   
 make required international notifications.                             
(10) Coordinate the law enforcement aspects  DOJ/FBI.                   
 of a criminal act involving radioactive                                
 material.                                                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------

E. Stages of the Federal Response

    The Federal response is divided into five stages: Notification, 
Activation and Deployment, Response Operations, Response Deactivation, 
and Recovery.
    1. Notification. The owner or operator of the facility or 
radiological activity is generally the first to become aware of a 
radiological emergency and is responsible for notifying the State and 
local authorities and the LFA. The notification should include:
    <bullet> Location and nature of the accident,
    <bullet> An assessment of the severity of the problem,
    <bullet> Potential and actual offsite consequences, and
    <bullet> Initial response actions.
    If any Federal agency receives notification from any source other 
than FEMA or the LFA, the agency will notify the LFA. See Figure II-1 
for the notification process.
    a. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA)--(1) Verify accuracy of 
notification;
    (2) Notify FEMA and advisory team agencies and provide information;
    (3) Verify that other Federal agencies have been notified; and
    (4) Verify that the State has been notified.
    b. Role of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)--(1) Verify 
that the State has been notified of the emergency; and
    (2) Notify other Federal agencies as appropriate.
    2. Activation and Deployment. Once notified, each agency will 
respond

[[Page 20961]]

according to its plan. The LFA will assess the technical response 
requirements and cause the activation and deployment of response 
components. FEMA, in conjunction with the LFA, will coordinate the non-
radiological assistance in support of State and local governments. 
Initially, the LFA, FEMA, and other Federal agencies will coordinate 
response actions from their headquarters locations, usually from their 
respective headquarters EOCs.
    a. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA)--(1) Deploy LFA response 
personnel to the scene and provide liaison to the State and local 
authorities as appropriate;
    (2) Designate a Federal Onscene Commander (OSC) at the scene of the 
emergency to manage onsite activities and coordinate the overall 
Federal response to the emergency;
    (3) Establish bases of Federal operation, such as the JOC and the 
JIC;
    (4) Coordinate the Federal response with the owner/operator; and
    (5) Provide advice on the radiological hazard to the Federal 
responders.
    b. Role of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)--(1) Activate 
a Regional Operations Center (ROC) to monitor the situation;
    (2) Establish contact with the LFA and the affected State to 
determine the status of non-radiological response requirements;
    (3) Designate a Senior FEMA Official (SFO) to coordinate activities 
with the LFA; and
    (4) Coordinate the provision of non-radiological Federal resources 
and assistance.
    c. Role of Other Federal Agencies. (1) Designate an onscene Senior 
Agency Official;
    (2) Activate agency emergency response personnel and deploy them to 
the scene;
    (3) Deploy FRMAC assets;
    (4) Deploy Advisory Team representatives;
    (5) Keep the LFA and FEMA informed of status of response 
activities; and
    (6) Coordinate all State requests and offsite activities with the 
LFA and FEMA, as appropriate.
    3. Response Operations. The following describes the general 
operational structure for meeting Federal agency roles and 
responsibilities in response to a radiological emergency. At the 
headquarters level, the LFA, FEMA, and other Federal agencies (OFAs) 
will generally exchange liaison personnel and maintain staffs at their 
EOCs to support their respective onscene operations. Federal agencies 
may also activate a regional or field office EOC in support of the 
emergency. Figure II-2 provides a graphic depiction of the onscene 
structure.
    a. Joint Operations Center (JOC). The JOC <SUP>1 is established by 
the LFA under the operational control of the Federal OSC as the focal 
point for management and direction of onsite activities, establishment 
of State requirements and priorities, and coordination of the overall 
Federal response. The JOC may be established in a separate onscene 
location or collocated with an existing emergency operations facility. 
The following elements may be represented in the JOC:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ For NRC reactor licensees, the JOC is within the Emergency 
Operations Facility (EOF). The EOF would be staffed in accordance 
with the owner/operator's site-specific Emergency Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) LFA staff and onsite liaison;
    (2) FEMA/DFO liaison;
    (3) FRMAC liaison;
    (4) Advisory Team liaison;
    (5) Other Federal agency liaison, as needed;
    (6) LFA Public information liaison;
    (7) LFA Congressional liaison; and
    (8) State and local liaison.
    b. Disaster Field Office (DFO). The DFO is established by FEMA as 
the focal point for the coordination and provision of non-radiological 
resource support based on coordinated State requirements/priorities. 
The DFO is established at an onscene location in coordination with 
State and local authorities and other Federal agencies. The following 
elements may be represented in the DFO:
    (1) LFA liaison;
    (2) Other appropriate Federal agency personnel;
    (3) State and local liaison;
    (4) Public information liaison; and
    (5) Congressional liaison.
    c. Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC). 
The FRMAC is established by DOE (with subsequent transfer to EPA for 
intermediate and long-term actions) for the coordination of Federal 
radiological monitoring and assessment activities with that of State 
and local agencies. The FRMAC is established at an onscene location in 
coordination with State and local authorities and other Federal 
agencies. The following elements may be represented in the FRMAC:
    (1) DOE/DOE contractor technical staff and capabilities;
    (2) EPA/EPA contractor technical staff and capabilities;
    (3) DOC technical staff and capabilities;
    (4) LFA technical liaison;
    (5) DOE public information liaison;
    (6) Other Federal agency liaisons, as needed;
    (7) State and local liaison; and
    (8) DFO liaison.
    d. Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health. The Advisory 
Team is established by representatives from EPA, USDA, HHS, and other 
Federal agencies as needed for the provision of interagency coordinated 
advice and recommendations to the State and LFA concerning 
environmental, food, and health matters. For the ease of transfer of 
radiological monitoring and assessment data and coordination with 
Federal, State, and local representatives, the Advisory Team is 
normally collocated with the FRMAC.
    e. Joint Information Center (JIC). The JIC <SUP>2 is established by 
the LFA, under the operational control of the LFA-designated Public 
Information Officer, as a focal point for the coordination and 
provision of information to the public and media concerning the Federal 
response to the emergency. The JIC is established at an onscene 
location in coordination with State and local agencies and other 
Federal agencies. The following elements should be represented at the 
JIC:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ For NRC licensees, the Federal JIC is within the JIC 
established by the owner/operator.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) LFA Public Information Officer and staff;
    (2) FEMA Public Information Officer and staff;
    (3) Other Federal agency Public Information, as needed;
    (4) State and local Public Information Officers; and
    (5) Owner/Operator Public Information Officers and staff.
    4. Response Deactivation. a. Each agency will discontinue emergency 
response operations when advised that Federal assistance is no longer 
required from their agency or when its statutory responsibilities have 
been fulfilled. Prior to discontinuing its response operation, each 
agency should discuss its intent to do so with the LFA, FEMA, and the 
State.
    b. The LFA will consult with participating Federal agencies and the 
State and local government to determine when the Federal information 
coordination operations at the JIC should be terminated. This will 
occur normally at a time when the rate of information generated and 
coordinated by the LFA has decreased to the point where it can be 
handled through the normal day-to-day coordination process. The LFA 
will inform the other participants of their intention to deactivate 
Federal information

[[Page 20962]]

coordination operations at the JIC and advise them of the procedures 
for continued coordination of information pertinent to recovery from 
the radiological emergency.
    c. FEMA will consult with the LFA, other Federal agencies, and the 
State(s) as to when the onscene coordination of non-radiological 
assistance is no longer required. Prior to ending operations at the 
DFO, FEMA will inform all participating organizations of the schedule 
for doing so.
    d. The LFA will terminate JOC operations and the Federal response 
after consulting with FEMA, other participating Federal agencies, and 
State and local officials, and after determining that onscene Federal 
assistance is no longer required.
    e. The agency managing the FRMAC will consult with the LFA, FEMA, 
other participating Federal agencies, and State and local officials to 
determine when a formal FRMAC structure and organization is no longer 
required. Normally, this will occur when operations move into the 
recovery phase and extensive Federal multi-agency resources are no 
longer required to augment State and local radiological monitoring and 
assessment activities.
    5. Recovery. a. The State or local governments have the primary 
responsibility for planning the recovery of the affected area. (The 
term recovery as used here encompasses any action dedicated to the 
continued protection of the public and resumption of normal activities 
in the affected area.) Recovery planning will be initiated at the 
request of the States, but it will generally not take place until after 
the initiating conditions of the emergency have stabilized and 
immediate actions to protect public health and safety and property have 
been accomplished. The Federal Government will, on request, assist the 
State and local governments in developing offsite recovery plans, prior 
to the deactivation of the Federal response. The LFA will coordinate 
the overall activity of Federal agencies involved in the recovery 
process.
    b. The radiological monitoring and assessment activities will be 
terminated when the EPA, after consultation with the LFA and other 
participating Federal agencies, and State and local officials, 
determines that:
    (1) There is no longer a threat to the public health and safety or 
to the environment,
    (2) State and local resources are adequate for the situation, and
    (3) There is mutual agreement of the agencies involved to terminate 
the response.

