Watts Bar Nuclear Plant tests response

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

photo Steam rises from the cooling tower of the single operating reactor at TVA's Watts Bar Nuclear Plant in Spring City, Tenn.

The Tennessee Valley Authority and other federal, state and local agencies will conduct a graded emergency preparedness exercise for Watts Bar Nuclear Plant today and Thursday. About 1,000 TVA and state of Tennessee employees and local emergency responders in a 50-mile radius of the plant are expected to participate. Residents in McMinn, Meigs and Rhea counties may see radiological monitoring teams or other responders in action as part of the exercise. They also may hear on-site and off-site sirens.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Department of Homeland Security will evaluate the response and issue thier findings on Friday.