The state of Arizona, Maricopa County and Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station (PVNGS) will participate in a federally-evaluated joint exercise of the Palo Verde Onsite and Offsite Response plans on Wednesday, September 16.
Participants in the exercise will include more than 400 responders from volunteer organizations; local, county, state and federal agencies; tribal nations; and PVNGS demonstrating their ability to respond to a simulated emergency condition at the plant.
The exercise is intended to demonstrate activation of emergency response facilities, including the emergency operations facilities and a joint information center, development of protective action decisions (e.g., shelter in place and/or evacuation) and deployment of radiological monitoring teams.
Exercises such as this validate the emergency response capability required to ensure health and safety of the public. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission evaluates the onsite emergency plan, while the Federal Emergency Management Agency assesses offsite emergency response capabilities. Lessons learned from exercises are used to continuously improve and further strengthen response plans and procedures.
Demonstrations of this type have been held at least two times a year since 1983. The federal government evaluates one exercise every two years.