Appendix A--Acronyms

CFR                                Code of Federal Regulations          
DFO                                Disaster Field Office                
DOC                                Department of Commerce               
DOD                                Department of Defense                
DOE                                Department of Energy                 
DOI                                Department of the Interior           
DOJ                                Department of Justice                
DOS                                Department of State                  
DOT                                Department of Transportation         
EICC                               Emergency Information and            
                                    Coordination Center                 
EO                                 Executive Order                      
EOC                                Emergency Operations Center          
EPA                                Environmental Protection Agency      
ERT                                Emergency Response Team              
ERT-A                              Emergency Response Team--Advance     
                                    Element                             
FBI                                Federal Bureau of Investigation      
FCO                                Federal Coordinating Officer         
FECC                               Federal Emergency Communications     
                                    Coordinator                         
FEMA                               Federal Emergency Management Agency  
FRERP                              Federal Radiological Emergency       
                                    Response Plan                       
FRMAC                              Federal Radiological Monitoring and  
                                    Assessment Center                   
FRP                                Federal Response Plan                
FRPCC                              Federal Radiological Preparedness    
                                    Coordinating Committee              
GIS                                Geographical Information Systems     
GSA                                General Services Administration      
HHS                                Department of Health and Human       
                                    Services                            
HUD                                Department of Housing and Urban      
                                    Development                         
JIC                                Joint Information Center             
JOC                                Joint Operations Center              
LFA                                Lead Federal Agency                  
MERRT                              Medical Emergency Radiological       
                                    Response Team                       
NASA                               National Aeronautics and Space       
                                    Administration                      
NCC                                National Coordinating Center for     
                                    Telecommunications                  
NCS                                National Communications System       
NDA                                National Defense Area                
NOAA                               National Oceanic and Atmospheric     
                                    Administration (DOC)                
NRC                                Nuclear Regulatory Commission        
NSA                                National Security Area               
OSC                                Onscene Commander                    
PAG                                Protective Action Guide              
PIO                                Public Information Officer           
RAP                                Radiological Assistance Program (DOE)
RECP                               Regional Emergency Communications    
                                    Planner                             
SCO                                State Coordinating Officer           
SFO                                Senior FEMA Official                 
TLD                                Thermoluminescent dosimeter          
USDA                               United States Department of          
                                    Agriculture                         
VA                                 Department of Veterans Affairs       
                                                                        

Appendix B--Definitions

    Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health--An interagency 
team, consisting of representatives from EPA, HHS, USDA, and 
representatives from other Federal agencies as necessary, that 
provides advice to the LFA and States, as requested on matters 
associated with environment, food, and health issues during a 
radiological emergency.
    Agreement State--A State that has entered into an Agreement 
under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, in which NRC has 
relinquished to such States the majority of its regulatory authority 
over source, byproduct, and special nuclear material in quantities 
not sufficient to form a critical mass.
    Assessment--The evaluation and interpretation of radiological 
measurements and other information to provide a basis for decision-
making. Assessment can include projections of offsite radiological 
impact.
    Coordinate--To advance systematically an exchange of information 
among principals who have or may have a need to know certain 
information in order to carry out their role in a response.
    Disaster Field Office (DFO)--A center established in or near the 
designated area from which the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) 
and representatives of Federal response agencies will interact with 
State and local government representatives to coordinate non-
technical resource support.
    Emergency--Any natural or man-caused situation that results in 
or may result in substantial injury or harm to the population or 
substantial damage to or loss of property.
    Emergency Response Team (ERT)--A team of Federal interagency 
personnel headed by FEMA and deployed to the site of an emergency to 
serve as the FCO's key staff and assist with accomplishing FEMA 
responsibilities at the DFO.
    Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO)--The Federal official 
appointed in accordance with the provisions of P.L. 93-288, as 
amended, to coordinate the overall response and recovery activities 
under a major disaster or emergency declaration. The FCO represents 
the President as provided by Section 302 of P.L. 93-288, as amended, 
for the purpose of coordinating the administration of Federal relief 
activities in the designated area. Additionally, the FCO is 
delegated responsibilities and performs those for the FEMA Director 
as outlined in Executive Order 12148, and those responsibilities 
delegated to the FEMA Regional Director in Title 44 Code of Federal 
Regulations, Part 206.
    Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC)--
An operations center usually established near the scene of a 
radiological emergency from which the Federal field monitoring and 
assessment assistance is directed and coordinated.
    Federal Radiological Preparedness Coordinating Committee 
(FRPCC)--An interagency committee, created under 44 CFR Part 351, to 
coordinate Federal radiological planning and training.
    Federal Response Plan (FRP)--The plan designed to address the 
consequences of any disaster or emergency situation in which there 
is a need for Federal assistance under the authorities of the Robert 
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 
5121 et seq.
    FRMAC Director--The person designated by DOE or EPA to manage 
operations in the FRMAC.
    Joint Information Center (JIC)--A center established to 
coordinate the Federal public

[[Page 20963]]

