[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 171 (Tuesday, September 6, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-21817]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: September 6, 1994]
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Part II
Federal Emergency Management Agency
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Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan; Notice
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Proposed Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan (FRERP)
AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency gives notice and
invites comments on a proposed revision to the Federal Radiological
Emergency Response Plan (FRERP) to update and supersede the original
FRERP. The FRERP establishes an organized, integrated capability for
participating Federal agencies to respond to a wide range of peacetime
radiological emergencies. The FRERP provides a concept of operations,
outlines Federal policies and planning considerations, and specifies
authorities and responsibilities of each Federal agency that has a
significant role in such emergencies.
DATES: Comments on the proposed revision should be received by October
15, 1994.
ADDRESSES: FEMA invites your comments on the FRERP. Please send your
comments to the Rules Docket Clerk, Office of the General Counsel,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC
20472, (facsimile) (202) 646-4536.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles G. McIntosh, Interagency
Planning and Liaison Division, Response and Recovery Directorate,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC
20472, (202) 646-3602.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 304 of Public Law 96-295, requires
that the President prepare and publish a plan to provide for
expeditious, efficient, and coordinated Federal response to accidents
at nuclear power facilities. Executive Order (E.O.) 12241 (September
29, 1980) delegated this responsibility to the Director, FEMA. FEMA
published the first FRERP on November 8, 1985, 50 FR 46542.
This proposed revision to the FRERP is essential to update the
original plan, and to take into account new laws, regulations, and
changed operating conditions. Seventeen Federal departments and
agencies on the Subcommittee on Federal Response of the Federal
Radiological Preparedness Coordinating Committee prepared this proposed
revision. Each of the 17 departments and agencies has roles and
responsibilities involving response to peacetime radiological
emergencies. The concept of operations described in the FRERP is based
on specific authorities for responding to radiological emergencies.
Federal agencies respond to radiological emergencies using the
FRERP, each agency in accordance with its existing statutory
authorities and funding resources. The Lead Federal Agency has
responsibility for coordination of the overall Federal response to the
emergency. FEMA is responsible for coordinating non-radiological
support using the structure of the Federal Response Plan. The
relationship between the two plans, which is discussed in the proposed
FRERP, will be further described in an Annex to the Federal Response
Plan.
Dated: August 26, 1994.
Richard W. Krimm,
Associate Director, Response and Recovery Directorate.
The Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan
Part I
August 1994.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction and Background
A. Introduction
B. Participating Federal Agencies
C. Scope
D. Plan Considerations
1. Public and Private Sector Response
2. Coordination by Federal Agencies
3. Federal Agency Authorities
4. Federal Agency Resource Commitments
5. Requests for Federal Assistance
6. Reimbursement
E. Training and Exercises
F. Relationship to the Federal Response Plan (FRP)
1. Without a Stafford Act Declaration
2. With a Stafford Act Declaration
G. Authorities
II. Concept of Operations
A. Introduction
B. Determination of Lead Federal Agency (LFA)
1. Nuclear Facility
2. Transportation of Radioactive Materials
3. Domestic Satellites Containing Radioactive Materials
4. Impact from Foreign or Unknown Source
5. Other Types of Emergencies
C. Radiological Sabotage and Terrorism
D. Response Functions and Responsibilities
1. Onscene Coordination
2. Onsite Management
3. Radiological Monitoring and Assessment
4. Protective Action Recommendations
5. Other Federal Resource Support
6. Public Information Coordination
7. Congressional and White House Coordination
8. International Coordination
9. Response Function Overview
E. Stages of the Federal Response
1. Notification
2. Activation and Deployment
3. Response Operations
4. Response Deactivation
5. Recovery
Appendix A: Acronyms
Appendix B: Definitions
Appendix C: Federal Agency Response Missions, Capabilities and
Resources, References, and Authorities
I. Introduction and Background
A. Introduction
The objective of the Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan
(FRERP) is to establish an organized and integrated capability for
timely, coordinated response by Federal agencies to peacetime
radiological emergencies.
The FRERP:
(1) Provides the Federal Government's concept of operations based
on specific authorities for responding to radiological emergencies;
(2) Outlines Federal policies and planning considerations on which
the concept of operations of this Plan and Federal agency specific
response plans are based; and
(3) Specifies authorities and responsibilities of each Federal
agency that may have a significant role in such emergencies.
There are two Sections in this Plan. Section I contains background,
considerations, and scope. Section II describes the concept of
operations for response.
B. Participating Federal Agencies
Each participating agency has responsibilities and/or capabilities
that pertain to various types of radiological emergencies. The
following Federal agencies participate in the FRERP:
(1) Department of Agriculture (USDA),
(2) Department of Commerce (DOC),
(3) Department of Defense (DOD),
(4) Department of Energy (DOE),
(5) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),
(6) Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
(7) Department of the Interior (DOI),
(8) Department of Justice (DOJ),
(9) Department of State (DOS),
(10) Department of Transportation (DOT),
(11) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA),
(12) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
(13) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
(14) General Services Administration (GSA),
(15) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA),
(16) National Communications System (NCS), and
(17) Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
C. Scope
The FRERP covers any peacetime radiological emergency that has
actual, potential, or perceived radiological consequences within the
United States, its Territories, possessions, or territorial waters and
that could require a response by several Federal agencies. The level of
the Federal response to a specific emergency will be based on the type
and/or amount of radioactive material involved, the location of the
emergency, the impact on or the potential for impact on the public and
environment, and the size of the affected area. Emergencies occurring
at fixed nuclear facilities or during the transportation of radioactive
materials, including nuclear weapons, fall within the scope of the Plan
regardless of whether the facility or radioactive materials are
publicly or privately owned, Federally regulated, regulated by an
Agreement State, or not regulated at all. (Under the Atomic Energy Act
of 1954 [Subsection 274.b.], the NRC has relinquished to certain States
its regulatory authority for licensing the use of source, byproduct,
and small quantities of special nuclear material.)
D. Plan Considerations
1. Public and Private Sector Response
For an emergency at a fixed nuclear facility or a facility not
under the control of a Federal agency, State and local governments have
primary responsibility for determining and implementing measures to
protect life, property, and the environment in areas outside the
facility boundaries. The owner or operator of a nuclear facility has
primary responsibility for actions within the boundaries of that
facility, for providing notification and advice to offsite officials,
and for minimizing the radiological hazard to the public.
For emergencies involving an area under Federal control, the
responsibility for onsite actions belongs to a Federal agency, while
offsite actions are the responsibility of the State or local
government.
For all other emergencies, the State or local government has the
responsibility for taking emergency actions both onsite and offsite,
with support provided, upon request, by Federal agencies as designated
in Section II of this plan.
2. Coordination by Federal Agencies
This Plan describes how the Federal response to a radiological
emergency will be organized. It includes guidelines for notification of
Federal agencies and States, coordination and leadership of Federal
response activities onscene, and coordination of Federal public
information activities and Congressional relations by Federal agencies.
The Plan suggests ways in which the State, local, and Federal agencies
can most effectively integrate their actions. The degree to which the
Federal response is merged or to which activities are adjusted will be
based upon the requirements and priorities set by the State.
Appropriate independent emergency actions may be taken by the
participating Federal agencies within the limits of their own statutory
authority to protect the public, minimize immediate hazards, and gather
information about the emergency that might be lost by delay.
3. Federal Agency Authorities
Some Federal agencies have authority to respond to certain
situations affecting public health and safety with or without a State
request. Appendix C of this Plan cites relevant legislative and
executive authorities. This Plan does not create any new authorities
nor change any existing ones.
A response to radiological emergencies on or affecting Federal
lands not occupied by a government agency should be coordinated with
the agency responsible for managing that land to ensure that response
activities are consistent with Federal statutes governing the use and
occupancy of these lands. This coordination is necessary in the case of
Indian tribal lands because Federally recognized Indian tribes have a
special relationship with the U.S. Government, and the State and local
governments may have limited or no authority on their reservations.
In the event of an offsite radiological accident involving a
nuclear weapon, special nuclear material, and/or classified components,
the owner (either DOD, DOE, or NASA) will declare a National Defense
Area (NDA) or National Security Area (NSA), respectively, and this area
will become ``onsite'' for the purposes of this plan. NDAs and NSAs are
established to safeguard classified information and/or restricted data
or equipment and material. Establishment of these areas places non-
Federal lands under Federal control and results only from an emergency
event. It is possible that radioactive contamination would extend
beyond the boundaries of these areas.
