MINERAL, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency will evaluate a Biennial Radiological Emergency Preparedness Exercise for communities around the North Anna Power Station. The exercise will occur during the week of July 15 to assess the ability of the Commonwealth of Virginia to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility. Region 3 FEMA Administrator MaryAnn Tierney says the drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety, and they’ ll assess state and local government emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for use in licensing decisions.

The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise, and present preliminary findings 10am July 19 at the Courtyard Marriott in Fredericksburg.
Click here for more information on the drill.