information activities onscene. It is the central point of contact 
for all news media at the scene of the incident. Public information 
officials from all participating Federal agencies should collocate 
at the JIC. Public information officials from participating State 
and local agencies also may collocate at the JIC.
    Joint Operations Center (JOC)--Established by the LFA under the 
operational control of the OSC, as the focal point for management 
and direction of onsite activities, coordination/establishment of 
State requirements/priorities, and coordination of the overall 
Federal response.
    Joint U.S. Government/Foreign Government Space Venture--Any 
space venture conducted jointly by the U.S. Government (DOD or NASA) 
with a foreign government or foreign governmental entity that is 
characterized by an ongoing U.S. Government interest in the 
successful completion of the mission, active involvement in mission 
operations, and uses radioactive sources and/or classified 
components, regardless of which country owns or provides said 
sources or components, within the space vehicle. For the purposes of 
this plan, in a situation whereby the U.S. Government simply sells 
or supplies radioactive material to a foreign country for use in a 
space vehicle and otherwise has no active mission involvement, it 
shall not be considered a joint venture.
    Lead Federal Agency (LFA)--The agency that is responsible for 
leading and coordinating all aspects of the Federal response is 
referred to as the LFA and is determined by the type of emergency. 
In situations where a Federal agency owns, authorizes, regulates, or 
is otherwise deemed responsible for the facility or radiological 
activity causing the emergency and has authority to conduct and 
manage Federal actions onsite, that agency normally will be the LFA.
    License--An authorization issued to a facility owner or operator 
by the NRC pursuant to the conditions of the Atomic Energy Act of 
1954, as amended, or issued by an Agreement State pursuant to 
appropriate State laws. NRC licenses certain activities under 
section 170(a) of that Act.
    Local Government--Any county, city, village, town, district, or 
political subdivision of any State, and Indian tribe or authorized 
tribal organization, or Alaska Native village or organization, 
including any rural community or unincorporated town or village or 
any other public entity.
    Monitoring--The use of sampling and radiation detection 
equipment to determine the levels of radiation.
    National Defense Area (NDA)--An area established on non-Federal 
lands located within the United States, its possessions or its 
territories, for safeguarding classified defense information or 
protecting DOD equipment and/or material. Establishment of a 
National Defense Area temporarily places such non-Federal lands 
under the effective control of the Department of Defense and results 
only from an emergency event. The senior DOD representative at the 
scene shall define the boundary, mark it with a physical barrier, 
and post warning signs. The landowner's consent and cooperation 
shall be obtained whenever possible; however, military necessity 
shall dictate the final location, shape, and size of the NDA.
    National Security Area (NSA)--An area established on non-Federal 
lands located within the United States, its possessions or 
territories, for safeguarding classified information, and/or 
restricted data or equipment and material belonging to DOE or NASA. 
Establishment of a National Security Area temporarily places such 
non-Federal lands under the effective control of DOE or NASA and 
results only from an emergency event. The senior DOE or NASA 
representative having custody of the material at the scene shall 
define the boundary, mark it with a physical barrier, and post 
warning signs. The landowner's consent and cooperation shall be 
obtained whenever possible; however, operational necessity shall 
dictate the final location, shape, and size of the NSA.
    Nuclear Facilities--Nuclear installations that use or produce 
radioactive materials in their normal operations.
    Offsite--The area outside the boundary of the onsite area. For 
emergencies occurring at fixed nuclear facilities, ``offsite'' 
generally refers to the area beyond the facility boundary. For 
emergencies that do not occur at fixed nuclear facilities and for 
which no physical boundary exists, the circumstances of the 
emergency will dictate the boundary of the offsite area. Unless a 
Federal agency has the authority to define and control a restricted 
area, the State or local government will define an area as 
``onsite'' at the time of the emergency, based on required response 
activities.
    Offsite Federal Support--Federal assistance in mitigating the 
offsite consequences of an emergency and protecting the public 
health and safety, including assistance with determining and 
implementing public protective action measures.
    Onscene--The area directly affected by radiological 
contamination and environs. Onscene includes onsite and offsite 
areas.
    Onscene Commander (OSC)--The lead official designated at the 
scene of the emergency to manage onsite activities and coordinate 
the overall Federal response to the emergency.
    Onsite--The area within (a) the boundary established by the 
owner or operator of a fixed nuclear facility, or (b) the area 
established by the LFA as a National Defense Area or National 
Security Area, or (c) the area established around a downed/ditched 
U.S. spacecraft, or (d) the boundary established at the time of the 
emergency by the State or local government with jurisdiction for a 
transportation accident not occurring at a fixed nuclear facility 
and not involving nuclear weapons.
    Onsite Federal Support--Federal assistance that is the primary 
responsibility of the Federal agency that owns, authorizes, 
regulates, or is otherwise deemed responsible for the radiological 
facility or material being transported, i.e., the LFA. This response 
supports State and local efforts by supporting the owner or 
operator's efforts to bring the incident under control and thereby 
prevent or minimize offsite consequences.
    Owner or Operator--The organization that owns or operates the 
nuclear facility or carrier or cargo that causes the radiological 
emergency. The owner or operator may be a Federal agency, a State or 
local government, or a private business.
    Protective Action Guide (PAG)--A radiation exposure or 
contamination level or range established by appropriate Federal or 
State agencies at which protective actions should be considered.
    Protective Action Recommendation (Federal)--Federal advice to 
State and local governments on measures that they should take to 
avoid or reduce exposure of the public to radiation from an 
accidental release of radioactive material. This includes emergency 
actions such as sheltering, evacuation, and prophylactic use of 
stable iodine. It also includes longer term measures to avoid or 
minimize exposure to residual radiation or exposure through the 
ingestion pathway such as restriction of food, temporary relocation, 
and permanent resettlement.
    Public Information Officer (PIO)--Official at headquarters or in 
the field responsible for preparing and coordinating the 
dissemination of public information in cooperation with other 
responding Federal, State, and local agencies.
    Radiological Assistance Program (RAP) Team--A response team 
dispatched to the site of a radiological incident by the U.S. 
Department of Energy (DOE) regional coordinating office responding 
to a radiological incident. RAP Teams are located at DOE operations 
offices and national laboratories and some area offices.
    Radiological Emergency--A radiological incident that poses an 
actual, potential, or perceived hazard to public health or safety or 
loss of property.
    Recovery--Recovery, in this document, includes all types of 
emergency actions dedicated to the continued protection of the 
public or to promoting the resumption of normal activities in the 
affected area.
    Recovery Plan--A plan developed by each State, with assistance 
from the responding Federal agencies, to restore the affected area.
    Regional Operations Center (ROC)--The temporary operations 
facility for the coordination of Federal response and recovery 
activities, located at the FEMA Regional Office (or at the Federal 
Regional Center) and led by the FEMA Regional Director or Deputy 
Regional Director until the DFO becomes operational.
    Senior FEMA Official (SFO)--Official appointed by the Director 
of FEMA, or his representative, to initially direct the FEMA 
response at the scene of a radiological emergency. Also, acts as the 
Team Leader for the Advance Element of the Emergency Response Team 
(ERT-A).
    State Coordinating Officer (SCO)--An official designated by the 
Governor of the affected State to work with the LFA's Onscene 
Commander and Senior FEMA Official or Federal Coordinating Officer 
in coordinating the response efforts of Federal, State, local, 
volunteer, and private agencies.
    Subcommittee on Federal Response--A subcommittee of the Federal 
Radiological Preparedness Coordinating Committee

[[Page 20964]]

formed to develop and test the Federal Radiological Emergency 
Response Plan. Most agencies that will participate in the Federal 
radiological emergency response are represented on this 
subcommittee.
    Transportation Emergency--For the purposes of this plan, any 
emergency that involves a transportation vehicle or shipment 
containing radioactive materials outside the boundaries of a 
facility.
    Transportation of Radioactive Materials--The loading, unloading, 
movement, or temporary storage en route of radioactive materials.

Appendix C--Federal Agency Response Missions, Capabilities and 
Resources, References, and Authorities

    Each Federal agency develops and maintains a plan that describes 
a detailed concept of operations for implementing this Plan. This 
section contains summary information about the following Federal 
agencies:

Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Department of Commerce (DOC)
Department of Defense (DOD)
Department of Energy (DOE)
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Department of the Interior (DOI)
Department of Justice (DOJ)
Department of State (DOS)
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
General Services Administration (GSA)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
National Communications System (NCS)
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

    Summary information for each agency contains: (1) a response 
mission statement, (2) a description of the agency's response 
capabilities and resources, (3) agency response plan and procedures 
references, and (4) sources of agency authority.

A. Department of Agriculture

    1. Summary of Response Mission. The United States Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) provides assistance to State and local 
governments in developing agricultural protective action 
recommendations and in providing agricultural damage assessments. 
USDA will actively participate with EPA and HHS on the Advisory Team 
for Environment, Food, and Health when convened. USDA regulatory 
responsibilities for the inspection of meat, meat products, poultry, 
poultry products, and egg products are essential uninterruptible 
functions that would continue during an emergency.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. USDA can provide assistance to 
State and local governments through emergency response personnel 
located at its Washington, DC, headquarters and from USDA State and 
County Emergency Board representatives located throughout the 
country. USDA Emergency Board representatives have knowledge of 
local agriculture and can provide specific advice to the local 
agricultural community. In addition, USDA State and County Emergency 
Boards can assist in the collection of agricultural samples during a 
radiological emergency. USDA actively participates with EPA and HHS 
on the Advisory Team when convened.
    The functions and capabilities of the USDA to provide assistance 
in the event of a radiological emergency include the following:
    a. Provide assistance through regular USDA programs, if legally 
adaptable to radiological emergencies;
    b. Provide emergency food coupon assistance in officially 
designated disaster areas, if a need is determined by officials and 
if the commercial food system is sufficient to accommodate the use 
of food coupons;
    c. Assist in reallocation of USDA-donated food supplies from 
warehouses, local schools, and other outlets to emergency care 
centers. These are foods donated to various outlets through USDA 
food programs;
    d. Provide lists that identify locations of alternate sources of 
food and livestock feed and arrange for transportation of the food 
and feed if requested;
    e. Provide advice to State and local officials regarding the 
disposition of livestock and poultry contaminated by radiation;
    f. Inspect meat and meat products, poultry and poultry products, 
and egg products identified for interstate and foreign commerce to 
assure that they are safe for human consumption;
    g. Assist State and local officials, in coordination with HHS 
and EPA, in the recommendation and implementation of protective 
actions to limit or prevent the ingestion of contaminated food;
    h. Assist, in conjunction with HHS, in monitoring the 
production, processing, storage, and distribution of food through 
the wholesale level to eliminate contaminated product or to reduce 
the contamination in the product to a safe level;
    i. Assess damage to crops, soil, livestock, poultry, and 
processing facilities; and incorporate findings into a damage 
assessment report;
    j. Provide advice to State and local officials on minimizing 
losses to agricultural resources from radiation effects;
    k. Provide information and assistance to farmers, food 
processors, and distributors to aid them in returning to normal 
after a radiological emergency;
    l. Provide a liaison to State agricultural agencies if 
requested;
    m. Assist DOE at the FRMAC in collecting agricultural samples 
within the Ingestion Exposure Pathway Emergency Planning Zone. 
Assist in the evaluation and assessment of data to determine the 
impact of the emergency on agriculture;
    n. Assist in providing temporary housing for evacuees who have 
been displaced from their homes due to a radiological emergency; and
    o. Provide emergency communications assistance to the 
agricultural community through the Cooperative Extension System, an 
electronic mail system.
    3. USDA References. USDA Radiological Emergency Response Plan, 
January 1988.
    4. USDA Specific Authorities.
    a. Title 7, U.S.C. Sec. 241-273.
    b. Title 7, U.S.C. Sec. 341-349.
    c. Title 7, U.S.C. Sec. 612 C.
    d. Title 7, U.S.C. Sec. 612 C Note.
    e. Title 7, U.S.C. Sec. 1431.
    f. Title 7, U.S.C. Sec. 1622.
    g. Title 7, U.S.C. Sec. 2014(h).
    h. Title 7, U.S.C. Sec. 2204.
    i. Title 16, U.S.C. Sec. 590 a-f.
    j. Title 21, U.S.C. Sec. 451 et seq.
    k. Title 21, U.S.C. Sec. 601 et seq.
    l. Title 21, U.S.C. Sec. 1031-1056.
    m. Title 42, U.S.C. Sec. 1480.
    n. Title 42, U.S.C. Secs. 3271-3274.
    o. Title 50, U.S.C. Appendix Sec. 2251 et seq.
    p. Title 7, CFR 2.51 (a)(30).
    q. E.O. 12656, November 18, 1988.
    r. DR 1800-1, March 5, 1993.