In accordance with appropriate national security classification
directives, information may be classified concerning nuclear weapons,
special nuclear materials at reactors, and certain fuel cycle
facilities producing military fuel.
4. Federal Agency Resource Commitments
Agencies committing resources under this Plan do so with the
understanding that the duration of the commitment will depend on the
nature and extent of the emergency and the State and local resources
available. Should another emergency occur that is more serious or of
higher priority (such as one that may jeopardize national security),
Federal agencies will reassess resources committed under this Plan.
5. Requests for Federal Assistance
State and local government requests for assistance, as well as
those from owners and operators of radiological facilities or
activities, may be made directly to the Federal agencies listed in
Table II-1, FEMA, or to other Federal agencies with whom they have
preexisting arrangements or relationships.
6. Reimbursement
The cost of each Federal agency's participation in support of the
FRERP is the responsibility of that agency, unless other agreements or
reimbursement mechanisms exist. GSA will be reimbursed for supplies and
services provided under this Plan in accordance with prior interagency
agreements.
E. Training and Exercises
Federal agencies, in conjunction with State and local governments,
will periodically exercise the FRERP. Each agency will coordinate its
exercises with the Federal Radiological Preparedness Coordinating
Committee's (FRPCC's) Subcommittee on Federal Response to avoid
duplication and to invite participation by other Federal agencies.
Federal agencies will assist other Federal agencies and State and
local governments with planning and training activities designed to
improve response capabilities. Each agency should coordinate its
training programs with the FRPCC's Subcommittee on Training to avoid
duplication and to make its training available to other agencies.
F. Relationship to the Federal Response Plan (FRP)
1. Without a Stafford Act Declaration
Federal agencies will respond to radiological emergencies using the
FRERP, each agency in accordance with existing statutory and funding
resources. The LFA has responsibility for coordination of the overall
Federal response to the emergency. FEMA is responsible for coordinating
non-radiological support using the structure of the Federal Response
Plan (FRP).
2. With a Stafford Act Declaration
When a Stafford Act Declaration has activated the FRP and an
associated radiological emergency exists, the functions and
responsibilities of the FRERP remain the same. The LFA coordinates the
management of the radiological response with the Federal Coordinating
Officer (FCO). Although the direction of the radiological response
remains with the LFA, the FCO has the overall responsibility for
coordination of Federal response in support of State and local
governments under the FRP.
G. Authorities
The following authorities are the basis for the development of this
Plan:
(1) Nuclear Regulatory Commission Appropriation Authorization,
Public Law 96-295, June 30, 1980, sec. 304. This authorization requires
the President to prepare and publish a ``National Contingency Plan''
(subsequently renamed the FRERP) to provide for expeditious, efficient,
and coordinated action by appropriate Federal agencies to protect the
public health and safety in case of accidents at commercial nuclear
power plants.
(2) Executive Order (E.O.) 12241, National Contingency Plan,
September 29, 1980. This E.O. delegates to the Director of FEMA the
responsibility for publishing the National Contingency Plan (i.e., the
FRERP) for accidents at nuclear power facilities and requires that it
be published from time to time in the Federal Register.
Authorities for the activities of individual Federal agencies
appear in Appendix C.
II. Concept of Operations
A. Introduction
The concept of operations for a response provides for the
designation of one agency as the Lead Federal Agency (LFA) and for the
establishment of onscene, interagency response centers. The FRERP
describes both the responsibilities of the LFA and other Federal
agencies that may be involved and the functions of each of the onscene
centers.
The concept of operations recognizes the preeminent role of State
and local governments for determining and implementing any measures to
protect life, property, and the environment in areas not under the
control of a Federal agency.
B. Determination of Lead Federal Agency (LFA)
The agency which is responsible for leading and coordinating all
aspects of the Federal response is referred to as the LFA and is
determined by the type of emergency. In situations where a Federal
agency owns, authorizes, regulates, or is otherwise deemed responsible
for the facility or radiological activity causing the emergency and has
authority to conduct and manage Federal actions onsite, that agency
normally will be the LFA.
The following identifies the LFA for each specified type of
radiological emergency.
1. Nuclear Facility
a. Licensed by Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or an Agreement
State. The NRC is the LFA for an emergency that occurs at a fixed
facility or regarding an activity licensed by the NRC or an Agreement
State. These include, but are not limited to, commercial nuclear power
reactors, fuel cycle facilities, gaseous diffusion facilities, and
radiopharmaceutical manufacturers.
b. Owned or Operated by DOD or DOE. The LFA is either DOD or DOE,
depending on which agency owns or authorizes operation of the facility.
These emergencies may involve reactor operations, nuclear material and
weapons production, radioactive material from nuclear weapons, or other
radiological activities.
c. Not Licensed, Owned, or Operated by a Federal Agency or an
Agreement State. The EPA is the LFA for an emergency that occurs at a
facility not licensed, owned, or operated by a Federal agency or an
Agreement State. These include facilities that possess, handle, store,
or process radium or accelerator-produced radioactive materials.
2. Transportation of Radioactive Materials
a. Shipment of Materials Licensed by NRC or an Agreement State. The
NRC is the LFA for an emergency that involves radiological material
licensed by the NRC or an Agreement State.
b. Materials Shipped by or for DOD or DOE. The LFA is either DOD or
DOE depending on which of these agencies has custody of the material at
the time of the accident.
c. Shipment of Materials Not Licensed or Owned by a Federal Agency
or an Agreement State. The EPA is the LFA for an emergency that
involves radiological material not licensed or owned by a Federal
agency or an Agreement State.
3. Domestic Satellites Containing Radioactive Materials
NASA is the LFA for NASA spacecraft missions. DOD is the LFA for
DOD spacecraft missions. DOE and EPA provide technical assistance to
DOD and NASA.
4. Impact From Foreign or Unknown Source
The EPA is the LFA for an emergency that involves radioactive
material from a foreign or unknown source that has actual, potential,
or perceived radiological consequences in the United States, its
Territories, possessions, or territorial waters. The foreign or unknown
source may be a reactor (e.g., Chernobyl), a spacecraft containing
radioactive material, radioactive fallout from atmospheric testing of
nuclear devices, imported radioactively contaminated material, or a
shipment of foreign-owned radioactive material. Unknown sources of
radioactive material refers to that material whose origin and/or
radiological nature is not yet established. These types of sources
include contaminated scrap metal or abandoned radioactive material.
DOD, DOE, NASA, and NRC provide technical assistance to EPA.
In the event of an emergency involving a joint U.S. Government and
foreign government spacecraft venture containing radioactive sources
and/or classified components, the LFA will be DOD or NASA, as
appropriate. A joint U.S./foreign venture is defined as an activity in
which the U.S. Government has an ongoing interest in the successful
completion of the mission and is intimately involved in mission
operations. A joint venture is not created by simply selling or
supplying material to a foreign country for use in their spacecraft.
DOE and EPA will provide technical support and assistance to the LFA.
5. Other Types of Emergencies
In the event of an unforeseen type of emergency not specifically
described in this Plan or a situation where conditions exist involving
overlapping responsibility that could cause confusion regarding LFA
role and responsibilities, DOD, DOE, EPA, NASA, and NRC will confer
upon receipt of notification of the emergency to determine which agency
is the LFA.
Table II-1.--Identification of Lead Federal Agency for Radiological Emergencies
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Type of emergency Lead federal agency
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1. Nuclear Facility:
a. Licensed by NRC or an Agreement State................................. NRC.
b. Owned or Operated by DOD or DOE....................................... DOD or DOE.
c. Not Licensed, Owned, or Operated by a Federal Agency or an Agreement EPA.
State.
2. Transportation of Radioactive Materials:
a. Shipment of Materials Licensed by NRC or an Agreement State........... NRC.
b. Materials Shipped by or for DOD or DOE................................ DOD or DOE.
c. Shipment of Materials Not Licensed or Owned by a Federal Agency or an EPA.
Agreement State.
3. Domestic Satellites Containing Radioactive Materials...................... NASA or DOD.
4. Impact from Foreign or Unknown Source..................................... EPA, DOD, or NASA.
5. Other Types of Emergencies................................................ LFAs confer.
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C. Radiological Sabotage and Terrorism
Sabotage and terrorism are not treated as separate types of
emergencies; rather, they are considered a complicating dimension of
the types listed in Table II-1. For fixed facilities and materials in
transit, responses to radiological emergencies generally do not depend
on the initiating event. The coordinated response to contain or
mitigate a threatened or actual release of radioactive material would
be essentially the same whether it resulted from an accidental or
deliberate act. For malevolent acts involving improvised nuclear or
radiation dispersal devices, the response is further complicated by the
magnitude of the threat and the need for specialized technical
expertise/actions.
