Nuclear Emergency Preparedness Section

To ensure the safety of residents, the state of New Jersey has implemented the Radiation Accident Response Act (N.J.S.A. 26:2D-37 et seq.). This legislation establishes guidelines for protecting the public during nuclear emergencies and requires the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive State Radiation Emergency Response Plan (RERP). The New Jersey RERP for nuclear power plants was jointly proposed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the New Jersey Division of State Police to coordinate and implement an immediate, comprehensive state, county and municipal response to a radiological emergency at a nuclear power plant affecting the State of New Jersey. The RERP identifies the DEP as the lead state agency for accident assessment during a nuclear incident, formulation of actions to protect the public, and control of food, water, and milk. The DEP is the support agency for evacuation, sheltering and access control, for monitoring personnel responding to an emergency, and for decontamination. The DEP’s responsibilities within the RERP are addressed by the Nuclear Emergency Preparedness Section (NEPS) of the Bureau of Nuclear Engineering (BNE). 

The mission of the NEPS is to safeguard the residents of New Jersey by maintaining a state of constant preparedness for potential nuclear emergencies that may impact the state. NEPS commitment revolves around the rigorous implementation and testing of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) outlined in the Radiological Emergency Response Plan. By conducting regular drills, NEPS ensures the procedural adequacy necessary for effective response. 

NEPS maintains a roster of over 40 nuclear emergency responders drawn from various programs within the Department of Environmental Protection. These responders undergo regular training, and participate in four exercises annually, including a biennial evaluation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This showcases their proficiency and capability to protect the public effectively during nuclear emergencies. 

NEPS manages a substantial inventory of radiation detection equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE) for responders, and four emergency response vans. These vans are equipped with highly advanced and sensitive radiation detection equipment, capable of recording and reporting field data every 2 seconds. This ensures a swift and informed decision-making process for the public in the event of radiological emergencies. 

NEPS maintains a network of 33 real-time gamma detectors strategically positioned around power plants. These detectors continuously transmit minute-by-minute radiation and meteorological data to the Air and Radiation Monitoring System (ARMS) in Trenton, enabling prompt response measures. 

In addition to its operational responsibilities, NEPS serves as the State Radiation Assessment Officers (SRAOs), providing round-the-clock availability for emergency response. In the event of an emergency, NEPS can independently assess situations and formulate Protective Action Recommendations (PAR) for the Governor. These recommendations may include evacuation, shelter-in-place, and the distribution of potassium iodide (KI) for radiation protection. 

NEPS collaborates with the New Jersey State Police to hold annual Public Hearings in each designated county surrounding the Nuclear Power Plant that might be affected in the event of nuclear emergencies. These hearings provide an opportunity to receive public comments and feedback in assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Radiological Emergency Response Plan.