B. Department of Commerce

    1. Summary of Response Mission. The National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the primary agency within the 
Department of Commerce (DOC) responsible for providing assistance to 
the Federal, State, and local organizations responding to a 
radiological emergency. Other assistance may be provided by the 
National Institute of Standards and Technology. DOC's 
responsibilities include:
    a. Acquiring and disseminating weather data and providing 
weather forecasts in direct support of the emergency response 
operation;
    b. Preparing and disseminating predictions of plume 
trajectories, dispersion, and deposition of radiological material 
released into the atmosphere;
    c. Providing local meteorological support as needed to assure 
the quality of these predictions;
    d. Organizing and maintaining a special data archive for 
meteorological information related to the emergency and its 
assessment;
    e. Ensuring that marine fishery products available to the public 
are not contaminated;
    f. Providing assistance and reference material for calibrating 
radiological instruments; and
    g. Providing radiation shielding materials.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. NOAA is the principal DOC 
participant in the response to a radiation accident. NOAA prepares 
both routine and special weather forecasts, and makes use of these 
forecasts to predict atmospheric transport and dispersion. NOAA's 
forecasts may be the basis for all public announcements on the 
movement of contamination from accidents occurring outside U.S. 
territory or during domestic accidents when any released radioactive 
material is expected to be carried offsite. NOAA has capabilities to 
do the following:
    a. Provide current and forecast meteorological information as 
needed to guide aerial monitoring and sampling, and to predict the 
transport and dispersion of radioactive materials (gases, liquids, 
and particles).
    b. Routinely forecast the atmospheric transport, dispersion, and 
deposition of the radioactive materials, and disseminate the results 
of these computations via automatic facsimile to all relevant 
parties, twice per day.

[[Page 20965]]

    c. Produce (and archive) special high-resolution meteorological 
data sets for providing an improved capability to predict 
atmospheric transport and dispersion of radioactive materials in the 
atmosphere.
    d. Augment routine and special upper atmosphere and surface 
meteorological observation systems, as required to improve the 
quality of these predictions.
    e. Evaluate NOAA's transport and dispersion forecast products in 
conjunction with those of other nations' weather services responding 
to the emergency, to provide a more internationally consistent 
product.
    Additionally, DOC may provide support to HHS at its request, 
through the National Marine Fisheries Service, in order to avoid 
human consumption of contaminated commercial fishery products 
(marine area only). The National Institute of Standards and 
Technology can assist in calibrating radiological instruments by 
comparison with national standards or by providing standard 
reference materials for calibration, as well as making extensive 
data on the physical properties of materials available. The National 
Institute of Standards and Technology can also supply temporary 
radiation shielding materials.
    3. DOC References. National Plan for Radiological Emergencies at 
Commercial Nuclear Power Plants. Federal Coordinator for 
Meteorological Services and Supporting Research, National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration, November 1982.
    4. DOC Specific Authorities. Department of Commerce Organization 
Order 25-5B, as amended, June 18, 1987.

C. Department of Defense

    1. Summary of Response Mission. The Department of Defense (DOD) 
is charged with the safe handling, storage, maintenance, assembly, 
and transportation of nuclear weapons and other radioactive 
materials in DOD custody, and with the safe operation of DOD nuclear 
facilities. Inherent in this responsibility is the requirement to 
protect life and property from any health or safety hazards that 
could ensue from an accident or significant incident associated with 
these materials or activities.
    The DOD role in a Federal response will depend on the 
circumstances of the emergency. DOD will be the LFA if the emergency 
involves one of its facilities or a nuclear weapon in its custody. 
Within DOD, the military service or agency responsible for the 
facility, ship, or area is responsible for the onsite response. The 
military service or agency having custody of the material outside an 
installation boundary is responsible for the onsite response. For 
emergencies occurring under circumstances for which DOD is not 
responsible, DOD will not be the LFA, but will support and assist in 
the Federal response.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. Offsite authority and 
responsibility at a nuclear accident rest with State and local 
officials. It is important to recognize that for nuclear weapons or 
weapon component accidents, land may be temporarily placed under 
effective Federal control by the establishment of a National Defense 
Area or National Security Area to protect U.S. Government classified 
materials. These lands will revert to State control upon 
disestablishment of the National Defense Area or National Security 
Area.
    DOD has a trained and equipped nuclear response organization to 
deal with accidents at its facilities or involving materials in its 
custody. Radiological resources include trained response personnel, 
specialized radiation instruments, and mobile instrument calibration 
and repair capabilities. DOD also may perform special sampling of 
airborne contamination on request. Descriptions of the capabilities 
and assets of DOD response teams can be found in DOD 5100.52M.
    DOD may provide assistance in the form of personnel, logistics 
and telecommunications, assistance and expertise in site 
restoration, including airlift services, when available, upon the 
request of the LFA or FEMA. Requests for assistance must be directed 
to the National Military Command Center or through channels 
established by prior agreements.
    3. DOD References.
    a. DOD Directive 5100.52, DOD Response to an Accident or 
Significant Incident Involving Radiological Materials.
    b. DOD Directive 5230.16, Nuclear Accident and Incident Public 
Affairs Guidance.
    c. DOD Directive 3025.1, Military Support to Civil Authorities.
    d. DOD Directive 3025.12, Military Assistance for Civil 
Disturbances.
    e. DOD Directive 3150.5, DOD Response to Improvised Nuclear 
Device (IND) Incident.
    f. DOD 5100.52M, Nuclear Weapon Accident Response Procedures 
(NARP) Manual.
    g. Joint Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Energy, 
and Department of Defense Agreement for Response to Improvised 
Nuclear Device Incidents.
    4. DOD Specific Authorities.
    a. The Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2011-
2284.
    b. Public Law 97-351, ``Convention on the Physical Protection of 
Nuclear Material Implementation Act of 1982.''
    c. Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Federal 
Emergency Management Agency Memorandum of Agreement on Response to 
Nuclear Weapon Accidents and Nuclear Weapon Significant Incidents, 
1983.