The Atomic Energy Act directs the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI) to investigate all alleged or suspected criminal violations of
the Act. Additionally, the FBI is legally responsible for locating any
nuclear weapon, device, or material and for restoring nuclear
facilities to their rightful custodians. In view of its unique
responsibilities under the Atomic Energy Act (amended by the Energy
Reorganization Act), the FBI has concluded formal agreements with the
LFAs that provide for interface, coordination, and technical assistance
in support of the FBI's mission.
It would be difficult to outline all the possible scenarios arising
from criminal or terrorist activity. As a result, the Federal response
will be tailored to the specific circumstances of the event at hand.
Generally, for fixed facilities and materials in transit, the
designated LFA and supporting agencies will perform the functions
delineated in this plan and provide technical support and assistance to
the FBI in the performance of its mission. For those emergencies where
an LFA is not specifically designated (e.g., improvised nuclear
device), the Federal response will be guided by the established
interagency agreements and contingency plans. In accordance with these
agreements and plans, the signatory agency(ies) supporting the FBI will
coordinate and manage the technical portion of the response and
activate/request assistance under the FRERP for measures to protect the
public health and safety. In all cases, the FBI will manage and direct
the law enforcement and intelligence aspects of the response;
coordinating activities with appropriate Federal, State, and local
agencies within the framework of the FRERP and/or as provided for in
established interagency agreements or plans.
D. Response Functions and Responsibilities
1. Onscene Coordination
The LFA will coordinate all Federal onscene actions and assist
State and local governments in determining measures to protect life,
property, and the environment. The LFA will ensure that FEMA and other
Federal agencies assist the State and local government agencies in
implementing protective actions, if requested by the State and local
government agencies.
The LFA will coordinate Federal response activities from an onscene
location, referred to as the Joint Operations Center (JOC). Until the
LFA has established its base of operations in a JOC, the LFA will
accomplish that coordination from another LFA facility, usually a
Headquarters operations center.
For radiological emergencies occurring on or with possible
consequences to Indian tribal lands, DOI will provide liaison between
Federally recognized Indian tribal governments and LFA, State, and
local agencies for coordination of response and protective action
efforts. Additionally, DOI will advise and assist the LFA on economic,
social, and political matters in the Virgin Islands and the Territories
of Guam, American Samoa, and the Trust Territories of the Pacific
Islands should a radiological emergency occur in these areas.
2. Onsite Management
The LFA will oversee the onsite response; monitor and support owner
or operator activities (when there is an owner or operator); provide
technical support to the owner or operator, if requested; and serve as
the principal Federal source of information about onsite conditions.
The LFA will provide a hazard assessment of onsite conditions that
might have significant offsite impact and ensure onsite measures are
taken to mitigate offsite consequences.
3. Radiological Monitoring and Assessment
DOE has the initial responsibility for coordinating the offsite
Federal radiological monitoring and assessment assistance during the
response to a radiological emergency. In a prolonged response, EPA will
assume the responsibility for coordinating the assistance at some
mutually agreeable time, usually after the emergency phase.
Some of the participating Federal agencies may have radiological
planning and emergency responsibilities as part of their statutory
authority, as well as established working relationships with State
counterpart agencies. The monitoring and assessment activity,
coordinated by DOE, does not alter those responsibilities but
complements them by providing for coordination of the initial Federal
radiological monitoring and assessment response activity.
Activities will:
(1) Support the monitoring and assessment programs of the States,
(2) Respond to the assessment needs of the LFA, and
(3) Meet statutory responsibilities of participating Federal
agencies.
Federal offsite monitoring and assessment activities will be
coordinated with those of the State. Federal agency plans and
procedures for implementing this monitoring and assessment activity are
designed to be compatible with the radiological emergency planning
requirements for State, local governments, specific facilities, and
existing memoranda of understanding and interagency agreements.
DOE may respond to a State or LFA request for assistance by
dispatching a Radiological Assistance Program (RAP) team. If the
situation requires more assistance than a RAP team can provide, DOE
will alert or activate additional resources. These resources may
include the establishment of a Federal Radiological Monitoring and
Assessment Center (FRMAC) to be used as an onscene coordination center
for Federal radiological assessment activities. States are encouraged
to collocate their radiological assessment activities at this center.
Federal radiological monitoring and assessment activities will be
activated as a component of an FRERP response or pursuant to a direct
request from State or local governments, other Federal agencies,
licensees for radiological materials, industries, or the general public
after evaluating the magnitude of the problem and coordinating with the
State(s) involved.
DOE and other participating Federal agencies may learn of an
emergency when they are alerted to a possible problem or receive a
request for radiological assistance. DOE will maintain national and
regional coordination offices as points of access to Federal
radiological emergency assistance. Requests for Federal radiological
monitoring and assessment assistance will generally be directed to the
appropriate DOE radiological assistance Regional Coordinating Office.
Requests also can go directly to DOE's Emergency Operations Center
(EOC) in Washington, DC. When other agencies receive requests for
Federal radiological monitoring and assessment assistance, they will
promptly notify the DOE EOC.
a. Role of Department of Energy (DOE). (1) Initial Response
Coordination Responsibility. DOE, as coordinator, has the following
responsibilities:
(a) Coordinate Federal offsite radiological monitoring and
assessment activities;
(b) Maintain technical liaison with State and local agencies with
monitoring and assessment responsibilities;
(c) Maintain a common set of all offsite radiological monitoring
data, in an accountable, secure, and retrievable form, and ensure the
technical integrity of the data;
(d) Provide monitoring data and interpretations, including exposure
rate contours, dose projections, and any other requested radiological
assessments, to the LFA, and to the States;
(e) Provide, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, the
personnel and equipment needed to perform radiological monitoring and
assessment activities;
(f) Request supplemental assistance and technical support from
other Federal agencies as needed; and
(g) Arrange consultation and support services through appropriate
Federal agencies to all other entities (e.g., private contractors) with
radiological monitoring functions and capabilities, and technical and
medical advice on handling radiological contamination.
(2) Transition of Response Coordination Responsibility. The DOE
FRMAC Director will work closely with the Senior EPA representative to
facilitate a smooth transition of the Federal radiological monitoring
and assessment coordination responsibility to EPA at a mutually
agreeable time and after consultation with the States and LFA. The
following conditions are intended to be met prior to this transfer:
(a) The immediate emergency condition has been stabilized;
(b) Offsite releases of radioactive material have ceased, and there
is little or no potential for further unintentional offsite releases;
(c) The offsite radiological conditions have been characterized and
the immediate consequences have been assessed;
(d) An initial long-range monitoring plan has been developed in
conjunction with the affected States and appropriate Federal agencies;
and
(e) EPA has received adequate assurances from the other Federal
agencies that they will commit the required resources, personnel, and
funds for the duration of the Federal response.
b. Role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (1) Prior to
assuming responsibility for the FRMAC, EPA will provide resources,
including personnel, equipment, and laboratory support (including
mobile laboratories), to assist DOE in monitoring radioactivity levels
in the environment.
(2) Assume coordination of Federal radiological monitoring and
assessment responsibilities from DOE after the transition.
(3) Assist in the development and implementation of a long-term
monitoring plan.
(4) Provide nationwide environmental monitoring data from the
Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring Systems for assessing the
national impact of the accident.
c. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA). (1) Approve the release
of official Federal offsite monitoring data and assessments to the
State.
(2) Provide other available radiological monitoring data to the
State and to the FRMAC.
d. Role of Other Federal Agencies. Agencies carrying out
responsibilities related to radiological monitoring and assessment
during a Federal response also will coordinate their activities with
FRMAC. This coordination will not limit the normal working relationship
between a Federal agency and its State counterparts nor restrict the
flow of information from that agency to the States. The radiological
monitoring and assessment responsibilities of the other Federal
agencies include:
(1) Department of Agriculture (USDA).
(a) Inspect meat and meat products, poultry and poultry products,
and egg products identified for interstate and foreign commerce to
assure that they are safe for human consumption.
(b) Assist, in conjunction with HHS, in monitoring the production,
processing, storage, and distribution of food through the wholesale
level to eliminate contaminated product or to reduce the contamination
in the product to a safe level.
