ML24052A264
| ML24052A264 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Indian Point  |
| Issue date: | 10/26/2023 |
| From: | Office of Public Affairs |
| To: | |
| References | |
| News Release-23-067 | |
| Download: ML24052A264 (1) | |
Text
No: 23-067 October 26, 2023 CONTACT: David McIntyre, 301-415-8200 NRC Approves Changes to Indian Point Energy Center Emergency Planning Requirements The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted Holtec Decommissioning Internationals request to revise the emergency preparedness plan for the Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan, New York, to reflect the plants decommissioning status.
The approved exemptions were needed for Holtec to establish and maintain an adequate level of radiological emergency preparedness during decommissioning. These exemptions are consistent with NRC actions at other decommissioning plants. Once Holtec implements the changes, state and local governments may rely on a comprehensive emergency management plan approach (all hazards) for offsite emergency response, should an event occur at Indian Point. A 10-mile emergency planning zone is no longer required. Holtec must continue to maintain an onsite emergency plan and response capabilities at Indian Point, including the continued notification of state government officials in the event of an emergency declaration.
After a nuclear power plant has permanently ceased operations and removed fuel from the reactor vessel, the risk of an offsite radiological release is significantly lower, and the types of possible accidents significantly fewer, than at an operating reactor. The NRC staff evaluated and confirmed analyses in Holtecs request and considered comments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Based on the NRC staffs evaluation and recommendation, the Commission approved the exemptions on Oct. 24. The exemptions and associated license amendments reflecting the changes will be issued in the next few weeks.
Indian Point Energy Center has three pressurized-water reactors, located along the Hudson River, about 24 miles north of New York City. Unit 1 shut down in 1974, while Units 2 and 3 ceased operations in 2020 and 2021, respectively. All of the plants fuel has been removed from the spent fuel pools and placed in dry storage on the site.