D. Department of Energy

    1. Summary of Response Mission. The Department of Energy (DOE) 
owns and operates a variety of radiological activities throughout 
the United States. These activities include: fixed nuclear sites; 
the use, storage, and shipment of a variety of radioactive 
materials; the shipment of spent reactor fuel; the production, 
assembly, and shipment of nuclear weapons and special nuclear 
materials; the production and shipment of radioactive sources for 
space ventures; and the storage and shipment of radioactive and 
mixed waste. DOE is responsible for the safe operation of these 
activities and should an emergency occur at one of its sites or an 
activity under its control, DOE will be the LFA for the Federal 
response.
    Due to its technical capabilities and resources, the DOE may 
perform other roles within the Federal response to a radiological 
emergency. With extensive, field-based radiological resources 
throughout the United States available for emergency deployment, the 
DOE responds to requests for offsite radiological monitoring and 
assessment assistance and serves as the initial coordinator of all 
such Federal assistance (to include initial management of the FRMAC) 
to State and local governments. With other specialized, deployable 
assets, DOE assists other Federal agencies responding to malevolent 
nuclear emergencies, accidents involving nuclear weapons not under 
DOE custody, emergencies caused by satellites containing radioactive 
sources, and other radiological incidents as appropriate.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. DOE has trained personnel, 
radiological instruments, mobile laboratories, and radioanalytical 
facilities located at its national laboratories, production, and 
other facilities throughout the country. Through eight Regional 
Coordinating Offices, these resources form the basis for the 
Radiological Assistance Program, which can provide technical 
assistance in any radiological emergency. DOE can provide 
specialized radiation detection instruments and support for both its 
response as LFA and as initial coordinator of Federal radiological 
monitoring and assessment assistance. Some of the specialized 
resources and capabilities include:
    a. Aerial monitoring capability for tracking dispersion of 
radioactive material and mapping ground contamination;
    b. A computer-based, emergency preparedness and response 
predictive capability that provides rapid predictions of the 
transport, diffusion, and deposition of radionuclides released to 
the atmosphere and dose projections to people and the environment;
    c. Specialized equipment and instruments and response teams for 
locating radioactive materials and handling damaged nuclear weapons;
    d. Medical experts on radiation effects and the treatment of 
exposed or contaminated patients; and
    e. Support facilities for DOE response, including command post 
supplies, communications systems, generators, and portable video and 
photographic capabilities.
    3. DOE References.
    a. DOE Order 5500.1B, Emergency Management System, April 1991.
    b. DOE Order 5500.2B, Emergency Categories, Classes, and 
Notification and Reporting Requirements, April 1991.
    c. DOE Order 5500.3A, Planning and Preparedness for Operational 
Emergencies, April 1991.
    d. DOE Order 5500.4A, Public Affairs Policy and Planning 
Requirements for Emergencies, June 1992.
    e. DOE Order 5530.1A, Accident Response Group, September 1991.
    f. DOE Order 5530.2, Nuclear Emergency Search Team, September 
1991.
    g. DOE Order 5530.3, Radiological Assistance Program, January 
1992.
    h. DOE Order 5530.4, Aerial Measuring System, September 1991.

[[Page 20966]]

    i. DOE Order 5530.5, Federal Radiological Monitoring and 
Assessment Center, July 1992.
    4. DOE Specific Authorities.
    a. Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2011-2284.
    b. Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.
    c. Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977, 42 U.S.C. 7101 
et seq.
    d. Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, 42 U.S.C. 10101 et seq.
    e. Title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 351, Radiological 
Emergency Planning and Preparedness, Sec. 351.24, The Department of 
Energy.

E. Department of Health and Human Services

    1. Summary of Response Mission. In a radiological emergency, the 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) assists with the 
assessment, preservation, and protection of human health and helps 
ensure the availability of essential health/medical and human 
services. Overall, the Office of Public Health and Science, Office 
of Emergency Preparedness, coordinates the HHS emergency response. 
HHS provides technical and nontechnical assistance in the form of 
advice, guidance, and resources to Federal, State, and local 
governments. The principal HHS response comes from the U.S. Public 
Health Service. HHS actively participates with EPA and USDA on the 
Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health when convened.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. HHS has personnel located at 
headquarters, regional offices, and at laboratories and other 
facilities who can provide assistance in radiological emergencies. 
The agency can provide the following kinds of advice, guidance, and 
assistance:
    a. Assist State and local government officials in making 
evacuation and relocation decisions;
    b. Ensure the availability of health and medical care and other 
human services (especially for the aged, the poor, the infirm, the 
blind, and others most in need);
    c. Provide advice and guidance in assessing the impact of the 
effects of radiological incidents on the health of persons in the 
affected area;
    d. Assist in providing crisis counseling to victims in affected 
geographic areas;
    e. Provide guidance on the use of radioprotective substances 
(e.g., thyroid blocking agents), including dosage, and also 
projected radiation doses that warrant the use of such drugs;
    f. In conjunction with DOE and DOD, advise medical personnel on 
proper medical treatment of people exposed to or contaminated by 
radioactive materials;
    g. Recommend Protective Action Guides for food and animal feed 
and assist in developing technical recommendations on protective 
measures for food and animal feed; and
    h. Provide guidance to State and local health officials on 
disease control measures and epidemiological surveillance and study 
of exposed populations.
    3. HHS References.
    a. 55 FR 2879, January 29, 1990--Delegations of authority to the 
Assistant Secretary for Health for department-wide emergency 
preparedness functions.
    b. 55 FR 2885, January 29, 1990--Statement of organization, 
functions and delegations of authority to the Office of Emergency 
Preparedness.
    c. Federal Response Plan, Emergency Support Functions #8 (Health 
and Medical Services), April 1992.
    d. Disaster Response Guides, Operating Divisions, Various Dates.
    4. HHS Specific Authorities.
    a. Public Health Service Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.
    b. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938, as amended, 21 
U.S.C. 301-392.
    c. Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 13 (1921).
    d. Transfer Act, 42 U.S.C. 2004b.
    e. Indian Health Care Improvement Act, 25 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.
    f. The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act, as amended, Title VI, 42 U.S.C. 5195 et seq.
    g. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
Liability Act of 1980 (SUPERFUND), 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq., as 
amended by the SUPERFUND Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 
(Public Law 99-499) (1986).
    h. 42 U.S.C. 3030--Section 310 of the Older Americans Act.
    i. 42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.--Section 401 et seq. of the Social 
Security Act.
    j. 45 CFR 233.120--Emergency Community Services Homeless Grant 
Program.
    k. 45 CFR 233.120--AFDC Emergency Assistance Program.
    l. 45 CFR 233.20(a)(2)(v)--AFDC Special Needs Allowance.
    m. Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, as amended, Section 366(0).
    n. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, Title XXVI (as 
amended by Public Laws 98-558, 99-425, 101-501, 101-517)--Low Income 
Home Energy Assistance Program.
    o. E.O. 12656, National Security Emergency Preparedness--Part 8.

F. Department of Housing and Urban Development

    1. Summary of Response Mission. The Department of Housing and 
Urban Development (HUD) provides information on available housing 
for disaster victims or displaced persons. HUD assists in planning 
for and placing homeless victims by providing emergency housing and 
technical support staff within available resources.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. HUD has capabilities to do the 
following:
    a. Review and report on available housing for disaster victims 
and displaced persons;
    b. Assist in planning for and placing homeless victims in 
available housing;
    c. Provide staff to support emergency housing within available 
resources; and
    d. Provide technical housing assistance and advisory personnel.
    3. HUD References. HUD Handbook 3200.02, REV-3, ``Disaster 
Response and Assistance.''
    4. HUD Specific Authorities. HUD housing programs provide the 
Department some discretion, to the extent permissible by law, in 
granting waivers of eligibility requirements to disaster-displaced 
families. These programs provide rental housing assistance, HUD/FHA-
insured loans to repair and rebuild homes, and HUD/FHA-insured loans 
to purchase new or existing housing, under the following 
authorities:
    a. National Housing Act, as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.
    b. United States Housing Act of 1977, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 
1437c et seq.
    c. Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, 42 
U.S.C. 5301 et seq.
    d. National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-625), as 
amended.

G. Department of the Interior

    1. Summary of Response Mission. The Department of the Interior 
(DOI) manages over 500 million acres of Federal lands and thousands 
of Federal natural resources facilities and is responsible for these 
lands and facilities, as well as other natural resources such as 
endangered and threatened species, migratory birds, anadromous fish, 
and marine mammals, when they are threatened by a radiological 
emergency. In addition, DOI coordinates emergency response plans for 
DOI-managed refuges, parks, recreation areas, monuments, public 
lands, and Indian trust lands with State and local authorities; 
operates its water resources projects to protect municipal and 
agricultural water supplies in cases of radiological emergencies; 
and provides advice and assistance concerning hydrologic and natural 
resources, including fish and wildlife, to Federal, State, and local 
governments upon request. DOI also administers the Federal 
Government's trust responsibility for 512 Federally recognized 
Indian tribes and villages, and about 50 million acres of Indian 
lands. The Bureau of Indian Affairs of the Department of the 
Interior is available to assist other agencies in consulting with 
these tribes about radiological emergency preparedness and responses 
to emergencies. DOI also has certain responsibilities for the United 
States insular areas.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. DOI has personnel at headquarters 
and in regional offices with technical expertise to do the 
following:
    a. Advise and assist in assessing the nature and extent of 
radioactive releases to water resources including support of 
monitoring personnel, equipment, and laboratory analytical 
capabilities.
    b. Advise and assist in evaluating processes affecting 
radioisotopes in soils, including personnel, equipment, and 
laboratory support.
    c. Advise and assist in the development of geographical 
information systems (GIS) databases to be used in the analysis and 
assessment of contaminated areas including personnel, equipment, and 
databases.
    d. Provide hydrologic advice and assistance, including 
monitoring personnel, equipment, and laboratory support.
    e. Advise and assist in assessing and minimizing offsite 
consequences on natural resources, including fish and wildlife, 
subsistence uses, land reclamation, mining, and mineral expertise.