(c) Collect agricultural samples within the Ingestion Exposure
Pathway Emergency Planning Zone. Assist in the evaluation and
assessment of data to determine the impact of the emergency on
agriculture.
(2) Department of Commerce (DOC).
(a) Prepare operational weather forecasts tailored to support
emergency response activities.
(b) Prepare and disseminate predictions of plume trajectories,
dispersion, and deposition.
(c) Archive, as a special collection, the meteorological data from
national observing systems applicable to the monitoring and assessment
of the response.
(d) Ensure that marine fishery products available to the public are
not contaminated.
(e) Provide assistance and reference material for calibrating
radiological instruments.
(3) Department of Defense (DOD).
(a) Provide radiological resources to include trained response
personnel, specialized radiation instruments, mobile instrument
calibration, repair capabilities, and expertise in site restoration.
(b) Perform special sampling of airborne contamination on request.
(4) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
(a) In conjunction with USDA, inspect production, processing,
storage, and distribution facilities for human food and animal feeds,
which may be used in interstate commerce, to assure protection of the
public health.
(b) Collect samples of agricultural products to monitor and assess
the extent of contamination as a basis for recommending or implementing
protective actions.
(5) Department of the Interior (DOI).
(a) Provide hydrologic advice and assistance, including monitoring
personnel, equipment, and laboratory support.
(b) Advise and assist in evaluating processes affecting
radioisotopes in soils, including personnel, equipment, and laboratory
support.
(c) Advise and assist in the development of geographical
information systems (GIS) databases to be used in the analysis and
assessment of contaminated areas including personnel, equipment, and
databases.
(6) Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
(a) Provide assistance in Federal radiological monitoring and
assessment activities during incidents.
(b) Provide continuous measurement of ambient radiation levels
around NRC licensed facilities, primarily power reactors using
thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD).
4. Protective Action Recommendations
Federal protective action recommendations provide advice to State
and local governments on measures that they should take to avoid or
reduce exposure of the public to radiation from a release of
radioactive material. This includes emergency actions such as
sheltering, evacuation, and prophylactic use of iodine. It also
includes longer term measures to avoid or minimize exposure to residual
radiation or exposure through the ingestion pathway such as restriction
of food, temporary relocation, and permanent resettlement.
a. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA). The LFA will assist State
and local authorities, if requested, by advising them on protective
actions for the public. The development or evaluation of protective
action recommendations will be based upon the Protective Action Guides
(PAGs) issued by EPA and HHS. In providing such advice, the LFA will
use advice from other Federal agencies with technical expertise on
those matters whenever possible. The LFA's responsibilities for the
development, evaluation, and presentation of protective action
recommendations are to:
(1) Respond to requests from State and local governments for
technical information and assistance.
(2) Consult with representatives from EPA, HHS, USDA, and other
Federal agencies as needed to provide advice to the LFA on protective
actions.
(3) Review all recommendations made by other Federal agencies
exercising statutory authorities related to protective actions to
ensure consistency.
(4) Prepare a coordinated Federal position on protective action
recommendations whenever time permits.
(5) Present the Federal assessment of protective action
recommendations, in conjunction with FEMA and other Federal agencies
when practical, to State or other offsite authorities.
b. Role of the Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health.
Advice on environment, food, and health matters will be provided to the
LFA through the Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health
(Advisory Team) consisting of representatives of EPA, HHS, and USDA
supported by other Federal agencies, as warranted by the circumstances
of the emergency. The Advisory Team provides direct support to the LFA
and has no independent authority. The Advisory Team will not release
information to the public or make recommendations on matters under the
jurisdiction of a Federal agency unless authorized to do so by that
agency. The Advisory Team will select a chairman for the Team. The
Advisory Team will normally collocate with the FRMAC.
For emergencies with potential for causing widespread radiological
contamination where no onscene FRMAC is established, the functions of
the Advisory Team may be accomplished in the LFA response facility in
Washington, DC.
The primary role of the Advisory Team is to provide a mechanism for
timely, interagency coordination of advice to the LFA and other Federal
agencies concerning matters related to the following areas:
(1) Environmental assessments (field monitoring) required for
developing recommendations.
(2) PAGs and their application to the emergency.
(3) Protective action recommendations using data and assessment
from the FRMAC.
(4) Protective actions to prevent or minimize contamination of
milk, food, and water and to prevent or minimize exposure through
ingestion.
(5) Recommendations regarding the disposition of contaminated
livestock and poultry.
(6) Recommendations for minimizing losses of agricultural resources
from radiation effects.
(7) Availability of food, animal feed, and water supply inspection
programs to assure wholesomeness.
(8) Relocation, reentry, and other radiation protection measures
prior to recovery.
(9) Recommendations for recovery, return, and cleanup issues.
(10) Health and safety advice or information for the public and for
workers.
(11) Estimate effects of radioactive releases on human health and
environment.
(12) Guidance on the use of radioprotective substances (e.g.,
thyroid blocking agents), including dosage and projected radiation
doses that warrant the use of such drugs.
(13) Other matters, as requested by the LFA.
5. Other Federal Resource Support
FEMA will coordinate the provision of non-technical (i.e., not
related to radiological monitoring and assessment) Federal resources
and assistance to affected State and local governments. The Federal
non-technical resource and assistance coordination function will be
performed at the Disaster Field Office (DFO) established by FEMA.
a. Role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA
will, as requested:
(1) Monitor the status of the Federal response to requests for non-
technical assistance from the affected States and provide this
information to the States.
(2) Keep the LFA informed of requests for assistance from the State
and the status of the Federal response.
(3) Identify and inform Federal agencies of actual or apparent
omissions, redundancies, or conflicts in response activity.
(4) Establish and maintain a source of integrated, coordinated
information about the status of all non-technical resource support
activities.
(5) Provide information systems capabilities to meet the needs of
agencies and organizations represented at the DFO.
(6) Provide other non-technical support to Federal agencies
responding to the emergency.
b. Role of Other Federal Agencies. In order to properly coordinate
activities, Federal agencies responding to requests for non-technical
support or directly providing such support under statutory authorities
will provide liaison personnel to the DFO. The following indicates
types of assistance not related to radiological monitoring and
assessment that may be provided by Federal agencies as needed or
requested:
(1) Department of Agriculture (USDA).
(a) Provide emergency food coupon assistance in officially
designated disaster areas, if a need is determined by officials and if
the commercial food system is sufficient to accommodate the use of food
coupons.
(b) Assist in reallocation of USDA donated food supplies from
warehouses, local schools, and other outlets to emergency care centers.
These are foods donated to various outlets through USDA food programs.
(c) Provide lists that identify locations of alternate sources of
food and livestock feed.
(d) Assist in providing temporary housing for evacuees.
(e) Assess damage to crops, soil, livestock, poultry, and
processing facilities; and incorporate findings in a damage assessment
report.
(f) Provide emergency communications assistance to the agricultural
community through the Cooperative Extension System, an electronic mail
system.
(2) Department of Commerce (DOC).
Loaning radiation shielding materials.
(3) Department of Defense (DOD).
DOD may provide assistance in the form of personnel, logistics and
telecommunications, advice on proper medical treatment of personnel
exposed to or contaminated by radioactive materials, and assistance,
including airlift services, when available, upon the request of the LFA
or FEMA. Requests for assistance must be directed to the National
Military Command Center or through channels established by prior
agreements.
(4) Department of Energy (DOE).
Provide advice on proper medical treatment of personnel exposed to
or contaminated by radioactive materials.
(5) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
(a) Ensure the availability of health and medical care and other
human services (especially for the aged, poor, infirm, blind, and
others most in need).
(b) Assist in providing crisis counseling to victims in affected
geographic areas.
(c) Provide guidance to State and local health officials on disease
control measures and epidemiological surveillance and study of exposed
populations.
(d) Provide advice on proper medical treatment of personnel exposed
to or contaminated by radioactive materials.
(e) Provide advice and guidance in assessing the impact of the
effects of radiological incidents on the health of persons in the
affected area.
(6) Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
(a) Review and report on available housing for disaster victims and
displaced persons.
(b) Assist in planning for and placing homeless victims in
available housing.
(c) Provide staff to support emergency housing within available
resources.
(d) Provide housing assistance and advisory personnel.
(7) Department of the Interior (DOI).
Advise and assist in assessing impacts to economic, social, and
political issues relating to natural resources, including fish and
wildlife, public lands, land reclamation, mining, minerals, and water
resources.
(8) Department of Transportation (DOT).
(a) Support State and local governments by identifying sources of
civil transportation on request and when consistent with statutory
responsibilities.
