Emergency response planning at the Savannah River Plant

Emergency response planning at the Savannah River Plant is a key factor in ensuring the safeguarding of personnel on the 200,000-acre plant site and in nearby communities. Planning has been continually upgraded since plant startup in the early 1950's. Detailed emergency response procedures for each plant area and major work group provide the foundation for proper response. Emergency response efforts are coordinated through an Emergency Operating Center (EOC). This facility contains life support equipment for isolation of personnel against hostile environments and extensive communications equipment. Preparations are being made to provide a computerized meteorological system in the EOC that provides real-time estimates of downwind hazards from credible accidents. Trained emergency response crews are available onplant 24 hours per day to staff the EOC and coordinate activities. Key management personnel also report to the EOC when it is activated. Unannounced exercises are conducted periodically to test response readiness