[[Page 20967]]

    f. Advise and assist the United States insular areas on 
economic, social, and political matters.
    g. Coordinate and provide liaison between Federal, State, and 
local agencies and Federally recognized Indian tribal governments on 
questions of radiological emergency preparedness and responses to 
incidents.
    3. DOI References.
    a. 910 DM 5 (Draft)--Interior Emergency Operations, Federal 
Radiological Emergency Response Plan.
    b. 296 DM 3 (Draft)--Interior Emergency Delegations, 
Radiological Emergencies.
    4. DOI Specific Authorities.
    a. Organic Act of 1879 providing for ``surveys, investigations, 
and research covering the topography, geology, hydrology, and the 
mineral and water resources of the United States,'' 43 U.S.C. 31 
(USGS).
    b. Appropriations Act of 1894 providing for gaging streams and 
assessment of water supplies of the U.S., 28 Stat. 398 (USGS).
    c. OMB Circular A-67 (1964) giving DOI (USGS) responsibility ``* 
* * for the design and operation of the national network for 
acquiring data on the quantity and quality of surface ground waters 
* * *'' (USGS).
    d. The Reclamation Act of 1902, as amended, 43 U.S.C. 391, and 
project authorization acts (BuRec).
    e. National Park Service Act of 1916, 16 U.S.C. 1 et seq., and 
park enabling acts (NPS).
    f. The Snyder Act of 1921, as amended, 25 U.S.C. 13. DOI shall 
direct, supervise, and expend such monies appropriated by Congress 
for the benefit, care, and assistance of Indians throughout the 
United States for such purposes as the relief of distress, and 
conservation of health, for improvement of operation and maintenance 
of existing Indian irrigation and water supply systems * * * etc. 
(BIA).
    g. National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, 
as amended, 16 U.S.C. 668dd, and refuge enabling acts (FWS).
    h. Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, 43 U.S.C. 
1701 et seq. (BLM).
    i. Endangered Species Act (1973), as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq. Federal agencies may not jeopardize the continued existence of 
endangered or threatened species (FWS).
    j. Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1918), as amended, 16 U.S.C. 703 
et seq. Prohibits the taking of migratory birds without permits 
(FWS).
    k. Anadromous Fish Conservation Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 757a 
et seq. Reestablishes anadromous fish habitat (FWS).
    l. Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972), as amended, 16 U.S.C. 
1361 et seq. Conserves marine mammals with management of certain 
species vested in DOI (FWS).

H. Department of Justice

    1. Summary of Response Mission. The Department of Justice (DOJ) 
is the lead agency for coordinating the Federal response to acts of 
terrorism in the United States and U.S. territories. Within the DOJ, 
the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will manage the law 
enforcement aspect of the Federal response to such incidents. The 
FBI also is responsible for investigating all alleged or suspected 
criminal violations of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. The FBI will coordinate all law 
enforcement operations including intelligence gathering, hostage 
negotiations, and tactical operations.
    3. DOJ References.
    a. Memorandum of Understanding between DOJ, DOD, and DOE for 
Responding to Domestic Malevolent Nuclear Weapons Emergencies.
    b. Federal Bureau of Investigation Nuclear Incident Response 
Plan.
    c. Memorandum of Understanding between DOE and the FBI for 
Responding to Nuclear Threat Incidents.
    d. Memorandum of Understanding between the FBI and the NRC 
Regarding Nuclear Threat Incidents Involving NRC-Licensed 
Facilities, Materials, or Activities.
    e. Memorandum of Understanding between DOE, FBI, White House 
Military Office, and the U.S. Secret Service Regarding Nuclear 
Incidents Concerning the Office of the President and Vice President 
of the United States.
    f. Joint Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Energy, 
and Department of Defense Agreement for Response to Improvised 
Nuclear Device Incidents.
    4. DOJ Specific Authorities.
    a. Atomic Energy Act of 1954, 42 U.S.C. 2011-2284.
    b. 18 U.S.C. Sec. 831 (Prohibited Transactions Involving Nuclear 
Materials).

I. Department of State

    1. Summary of Response Mission. The Department of State (DOS) is 
responsible for the conduct of relations between the U.S. Government 
and other governments and international organizations and for the 
protection of U.S. interests and citizens abroad.
    In a radiological emergency outside the United States, DOS is 
responsible for coordinating U.S. Government actions concerning the 
event in the country where it occurs (including evacuation of U.S. 
citizens, if necessary) and internationally. Should the FRERP be 
invoked due to the need for domestic action, DOS will continue to 
hold this role within the FRPCC structure. Specifically, DOS will 
coordinate foreign information-gathering activities and, in 
particular, conduct all contacts with foreign governments except in 
cases where existing bilateral agreements permit direct agency-to-
agency cooperation. In the latter situation, the U.S. agency will 
keep DOS fully informed of all communications.
    In a domestic radiological emergency with potential 
international trans-boundary consequences, DOS will coordinate all 
contacts with foreign governments and agencies except where existing 
bilateral agreements provide for direct exchange of information. DOS 
is responsible for conveying the U.S. Government response to foreign 
offers of assistance.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. The State Department maintains 
embassies, missions, interest sections (in countries where the 
United States does not have diplomatic relations), and consulates 
throughout the world. The State Department Operations Center is 
capable of secure, immediate, around-the-clock communications with 
diplomatic posts. The diplomatic personnel stationed at a post are 
knowledgeable of local factors important to clear and concise 
communication, and frequently speak the local language. The 
Ambassador is the President's personal representative to the host 
government, and his country team is responsible for coordinating 
official contacts between the U.S. Government and the host 
government or international organization.
    3. DOS References. Task Force Manual for Crisis Management (rev. 
11 January 1990).
    4. DOS Specific Authorities.
    a. Presidential Directive/NSC-27 (PD-27) of January 19, 1978.
    b. 22 U.S.C. 2656.
    c. 22 U.S.C. 2671(a)(92)(A).

J. Department of Transportation

    1. Summary of Response Mission. The Department of Transportation 
(DOT) Radiological Emergency Response Plan for Non-Defense 
Emergencies provides assistance to State and local governments when 
a radiological emergency adversely affects one or more 
transportation modes and the States or local jurisdictions 
requesting assistance have inadequate technical and logistical 
resources to meet the demands created by a radiological emergency.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. DOT can assist Federal, State, 
and local governments with emergency transportation needs and 
contribute to the response by assisting with the control and 
protection of transportation near the area of the emergency. DOT has 
capabilities to do the following:
    a. Support State and local governments by identifying sources of 
civil transportation on request and when consistent with statutory 
responsibilities.
    b. Coordinate the Federal civil transportation response in 
support of emergency transportation plans and actions with State and 
local governments. (This may include provision of Federally 
controlled transportation assets and the controlling of 
transportation routes to protect commercial transportation and to 
facilitate the movement of response resources to the scene.)
    c. Provide Regional Emergency Transportation Coordinators and 
staff to assist State and local authorities in planning and 
response.
    d. Provide technical advice and assistance on the transportation 
of radiological materials and the impact of the incident on the 
transportation system.
    e. Provide exemptions from normal transportation hazardous 
materials regulations if public interest is best served by allowing 
shipments to be made in variance with the regulations. Most 
exemptions are issued following public notice procedures, but if 
emergency conditions exist, DOT can issue emergency exemptions by 
telephone.
    f. Control airspace, including the imposition of Temporary 
Flight Restrictions and issuance of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS), both 
to give priority to emergency flights and protect aircraft from 
contaminated airspace.
    DOT is responsible for dealing with the International Atomic 
Energy Agency and

[[Page 20968]]

foreign Competent Authorities on issues related to packaging and 
other standards for the international transport of radioactive 
materials. If a transport accident involves international shipments 
of radioactive materials, DOT will be the point of contact for 
working with the transportation authorities of the foreign country 
that offered the material for transport in the United States.
    3. DOT References.
    a. Department of Transportation Radiological Emergency Response 
Plan for Non-Defense Emergencies, August 1985.
    b. DOT Order 1900.8, Department of Transportation Civil 
Emergency Preparedness Policies and Program(s).
    c. DOT Order 1900.7D, Crisis Action Plan.
    d. Transportation Annex (Emergency Support Function #1), Federal 
Response Plan.
    4. DOT Specific Authorities.
    a. 49 U.S.C. 301.
    b. 44 CFR 351, Radiological Emergency Planning and Preparedness, 
Sec. 351.25, The Department of Transportation.