(b) Coordinate the Federal civil transportation response in support
of emergency transportation plans and actions with State and local
governments. (This may include provision of Federally controlled
transportation assets and the controlling of airspace or transportation
routes to protect commercial transportation and to facilitate the
movement of response resources to the scene.)
(c) Provide Regional Emergency Transportation Coordinators and
staff to assist State and local authorities in planning and response.
(d) Provide technical advice and assistance on the transportation
of radiological materials and the impact of the incident on the
transportation system.
(9) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
(a) Provide medical assistance using Medical Emergency Radiological
Response Teams (MERRTs).
(b) Provide temporary housing.
(10) General Services Administration (GSA).
(a) Provide acquisition and procurement of floor space,
telecommunications and automated data processing services, supplies,
services, transportation, computers, contracting, equipment, and
material; as well as specified logistical services which exceed the
capabilities of other Federal agencies.
(b) Activate the Regional Emergency Communications Planner (RECP)
and a Federal Emergency Communications Coordinator (FECC). RECP will
provide technical support and accept guidance from the FEMA Regional
Director during the pre-deployment phase of a telecommunications
emergency.
(c) Upon request, will dispatch the FECC to the scene to expedite
the provision of the telecommunications services.
(11) National Communications System (NCS).
Coordinate the communications for the Federal response and assist
appropriate State agencies in meeting their communications
requirements.
6. Public Information Coordination
Public information coordination is most effective when the owner/
operator, Federal, State, local, and other relevant information sources
participate jointly. The primary location for linking these sources is
the Joint Information Center (JIC).
Prior to the establishment of Federal operations at the JIC, it may
be necessary to release Federal information regarding public health and
safety. In these instances, Federal agencies will coordinate with the
LFA in advance or as soon as possible after the information has been
released.
This coordination will accomplish the following:
(1) Compile information about the status of the emergency, response
actions, and instructions for the affected population;
(2) Coordinate all information from various sources with the other
Federal, State, local, and non-governmental response organizations;
(3) Allow various sources to work cooperatively, yet maintain their
independence in disseminating information;
(4) Disseminate timely, consistent, and accurate information to the
public and the news media; and
(5) Establish coordinated arrangements for dealing with citizen
inquiries.
a. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA). The LFA is responsible
for information on the status of the overall Federal response, specific
LFA response activities, and the status of onsite conditions.
The LFA will:
(1) Develop joint information procedures for providing Federal
information to and for obtaining information from all Federal agencies
participating in the response;
(2) Work with the owner/operator and State and local government
information officers to develop timely coordinated public information
releases;
(3) Inform the media that the JIC is the primary source of onscene
public information and news from facility, local, State, and Federal
spokespersons;
(4) Establish and manage Federal public information operations at
the JIC; and
(5) Coordinate Federal public information among the various media
centers.
b. Role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA
will assist the LFA in coordinating non-technical information among
Federal agencies and with the State. When mutually agreeable, FEMA may
assume responsibility from the LFA for coordinating Federal public
information. Should this occur, it will usually be after the onsite
situation has been stabilized and recovery efforts have begun.
c. Role of Other Participating Agencies.
All Federal agencies with an operational response role under the
FRERP will coordinate public information activities at the JIC. Each
Federal agency will provide information on the status of its response
and on technical information.
7. Congressional and White House Coordination
a. Congressional Coordination. Federal agencies will coordinate
their responses to Congressional requests for information with the LFA.
Points of contact for this function are the Congressional Liaison
Officers. All Federal agency Congressional Liaison Officers and
Congressional staffs seeking site-specific information about the
emergency should contact the LFA headquarters Congressional Affairs
Office. Congress may request information directly from any Federal
agency. Any agency responding to such requests should inform the LFA as
soon as feasible.
b. White House Coordination. The LFA will report to the President
and keep the White House informed on all aspects of the emergency. The
White House may request information directly from any Federal agency.
Any agency responding to such requests should inform the LFA as soon as
feasible. The LFA will submit reports to the White House. The initial
report should cover, if possible, the nature of and prognosis for the
radiological situation causing the emergency and the actual or
potential offsite radiological impact. Subsequent reports by the LFA
should cover the status of mitigation, corrective actions, protective
measures, and overall Federal response to the emergency. Federal
agencies should provide information related to the technical and
radiological aspects of the response directly to the LFA. FEMA will
compile information related to the non-technical resource support
aspects of the response and submit to the LFA for inclusion in the
report(s).
8. International Coordination
In the event of an environmental impact or potential impact upon
the United States, its possessions, Territories, or territorial waters
from a radiological emergency originating on foreign soil or,
conversely, a domestic incident with an actual or potential foreign
impact, the LFA will immediately inform DOS (which has responsibility
for official interactions with foreign governments). The LFA will keep
DOS informed of all Federal response activities. The DOS will
coordinate notification and information gathering activities with
foreign governments, except in cases where existing bilateral
agreements permit direct communication. Where the LFA has existing
bilateral agreements that permit direct exchange of information, those
agencies should keep DOS informed of consultations with their foreign
counterparts. Agency officials should take care that consultations do
not exceed the scope of the relevant agreement(s). The LFA will ensure
that any offers of assistance to or requests from foreign governments
are coordinated with DOS.
9. Response Function Overview
Table II-2 provides an overview of the responsible Federal agencies
for major response functions.
Table II-2.--Response Function Overview
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Response action Responsible agency
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Maintain cognizance of the Federal response; conduct and manage Federal LFA.
onsite actions.
(2) Coordinate Federal offsite radiological monitoring and assessment:
--Initial Response....................................................... DOE.
--Intermediate and Long-Term Response.................................... EPA.
(3) Develop and evaluate recommendations for offsite protective actions for LFA, in coordination with other
the public. agencies.
(4) Present recommendations for offsite protective actions to the appropriate LFA, in conjunction with FEMA and
State and/or local officials. other Federal agencies when
practical.
(5) Coordinate Federal offsite non-technical resource support................ FEMA.
(6) Coordinate release of Federal information to the public.................. LFA; FEMA after mutual agreement.
(7) Coordinate release of Federal information to Congress.................... LFA.
(8) Provide reports to the President and keep the White House informed on all LFA.
aspects of the emergency.
(9) Coordinate international aspects and make required international DOS; LFA as appropriate.
notifications.
(10) Coordinate the law-enforcement aspects of a criminal act involving DOJ.
radioactive material.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E. Stages of the Federal Response
The Federal response is divided into five stages: Notification,
Activation and Deployment, Response Operations, Response Deactivation,
and Recovery.
1. Notification
The owner or operator of the facility or radiological activity is
generally the first to become aware of a radiological emergency and is
responsible for notifying the State and local authorities and the LFA.
The notification should include:
(1) Location and nature of the accident,
(2) An assessment of the severity of the problem,
(3) Potential and actual offsite consequences, and
(4) Initial response actions.
If any Federal agency receives notification from any source other
than FEMA or the LFA, the agency will notify the LFA. See Figure II-1
for the notification process.
a. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA). (1) Verify accuracy of
notification,
(2) Notify FEMA and advisory team agencies and provide information,
(3) Verify that other Federal agencies have been notified, and
(4) Verify that the State has been notified.
b. Role of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (1) Verify
that the State has been notified of the emergency, and
(2) Notify other Federal agencies as appropriate.
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2. Activation and Deployment
Once notified, each agency will respond according to its plan. The
LFA will assess the technical response requirements and cause the
activation and deployment of response components. FEMA, in conjunction
with the LFA, will coordinate the non-technical assistance in support
of State and local governments. Initially, the LFA, FEMA, and other
Federal agencies will coordinate response actions from their
headquarters locations, usually from their respective headquarters
EOCs.
a. Role of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA). (1) Deploy LFA response
personnel to the scene and provide liaison to the State and local
authorities as appropriate;
(2) Designate a Federal Onscene Commander (OSC) at the scene of the
emergency to manage onsite activities and coordinate the overall
Federal response to the emergency;
(3) Establish bases of Federal operation, such as the JOC and the
JIC;
(4) Coordinate the Federal response with the owner/operator; and
(5) Provide advice on the radiological hazard to the Federal
responders.
b. Role of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (1) Deploy
an Advance Emergency Response Team (ERT-A) to the State EOC;
(2) Designate a Senior FEMA Official (SFO);
(3) Establish a DFO; and
(4) Establish contact with the LFA and the responsible State agency
to determine the status of response efforts.
c. Role of Other Federal Agencies. (1) Designate an onscene Senior
Agency Official;
(2) Activate agency emergency response personnel and deploy them to
the scene;
(3) Deploy FRMAC assets;
(4) Deploy Advisory Team representatives;
(5) Keep the LFA and FEMA informed of status of response
activities; and
(6) Coordinate all State requests and offsite activities with the
LFA and FEMA, as appropriate.
