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County reviews radiological emergency plans, plume exercise and public outreach
Summary
Cumberland County officials described required radiological plans tied to a nearby nuclear plant emergency-planning zone, annual FEMA-graded plume exercises, and public outreach including the PSE&G children's calendar program and a planned public exercise invitation in November.
Dawn Bellin described Cumberland County's radiological emergency-response obligations tied to the nearby plant's emergency-planning zone and explained how the county prepares for and practices a potential release.
Bellin said the county is responsible for plans and annual exercises that ensure residents in the planning zone can be sheltered, decontaminated and moved to safety if necessary. For Cumberland County the planning zone includes parts of Stow Creek and Greenwich within about a 10-mile radius of the plant; the county opens a reception and decontamination center (the county's plan names Bridgeton High School) during exercises and would inspect people and vehicles for contamination before moving them to shelters or other destinations.
Bellin said the program receives some funding and requires coordination with municipal entities (Bridgeton, Greenwich, Maurice River Township and others), the state Radiological Emergency Response Program (NJOEM) and partners such as the Department of Corrections and public works. She noted FEMA grades the plume exercise and that the plant licensee's preparedness is connected to the county's performance.
The officials also highlighted public outreach work, including PSE&G's annual children's calendar contest that distributes preparedness information to residents in the emergency-planning zone. Bellin invited the public to observe a plume exercise planned in November and to consult county materials for guidance on shelters and decontamination procedures.