K. Department of Veterans Affairs

    1. Summary of Response Mission. The Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) can assist other Federal agencies, State and local 
governments, and individuals in an emergency by providing immediate 
and long-term medical care, including management of radiation 
trauma, as well as first aid, at its facilities or elsewhere. VA can 
make available repossessed VA mortgaged homes to be used for housing 
for affected individuals. VA can manage a system of disposing of the 
deceased. VA can provide medical, biological, radiological, and 
other technical guidance for response and recovery reactions. 
Generally, none of these actions will be taken unilaterally but at 
the request of a responsible senior Federal official and with 
appropriate external funding.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. In addition to the capabilities 
listed above, VA:
    a. Operates almost 200 full-facility hospitals and outpatient 
clinics throughout the United States;
    b. Has almost 200,000 employees with broad medical, scientific, 
engineering and design, fiscal, and logistical capabilities;
    c. Manages the National Cemetery System in 38 States;
    d. May have a large inventory of repossessed homes (this 
inventory varies according to economic trends);
    e. Is one of the Federal managers of the National Disaster 
Medical System;
    f. Is a participant in the VA/DOD contingency plan for Medical 
Backup in times of national emergency;
    g. Has the capability to manage the medical effects of radiation 
trauma using the VA's Medical Emergency Radiological Response Teams 
(MERRTs); and
    h. Has a fully equipped emergency center with multi-media 
communications at the Emergency Medical Preparedness Office (EMPO).
    3. VA References. MP-1, Part II, Chapter 13 (Emergency 
Preparedness Plan), March 20, 1985, as revised.
    4. VA Specific Authorities. a. The Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended, Title VI, 42 U.S.C. 
5195 et seq.
    b. National Security Decision Directive Number 47 (NSDD-47), 
July 22, 1982, Emergency Mobilization Preparedness.
    c. National Security Decision Directive Number 97 (NSDD-97), 
June 13, 1982, National Security Telecommunications Policy.
    d. National Plan of Action for Emergency Mobilization 
Preparedness.
    e. Veterans Administration and Department of Defense Health 
Resources Sharing and Emergency Operations Act, 38 U.S.C. 5001 et 
seq.
    f. E.O. 11490, Assignment of Preparedness Functions to Federal 
Departments and Agencies, October 28, 1969, as amended, 3 CFR, 1966-
1970 Comp., p. 820.
    g. E.O. 12656, Assignment of Emergency Preparedness 
Responsibilities, November 18, 1988, 3 CFR, 1988 Comp., p. 585.
    h. E.O. 12657, Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance, 
Emergency Preparedness Planning at Commercial Nuclear Power Plants, 
November 23, 1988, 3 CFR, 1988 Comp., p. 611.

L. Environmental Protection Agency

    1. Summary of Response Mission. The Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) assists Federal, State, and local governments during 
radiological emergencies by providing environmental and water supply 
monitoring, recommending protective actions, and assessing the 
consequences of radioactivity releases to the environment. These 
services may be provided at the request of the Federal or State 
Government, or EPA may respond to an emergency unilaterally in order 
to fulfill its statutory responsibility. EPA actively participates 
with USDA and HHS on the Advisory Team when convened.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. EPA can provide personnel, 
resources, and equipment (including mobile monitoring laboratories) 
from its facilities in Montgomery, AL, and Las Vegas, NV, and 
technical support from Headquarters and regional offices. EPA has 
capability to do the following:
    a. Direct environmental monitoring activities and assess the 
environmental consequences of radioactivity releases.
    b. Develop Protective Action Guides.
    c. Recommend protective actions and other radiation protection 
measures.
    d. Recommend acceptable emergency levels of radioactivity and 
radiation in the environment.
    e. Prepare health and safety advice and information for the 
public.
    f. Assist in the preparation of long-term monitoring and area 
restoration plans; and recommend clean-up criteria.
    g. Estimate effects of radioactive releases on human health and 
environment.
    h. Provide nationwide environmental monitoring data from the 
Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring Systems for assessing the 
national impact of the emergency.
    3. EPA References.
    a. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Radiological Emergency 
Response Plan, Office of Radiation Programs, December 1986.
    b. Letter of Agreement between DOE and EPA for Notification of 
Accidental Radioactivity Releases into the Environment from DOE 
Facilities, January 8, 1978.
    c. Letter of Agreement between NRC and EPA for Notification of 
Accidental Radioactivity Releases to the Environment from NRC 
Licensed Facilities, July 28, 1982.
    d. Manual of Protective Action Guides and Protective Actions for 
Nuclear Incidents, Office of Radiation Programs, January 1990.
    e. Memorandum of Understanding Between the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency Concerning 
the Use of High Frequency Radio for Radiological Emergency Response 
1981, Office of Radiation Programs, EPA.
    4. EPA Specific Authorities.
    a. Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. 
(1970), and Reorganization Plan #3 of 1970.
    b. Public Health Service Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 241 et seq. 
(1970).
    c. Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 300f et seq. 
(1974).
    d. Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. (1977).
    e. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
Liability Act of 1980 (SUPERFUND), 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq., as 
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 
(Public Law 99-499) (1986).
    f. E.O. 12656, Assignment of Emergency Preparedness 
Responsibilities, November 18, 1988, 3 CFR, 1988 Comp., p. 585.

M. Federal Emergency Management Agency

    1. Summary of Response Mission. The Federal Emergency Management 
Agency (FEMA) is responsible for coordinating offsite Federal 
response activities and Federal assistance to State and local 
governments for functions other than radiological monitoring and 
assessment. FEMA's coordination role is to promote an effective and 
efficient response by Federal agencies at both the national level 
and at the scene of the emergency. FEMA coordinates the activities 
of Federal, State, and local agencies at the national level through 
the use of its Emergency Support Team and at the scene of the 
emergency with its Emergency Response Team.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. FEMA will provide personnel who 
are experienced in disaster assistance to establish and operate the 
DFO; public information officials to coordinate public information 
activities; personnel to coordinate reporting to the White House and 
liaison with the Congress; and personnel experienced in information 
support for the Federal response. FEMA personnel are familiar with 
the capabilities of other Federal agencies and can aid the States 
and other Federal agencies in obtaining the assistance they need. 
FEMA will:
    a. Coordinate assistance to State and local governments among 
the Federal agencies;
    b. Coordinate Federal agency response activities, except those 
pertaining to the FRMAC, and coordinate these with the activities of 
the LFA;
    c. Work with the LFA to coordinate the dissemination of public 
information concerning Federal emergency response

[[Page 20969]]

activities. Promote the coordination of public information releases 
with State and local governments, appropriate Federal agencies, and 
appropriate private sector authorities; and
    d. Help obtain logistical support for Federal agencies.
    3. FEMA References.
    a. Federal Response Plan, April, 1992, and subsequent changes.
    b. Emergency Response Team Plans for FEMA Regions I, II, III, 
IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, and X, various dates.
    c. NRC/FEMA Operational Response Procedures for Response to a 
Commercial Nuclear Reactor Accident (NUREG-0981/FEMA-51), Rev. 1, 
February 1985.
    d. Memorandum of Understanding for Incident Response between the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission, October 22, 1980.
    e. Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Federal 
Emergency Management Agency Memorandum of Agreement for Response to 
Nuclear Weapon Accidents and Nuclear Weapon Significant Incidents, 
1983.
    f. Memorandum of Understanding, GSA and FEMA, February 1989.
    4. FEMA Specific Authorities.
    a. The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act, P.L. 93-288, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.
    b. E.O. 12148 of July 20, 1979, Federal Emergency Management, 3 
CFR, 1979 Comp., p. 412.
    c. E.O. 12241 of September 29, 1980, National Contingency Plan, 
3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 282.
    d. E.O. 12472 of April 3, 1984, Assignment of National Security 
and Emergency Preparedness Telecommunications Functions, 3 CFR, 1984 
Comp., p. 193.
    e. E.O. 12656 of November 18, 1988, Assignment of Emergency 
Preparedness Responsibilities, 3 CFR, 1988 Comp., p. 585.
    f. E.O. 12657 of November 18, 1988, Federal Emergency Management 
Agency Assistance in Emergency Preparedness Planning at Commercial 
Nuclear Power Plants, 3 CFR, 1988 Comp., p. 611.
    g. 44 CFR 351, Radiological Emergency Planning and Preparedness.
    h. 44 CFR 352, Commercial Nuclear Power Plants: Emergency 
Preparedness Planning.