3. Response Operations
The following describes the general operational structure for
meeting Federal agency roles and responsibilities in response to a
radiological emergency. At the headquarters level, the LFA, FEMA, and
other Federal agencies (OFAs) will generally exchange liaison personnel
and maintain staffs at their EOCs to support their respective onscene
operations. Federal agencies may also activate a regional or field
office EOC in support of the emergency. Figure II-2 provides a graphic
depiction of the onscene structure.
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a. Joint Operations Center (JOC). The JOC\1\ is established by the
LFA under the operational control of the Federal OSC, as the focal
point for management and direction of onsite activities, establishment
of State requirements and priorities, and coordination of the overall
Federal response. The JOC may be established in a separate onscene
location or collocated with an existing emergency operations facility.
The following elements may be represented in the JOC:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\For NRC reactor licensees, the JOC is within the Emergency
Operations Facility (EOF). The EOF would be staffed in accordance
with the owner/operator's site specific Emergency Plan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) LFA staff and onsite liaison;
(b) FEMA/DFO liaison;
(c) FRMAC liaison;
(d) Advisory Team liaison;
(e) Other Federal agency liaison, as needed;
(f) LFA Public information liaison;
(g) LFA Congressional liaison; and
(h) State and local liaison.
b. Disaster Field Office (DFO). The DFO is established by FEMA,
under the operational control of the SFO, as the focal point for the
coordination and provision of non-technical resource support based on
coordinated State requirements/priorities. The DFO is established at an
onscene location in coordination with State and local authorities and
other Federal agencies. The following elements may be represented in
the DFO:
(a) LFA liaison,
(b) Other appropriate Federal agency personnel,
(c) State and local liaison,
(d) Public information liaison, and
(e) Congressional liaison.
c. Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC).
The FRMAC is established by DOE (with subsequent transfer to EPA for
intermediate and long-term actions) for the coordination of Federal
radiological monitoring and assessment activities with that of State
and local agencies. The FRMAC is established at an onscene location in
coordination with State and local authorities and other Federal
agencies. The following elements may be represented in the FRMAC:
(a) DOE/DOE contractor technical staff and capabilities;
(b) EPA/EPA contractor technical staff and capabilities;
(c) DOC technical staff and capabilities;
(d) LFA technical liaison;
(e) DOE public information liaison;
(f) Other Federal agency liaisons, as needed;
(g) State and local liaison; and
(h) DFO liaison.
d. Advisory Team on Environment, Food, and Health. The Advisory
Team is established by representatives from EPA, LFA, USDA, HHS, and
other Federal agencies as needed for the provision of interagency
coordinated advice and recommendations to the LFA concerning
environmental, food, and health matters. For the ease of transfer of
radiological monitoring and assessment data and coordination with
Federal, State, and local representatives, the Advisory Team is
normally collocated with the FRMAC.
e. Joint Information Center (JIC). The JIC\2\ is established by the
LFA, under the operational control of the LFA-designated Public
Information Officer, as a focal point for the coordination and
provision of information to the public and media concerning the Federal
response to the emergency. The JIC is established at an onscene
location in coordination with State and local agencies and other
Federal agencies. The following elements should be represented at the
JIC:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\For NRC licensees, the Federal JIC is within the JIC
established by the owner/operator.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) LFA Public Information Officer and staff;
(b) FEMA Public Information Officer and staff;
(c) Other Federal agency Public Information, as needed;
(d) State and local Public Information Officers; and
(e) Owner/Operator Public Information Officers and staff.
4. Response Deactivation
a. Each agency will discontinue emergency response operations when
advised that Federal assistance is no longer required from their agency
or when its statutory responsibilities have been fulfilled. Prior to
discontinuing its response operation, each agency should discuss its
intent to do so with the LFA, FEMA, and the State.
b. The LFA will consult with participating Federal agencies and the
State and local government to determine when the Federal information
coordination operations at the JIC should be terminated. This will
occur normally at a time when the rate of information generated and
coordinated by the LFA has decreased to the point where it can be
handled through the normal day-to-day coordination process. The LFA
will inform the other participants of their intention to deactivate
Federal information coordination operations at the JIC and advise them
of the procedures for continued coordination of information pertinent
to recovery from the radiological emergency.
c. FEMA will consult with the LFA, other Federal agencies, and the
State(s) as to when the onscene coordination operation of the DFO is no
longer required. Prior to ending operations at the DFO, FEMA will
inform all participating organizations of the schedule for doing so.
d. The LFA will terminate JOC operations and the Federal response
after consulting with FEMA, other participating Federal agencies, and
State and local officials, and after determining that onscene Federal
assistance is no longer required.
e. The agency managing the FRMAC will consult with the LFA, FEMA,
other participating Federal agencies, and State and local officials to
determine when a formal FRMAC structure and organization is no longer
required. Normally, this will occur when operations move into the
recovery phase and extensive Federal multi-agency resources are no
longer required to augment State and local radiological monitoring and
assessment activities.
5. Recovery
a. The State or local governments have the primary responsibility
for planning the recovery of the affected area. (The term recovery as
used here encompasses any action dedicated to the continued protection
of the public and resumption of normal activities in the affected
area.) Recovery planning will be initiated at the request of the
States, but it will generally not take place until after the initiating
conditions of the emergency have stabilized and immediate actions to
protect public health and safety and property have been accomplished.
The Federal Government will, on request, assist the State and local
governments in developing offsite recovery plans, prior to the
deactivation of the Federal response. The LFA will coordinate the
overall activity of Federal agencies involved in the recovery process.
b. The radiological monitoring and assessment activities will be
terminated when the EPA, after consultation with the LFA and other
participating Federal agencies, and State and local officials,
determines that:
(1) There is no longer a threat to the public health and safety or
to the environment,
(2) State and local resources are adequate for the situation, and
(3) There is mutual agreement of the agencies involved to terminate
the response.
Appendix A--Acronyms
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DFO Disaster Field Office
DOC Department of Commerce
DOD Department of Defense
DOE Department of Energy
DOI Department of the Interior
DOJ Department of Justice
DOS Department of State
DOT Department of Transportation
EICC Emergency Information and Coordination Center
E.O. Executive Order
EOC Emergency Operations Center
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ERT Emergency Response Team
ERT-A Advance Emergency Response Team
FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation
FCO Federal Coordinating Officer
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FRERP Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan
FRMAC Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center
FRP Federal Response Plan
FRPCC Federal Radiological Preparedness Coordinating Committee
GSA General Services Administration
HHS Department of Health and Human Services
HUD Department of Housing and Urban Development
JIC Joint Information Center
JOC Joint Operations Center
LFA Lead Federal Agency
MERRT Medical Emergency Radiological Response Team
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NCS National Communications System
NDA National Defense Area
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DOC)
NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NSA National Security Area
OSC Onscene Commander
PAG Protective Action Guide
PIO Public Information Officer
RAP Radiological Assistance Program (DOE)
SCO State Coordinating Officer
SFO Senior FEMA Official
TLD thermoluminescent dosimeter
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
VA Department of Veterans Affairs
Appendix B--Definitions
Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health--An interagency
team, consisting of representatives from EPA, HHS, USDA, and
representatives from other Federal agencies as necessary, that
provide advice to the LFA and States, as requested on matters
associated with environment, food, and health issues during a
radiological emergency.
Agreement State--A State that has entered into an Agreement
under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, in which NRC has
relinquished to such States the majority of its regulatory authority
over source, byproduct, and special nuclear material in quantities
not sufficient to form a critical mass.
Assessment--The evaluation and interpretation of radiological
measurements and other information to provide a basis for decision-
making. Assessment can include projections of offsite radiological
impact.
Coordinate--To advance systematically an exchange of information
among principals who have or may have a need to know certain
information in order to carry out their role in a response.
Disaster Field Office (DFO)--A center established in or near the
designated area from which the Senior FEMA Official (SFO) and
representatives of Federal response agencies will interact with
State and local government representatives to coordinate non-
technical resource support.
Emergency--Any natural or man-caused situation that results in
or may result in substantial injury or harm to the population or
substantial damage to or loss of property.
