WAYNESBORO, Ga. --- Plant Vogtle's $2 million "joint information center" opened its doors Wednesday as the newest component of Southern Nuclear's emergency preparedness and public information plan.
The two-building complex adjacent to Georgia Power Co.'s offices in Waynesboro would serve as a media and information center if a serious accident or emergency were to occur at the power plant, situated 20 miles away on the banks of the Savannah River.
"It broadens our ability to protect the public in the unlikely event of an emergency at Plant Vogtle," said Ken Davis, the Georgia Emergency Management Association's public information director.
In addition to an auditorium and briefing room, the center includes a newsroom with desks and other facilities for reporters; and offices for local emergency officials, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other agencies that would be involved in such an emergency.
Davis said Vogtle officials have held drills each year for more than two decades, making them capably prepared for disasters that are unlikely to ever occur in real life.
"They've done it all," he said. "Worst-case, unimaginable scenarios are their specialty."
Having an information center away from the site of a potential emergency will make it easier to test and evaluate safety systems and fine-tune the ability of government agencies to communicate with the public, he said.
Plant Vogtle has an excellent safety record in Burke County and is expected to maintain that record as the first commercial reactors to be built in the U.S. in 30 years are constructed alongside the existing ones, said Jim Miller, Southern Nuclear's chairman and CEO.
Vogtle's largest owner is Georgia Power, with a 45.7 percent stake, along with Oglethorpe Power Corp. (30 percent), Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (22.7 percent) and the city of Dalton (1.6 percent). All those partners have chosen to take their maximum allotment in the $14.5 billion project to build units 3 and 4, which further demonstrates their commitment to the future of nuclear power, Miller said.
TYPES OF NUCLEAR EMERGENCIES
UNUSUAL EVENT: A minor problem has occurred with no actual or expected radioactive release. There is no danger to the public and no action is needed by residents.
ALERT: Small amounts of radioactive material could be released inside the plant. Emergency workers are readied in case the event becomes more serious. There is no danger to the public. It is “unlikely” residents will need to take action.
SITE AREA EMERGENCY: A “serious problem” could release small amounts of radioactive material into the area around the plant. Government officials may order evacuation or sheltering of the public as a precaution. Emergency workers would be ready to take action if needed. Residents should tune to designated radio or television stations.
GENERAL EMERGENCY: The most serious type of emergency at a nuclear power plant. Radioactive material could be released offsite. If residents need to take action, they will be notified by tone alert radio or through the media. County officials will help.
Source: Southern Nuclear
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