N. General Services Administration

    1. Summary of Response Mission. The General Services 
Administration (GSA) is responsible to direct, coordinate, and 
provide logistical support of other Federal agencies. GSA, in 
accordance with the National Plan for Telecommunications Support 
During Non-Wartime Emergencies, manages the provision and operations 
of telecommunications and automated data processing services. A GSA 
employee, the Federal Emergency Communications Coordinator (FECC), 
in accordance with appropriate regulations and plans, is appointed 
to perform communications management functions.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. GSA provides acquisition and 
procurement of floor space, telecommunications and automated data 
processing services, transportation, supplies, equipment, material; 
it also provides specified logistical services that exceed the 
capabilities of other Federal agencies. GSA also provides contracted 
advisory and support services to Federal agencies and provides 
security services on Federal property leased by or under the control 
of GSA. GSA will identify a Regional Emergency Communications 
Planner (RECP) and FECC, when required, for each of the 10 standard 
Federal regions. GSA will authorize the RECP to provide technical 
support and to accept guidance from the FEMA Regional Director 
during the pre-deployment phase of a telecommunications emergency. 
The GSA Regional Emergency Coordinator will coordinate all the 
services provided. Upon request of the Senior FEMA Official (SFO) 
through the Regional Emergency Coordinator, GSA will dispatch the 
FECC to the disaster site to expedite the provision of the 
telecommunications services.
    3. Funding. GSA is not funded by Congressional appropriations. 
All requests for support are funded by the requestor in accordance 
with normal procedures or existing agreements.
    4. GSA References.
    a. Memorandum of Understanding between GSA and FEMA Pertaining 
to Disaster Assistance Programs, Superfund Relocation Program, and 
Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan Programs, February 2, 
1989.
    b. GSA Orders in the 2400 Series (Emergency Management).
    c. National Communications System Plan for Telecommunications 
Support to Non-Wartime Emergencies, January 1992.
    d. National Telecommunications System Telecommunication 
Procedures Manuals.
    5. GSA Specific Authorities.
    a. The Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1947, 
as amended, 40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.
    b. The Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C. 390 et seq.
    c. The Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, 50 App. 2061 
et seq.
    d. E.O. 12472 of April 3, 1984, Assignment of National Security 
and Emergency Preparedness Telecommunications Functions, 3 CFR, 1984 
Comp., p. 193.
    e. Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 CFR 1.
    f. The General Services Administration Acquisition Regulations, 
41 CFR 5.
    g. Federal Property Management Regulations, 41 CFR 101.
    h. Federal Travel Regulations, 41 CFR 301-304.

O. National Aeronautics and Space Administration

    1. Summary of Response Mission. The role of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in a Federal response 
will depend on the circumstances of the emergency. NASA will be the 
LFA and will coordinate the initial response and support of other 
agencies as agreed to in specific interagency agreements when the 
launch vehicle or payload carrying the nuclear source is a NASA 
responsibility.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. NASA has launch facilities and 
the ability to provide launch vehicle and space craft telemetry data 
through its tracking and data network. NASA also has the capability 
to provide limited radiological monitoring and emergency response 
from its field centers in Florida, Alabama, Maryland, Virginia, 
Ohio, Texas, and California.
    3. NASA References.
    a. KHB 1860.1B KSC Ionizing Radiation Protection Program.
    b. Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Energy 
and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration concerning 
Radioisotope Power Systems for Space Missions, dated July 26, 1991, 
as supplemented.
    4. NASA Specific Authorities.
    a. National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended, 42 
U.S.C. 2451 et seq.
    b. NASA Policy Directives (NPDs), as applicable.

P. National Communications System

    1. Summary of Response Mission. Under the National Plan for 
Telecommunications Support in Non-Wartime Emergencies, the Manager, 
National Communications System (NCS), is responsible for adequate 
telecommunications support to the Federal response and recovery 
operations. The Manager, NCS, will identify, upon the request of the 
Senior FEMA Official, a Communications Resource Manager from the 
NCS/National Coordinating Center (NCC) staff when any of the 
following conditions exist: (1) when local telecommunications 
vendors are unable to satisfy all telecommunications service 
requirements; (2) when conflicts between multiple Federal Emergency 
Communications Coordinators occur; or (3) if the allocation of 
available resources cannot be fully accomplished at the field level. 
The Manager, NCC, will monitor all extraordinary situations to 
determine that adequate national security emergency preparedness 
telecommunications services are being provided to support the 
Federal response and recovery operations.
    2. Capabilities and Resources. NCS can provide the expertise and 
authority to coordinate the communications for the Federal response 
and to assist appropriate State agencies in meeting their 
communications requirements.
    3. NCS References.
    a. National Plan for Telecommunications Support in Non-Wartime 
Emergencies, September 1987.
    b. Memorandum of Understanding, GSA and FEMA, February 1989.
    c. E.O. 12046 (relates to the transfer of telecommunications 
functions), the White House, March 27, 1978, 3 CFR, 1978 comp., p. 
158.
    4. NCS Specific Authorities.
    a. E.O. 12472, Assignment of National Security and Emergency 
Preparedness Telecommunications Functions, April 3, 1984, 3 CFR, 
1984 Comp., p. 193.
    b. E.O. 11490, October 30, 1969, 3 CFR, 1966-1970 Comp., p. 820.
    c. E.O. 12046, March 27, 1978, 3 CFR, 1978 Comp., p. 158.
    d. White House Memorandum, National Security and Emergency 
Preparedness: Telecommunications and Management and Coordination 
Responsibilities, July 5, 1978.

[[Page 20970]]

Q. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

    1. Summary of Response Mission. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission (NRC) regulates the use of byproduct, source, and special 
nuclear material, including activities at commercial and research 
nuclear facilities. If an incident involving NRC-regulated 
activities poses a threat to the public health or safety or 
environmental quality, the NRC will be the LFA. In such an incident, 
the NRC is responsible for monitoring the activities of the licensee 
to ensure that appropriate actions are being taken to mitigate the 
consequences of the incident and to ensure that appropriate 
protective action recommendations are being made to offsite 
authorities in a timely manner. In addition, the NRC will support 
its licensees and offsite authorities, including confirming the 
licensee's recommendations to offsite authorities.
    Consistent with NRC's agreement to participate in FRMAC, the NRC 
may also be called upon to assist in Federal radiological monitoring 
and assessment activities during incidents for which it is not the 
LFA.
    2. Capabilities and Resources.
    a. The NRC has trained personnel who can assess the nature and 
extent of the radiological emergency and its potential offsite 
effects on public health and safety and provide advice, when 
requested, to the State and local agencies with jurisdiction based 
on this assessment.
    b. The NRC can assess the facility operator's recommendations 
and, if needed, develop Federal recommendations on protective 
actions for State and local governments with jurisdiction that 
consider, as required, all substantive views of other Federal 
agencies.
    c. The NRC has a system of thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) 
established around every commercial nuclear power reactor in the 
country. The NRC can retrieve and exchange these TLDs promptly and 
obtain immediate readings onscene.
    3. NRC References.
    a. NRC Incident Response Plan Revision 2 (NUREG-0728), NRC 
Office for Analysis and Evaluation of Operational Data, June 1987.
    b. Regions I through V Supplements to NUREG-0845, 1990.
    c. NRC/FEMA Operational Response Procedures for Response to a 
Commercial Nuclear Reactor Accident, (NUREG-0981; FEMA-51), Rev. 1, 
February 1985.
    d. Operational Response Procedures Developed between NRC, EPA, 
HHS, DOE, and USDA, January 1991.
    e. Memorandum of Understanding for Incident Response between the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission, October 22, 1980.
    f. Memorandum of Understanding Between the FBI and the NRC 
Regarding Nuclear Threat Incidents Involving NRC-Licensed 
Facilities, Materials, and Activities, March 13, 1991.
    g. NUREG/BR-0150, ``Response Technical Manual,'' November 1993.
    h. NUREG-1442 (Rev. 1)/FEMA-REP-17 (Rev. 1), ``Emergency 
Response Resources Guide,'' July 1992.
    i. NUREG-1467, ``Federal Guide for a Radiological Response: 
Supporting the Nuclear Regulatory Commission During the Initial 
Hours of a Serious Accident,'' November 1993.
    j. NUREG-1471, ``U.S. NRC Concept of Operations,'' February 
1994.
    k. NUREG-1210, ``Pilot Program; NRC Severe Reactor Accident 
Incident Response Training Manual,'' February 1987.
    4. NRC Specific Authorities.
    a. Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2011-2284.
    b. Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 5841 et seq.
    c. 10 CFR Parts 0 to 199.

[FR Doc. 96-11313 Filed 5-7-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6718-02-P