Emergency Response Team (ERT)--A team of Federal interagency
personnel headed by FEMA deployed to the site of an emergency to
serve as the SFO's key staff and assist with accomplishing FEMA
responsibilities at the DFO.
Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO)--The senior Federal official
appointed in accordance with the provisions of Pub. L. 93-288, as
amended, to coordinate the overall response and recovery activities.
The FCO represents the President as provided by sec. 303 of Pub. L.
93-288, as amended, for the purpose of coordinating the
administration of Federal relief activities in the designated area.
Additionally, the FCO is delegated responsibilities and performs
those for the FEMA Director as outlined in E.O. 12148, as amended,
and those responsibilities delegated to the FEMA Regional Director
in 44 CFR Part 206.
Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC)--
An operations center usually established near the scene of a
radiological emergency from which the Federal field monitoring and
assessment assistance is directed and coordinated.
Federal Radiological Preparedness Coordinating Committee
(FRPCC)--An interagency committee, created by 44 CFR Part 351, to
coordinate Federal radiological planning and training.
Federal Response Plan (FRP)--A plan designed to address the
consequences of any disaster or emergency situation in which there
is a need for Federal assistance under the authorities of the Robert
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Pub. L.
93-288, as amended).
FRMAC Director--The person designated by DOE or EPA to manage
operations in the FRMAC.
Joint Information Center (JIC)--A center established to
coordinate the Federal public information activities onscene. It is
the central point of contact for all news media at the scene of the
incident. Public information officials from all participating
Federal agencies should collocate at the JIC. Public information
officials from participating State and local agencies also may
collocate at the JIC.
Joint Operations Center (JOC)--Established by the LFA under the
operational control of the OSC, as the focal point for management
and direction of onsite activities, coordination/establishment of
State requirements/priorities, and coordination of the overall
Federal response.
Joint U.S. Government/Foreign Government Space Venture--Any
space venture conducted jointly by the U.S. Government (DOD or NASA)
with a foreign government or foreign governmental entity that is
characterized by an ongoing U.S. Government interest in the
successful completion of the mission, active involvement in mission
operations, and uses radioactive sources and/or classified
components, regardless of which country owns or provides said
sources or components, within the space vehicle. For the purposes of
this plan, in a situation whereby the U.S. Government simply sells
or supplies radioactive material to a foreign country for use in a
space vehicle and otherwise has no active mission involvement, it
shall not be considered a joint venture.
Lead Federal Agency (LFA)--The agency which is responsible for
leading and coordinating all aspects of the Federal response is
referred to as the LFA and is determined by the type of emergency.
In situations where a Federal agency owns, authorizes, regulates, or
is otherwise deemed responsible for the facility or radiological
activity causing the emergency and has authority to conduct and
manage Federal actions onsite, that agency normally will be the LFA.
License--An authorization issued to a facility owner or operator
by the NRC pursuant to the conditions of the Atomic Energy Act of
1954 (as amended), or issued by an Agreement State pursuant to
appropriate State laws. NRC licenses certain activities under
section 170(a) of that Act.
Local Government--Any county, city, village, town, district, or
political subdivision of any State, and Indian tribe or authorized
tribal organization, or Alaska Native village or organization,
including any rural community or unincorporated town or village or
any other public entity.
Monitoring--The use of sampling and radiation detection
equipment to determine the levels of radiation.
National Defense Area (NDA)--An area established on non-Federal
lands located within the United States, its possessions or its
territories, for safeguarding classified defense information or
protecting DOD equipment and/or material. Establishment of a
National Defense Area temporarily places such non-Federal lands
under the effective control of the Department of Defense and results
only from an emergency event. The senior DOD representative at the
scene shall define the boundary, mark it with a physical barrier,
and post warning signs. The landowner's consent and cooperation
shall be obtained whenever possible; however, military necessity
shall dictate the final location, shape, and size of the NDA.
National Security Area (NSA)--An area established on non-Federal
lands located within the United States, its possessions or
territories, for safeguarding classified information, and/or
restricted data or equipment and material belonging to DOE or NASA.
Establishment of a National Security Area temporarily places such
non-Federal lands under the effective control of DOE or NASA and
results only from an emergency event. The senior DOE or NASA
representative having custody of the material at the scene shall
define the boundary, mark it with a physical barrier, and post
warning signs. The landowner's consent and cooperation shall be
obtained whenever possible; however, operational necessity shall
dictate the final location, shape, and size of the NSA.
Nuclear Facilities--Nuclear installations that use or produce
radioactive materials in their normal operations.
Offsite--The area outside the boundary of the onsite area. For
emergencies occurring at fixed nuclear facilities, ``offsite''
generally refers to the area beyond the facility boundary. For
emergencies that do not occur at fixed nuclear facilities and for
which no physical boundary exists, the circumstances of the
emergency will dictate the boundary of the offsite area. Unless a
Federal agency has the authority to define and control a restricted
area, the State or local government will define an area as
``onsite'' at the time of the emergency, based on required response
activities.
Offsite Federal Support--Federal assistance in mitigating the
offsite consequences of an emergency and protecting the public
health and safety, including assistance with determining and
implementing public protective action measures.
Onscene--The area directly affected by radiological
contamination and environs. Onscene includes onsite and offsite
areas.
Onscene Commander (OSC)--The lead official designated at the
scene of the emergency to manage onsite activities and coordinate
the overall Federal response to the emergency.
Onsite--The area within (a) the boundary established by the
owner or operator of a fixed nuclear facility, or (b) the area
established by the LFA as a National Defense Area or National
Security Area, or (c) the area established around a downed/ditched
U.S. spacecraft, or (d) the boundary established at the time of the
emergency by the State or local government with jurisdiction for a
transportation accident not occurring at a fixed nuclear facility
and not involving nuclear weapons.
Onsite Federal Support--Federal assistance that is the primary
responsibility of the Federal agency that owns, authorizes,
regulates, or is otherwise deemed responsible for the radiological
facility or material being transported, i.e., the LFA. This response
supports State and local efforts by supporting the owner or
operator's efforts to bring the incident under control and thereby
prevent or minimize offsite consequences.
Owner or Operator--The organization that owns or operates the
nuclear facility or carrier or cargo that causes the radiological
emergency. The owner or operator may be a Federal agency, a State or
local government, or a private business.
Protective Action Guide (PAG)--A radiation exposure or
contamination level or range established by appropriate Federal or
State agencies at which protective actions should be considered.
Protective Action Recommendation (Federal)--Federal advice to
State and local governments on measures that they should take to
avoid or reduce exposure of the public to radiation from an
accidental release of radioactive material. This includes emergency
actions such as sheltering, evacuation, and prophylactic use of
iodine. It also includes longer term measures to avoid or minimize
exposure to residual radiation or exposure through the ingestion
pathway such as restriction of food, temporary relocation, and
permanent resettlement.
Public Information Officer (PIO)--Official at headquarters or in
the field responsible for preparing and coordinating the
dissemination of public information in cooperation with other
responding Federal, State, and local agencies.
Radiological Assistance Program (RAP) Team--A response team
dispatched to the site of a radiological incident by the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE) regional coordinating office responding
to a radiological incident. RAP Teams are located at DOE operations
offices and national laboratories and some area offices.
Radiological Emergency--A radiological incident that poses an
actual, potential, or perceived hazard to public health or safety or
loss of property.
Recovery--Recovery, in this document, includes all types of
emergency actions dedicated to the continued protection of the
public or to promoting the resumption of normal activities in the
affected area.
Recovery Plan--A plan developed by each State, with assistance
from the responding Federal agencies, to restore the affected area.
Regional Operations Center (ROC)--The temporary operations
facility for the coordination of Federal response and recovery
activities, located at the FEMA Regional Office (or at the Federal
Regional Center) and led by the FEMA Regional Director or Deputy
Director until the DFO becomes operational.
Senior FEMA Official (SFO)--Official appointed by the Director
of FEMA, or his representative, to direct the FEMA response at the
scene of a radiological emergency.
State Coordinating Officer (SCO)--An official designated by the
Governor of the affected State to work with the LFA's Onscene
Commander and Senior FEMA Official in coordinating the response
efforts of Federal, State, local, volunteer, and private agencies.
Subcommittee on Federal Response--A subcommittee of the Federal
Radiological Preparedness Coordinating Committee formed to develop
and test the Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan. Most
agencies that will participate in the Federal radiological emergency
response are represented on this subcommittee.
Transportation Emergency--For the purposes of this plan, any
emergency that involves a transportation vehicle or shipment
containing radioactive materials outside the boundaries of a
facility.
Transportation of Radioactive Materials--The loading, unloading,
movement, or temporary storage en route of radioactive materials.
Appendix C--Federal Agency Response Missions, Capabilities and
Resources, References, and Authorities
Each Federal agency develops and maintains a plan which describes a
detailed concept of operations for implementing this Plan. This section
contains summary information about the following Federal agencies:
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Department of Commerce (DOC)
Department of Defense (DOD)
Department of Energy (DOE)
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Department of the Interior (DOI)
Department of Justice (DOJ)
Department of State (DOS)
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
General Services Administration (GSA)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
National Communications System (NCS)
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Summary information for each agency contains: (1) A response
mission statement, (2) a description of the agency's response
capabilities and resources, (3) agency response plan and procedures
references, and (4) sources of agency authority.
A. Department of Agriculture
1. Summary of Response Mission
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides
assistance to State and local governments in developing agricultural
protective action recommendations and in providing agricultural
damage assessments. USDA actively participates with EPA and HHS on
the Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health when convened.
USDA regulatory responsibilities for the inspection of meat, meat
products, poultry, poultry products, and egg products are essential
uninterruptible functions that would continue during an emergency.
2. Capabilities and Resources
USDA can provide assistance to State and local governments
through emergency response personnel located at its Washington, DC,
headquarters and from USDA State and county Emergency Board
representatives located throughout the country. USDA Emergency Board
representatives have knowledge of local agriculture and can provide
specific advice to the local agricultural community. In addition,
USDA, State, and county Emergency Boards can assist in the
collection of agricultural samples during a radiological emergency.
The functions and capabilities of the USDA to provide assistance
in the event of a radiological emergency include the following:
(1) Provide assistance through regular USDA programs, if legally
adaptable to radiological emergencies;
(2) Provide emergency food coupon assistance in officially
designated disaster areas, if a need is determined by officials and
if the commercial food system is sufficient to accommodate the use
of food coupons;
(3) Assist in reallocation of USDA-donated food supplies from
warehouses, local schools, and other outlets to emergency care
centers. These are foods donated to various outlets through USDA
food programs;
(4) Provide lists that identify locations of alternate sources
of food and livestock feed and arrange for transportation of the
food and feed if requested;
(5) Provide advice to State and local officials regarding the
disposition of livestock and poultry contaminated by radiation;
(6) Inspect meat and meat products, poultry and poultry
products, and egg products identified for interstate and foreign
commerce to assure that they are safe for human consumption;
(7) Assist State and local officials, in coordination with HHS
and EPA, in the recommendation and implementation of protective
actions to limit or prevent the ingestion of contaminated food;
(8) Assist, in conjunction with HHS, in monitoring the
production, processing, storage, and distribution of food through
the wholesale level to eliminate contaminated product or to reduce
the contamination in the product to a safe level;
(9) Assess damage to crops, soil, livestock, poultry, and
processing facilities; and incorporate findings into a damage
assessment report;
(10) Provide advice to State and local officials on minimizing
losses to agricultural resources from radiation effects;
(11) Provide information and assistance to farmers, food
processors, and distributors to aid them in returning to normal
after a radiological emergency;
(12) Provide a liaison to State agricultural agencies if
requested;
(13) Assist DOE at the FRMAC in collecting agricultural samples
within the Ingestion Exposure Pathway Emergency Planning Zone.
Assist in the evaluation and assessment of data to determine the
impact of the emergency on agriculture;
(14) Assist in providing temporary housing for evacuees who have
been displaced from their homes due to a radiological emergency; and
(15) Provide emergency communications assistance to the
agricultural community through the Cooperative Extension System, an
electronic mail system.
3. USDA References
USDA Radiological Emergency Response Plan, January 1988.
4. USDA Specific Authorities
(1) Title 7, U.S.C. 241-273.
(2) Title 7, U.S.C. 341-349.
(3) Title 7, U.S.C. 612 C.
(4) Title 7, U.S.C. 612 C Note.
(5) Title 7, U.S.C. 1431.
(6) Title 7, U.S.C. 1622.
(7) Title 7, U.S.C. 2014(h).
(8) Title 7, U.S.C. 2204.
(9) Title 16, U.S.C. 590 a-f.
(10) Title 21, U.S.C. 451 et seq.
(11) Title 21, U.S.C. 601 et seq.
(12) Title 21, U.S.C. 1031-1056.
(13) Title 42, U.S.C. 1480.
(14) Title 42, U.S.C. 3271-3274.
(15) Title 50, U.S.C. Appendix 2251 et seq.
(16) Title 7, CFR 2.51 (a)(30).
(17) E.O. 12656, November 18, 1988.
(18) DR 1800-1, March 5, 1993.
B. Department of Commerce
1. Summary of Response Mission
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is
the primary agency within the Department of Commerce (DOC)
responsible for providing assistance to the Federal, State, and
local organizations responding to a radiological emergency. Other
assistance may be provided by the National Institute of Standards
and Technology. DOC's responsibilities include:
(1) Acquiring and disseminating weather data and providing
weather forecasts in direct support of the emergency response
operation;
(2) Preparing and disseminating predictions of plume
trajectories, dispersion, and deposition of radiological material
released into the atmosphere;
(3) Providing local meteorological support as needed to assure
the quality of these predictions;
(4) Organizing and maintaining a special data archive for
meteorological information related to the emergency and its
assessment;
(5) Ensuring that marine fishery products available to the
public are not contaminated;
(6) Providing assistance and reference material for calibrating
radiological instruments; and
(7) Loaning radiation shielding materials.
2. Capabilities and Resources
NOAA is the principal DOC participant in the response to a
radiation accident. NOAA prepares both routine and special weather
forecasts, and makes use of these forecasts to predict atmospheric
transport and dispersion. NOAA's forecasts may be the basis for all
public announcements on the movement of contamination from accidents
occurring outside U.S. territory or during domestic accidents when
any released radioactive material is expected to be carried offsite.
NOAA has capabilities to do the following:
(1) Provide current and forecast meteorological information as
needed to guide aerial monitoring and sampling, and to predict the
transport and dispersion of radioactive materials (gases, liquids,
and particles).
(2) Routinely forecast the atmospheric transport, dispersion,
and deposition of the radioactive materials, and disseminate the
results of these computations via automatic facsimile to all
relevant parties, twice per day.
(3) Produce (and archive) special high-resolution meteorological
data sets for providing an improved capability to predict
atmospheric transport and dispersion of radioactive materials in the
atmosphere.
(4) Augment routine and special upper atmosphere and surface
meteorological observation systems, as required to improve the
quality of these predictions.
(5) Evaluate NOAA's transport and dispersion forecast products
in conjunction with those of other nations' weather services
responding to the emergency, to provide a more internationally
consistent product.
Additionally, DOC may provide support to HHS at its request,
through the National Marine Fisheries Service, in order to avoid
human consumption of contaminated commercial fishery products
(marine area only). The National Institute of Standards and
Technology can assist in calibrating radiological instruments by
comparison with national standards or by providing standard
reference materials for calibration, as well as making extensive
data on the physical properties of materials available. The National
Institute of Standards and Technology can also supply temporary
radiation shielding materials.
3. DOC References
National Plan for Radiological Emergencies at Commercial Nuclear
Power Plants. Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and
Supporting Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, November 1982.
4. DOC Specific Authorities
Department of Commerce Organization Order 25-5B, as amended,
June 18, 1987.
C. Department of Defense
1. Summary of Response Mission
The Department of Defense (DOD) is charged with the safe
handling, storage, maintenance, assembly, and transportation of
nuclear weapons and other radioactive materials in DOD custody, and
with the safe operation of DOD nuclear facilities. Inherent in this
responsibility is the requirement to protect life and property from
any health or safety hazards that could ensue from an accident or
significant incident associated with these materials or activities.
The DOD role in a Federal response will depend on the
circumstances of the emergency. DOD will be the LFA if the emergency
involves one of its facilities or a nuclear weapon in its custody.
Within DOD, the military service or agency responsible for the
facility, ship, or area is responsible for the onsite response. The
military service or agency having custody of the material outside an
installation boundary is responsible for the onsite response. For
emergencies occurring under circumstances for which DOD is not
responsible, DOD will not be the LFA, but will support and assist in
the Federal response.
2. Capabilities and Resources
Offsite authority and responsibility at a nuclear accident rest
with State and local officials. It is important to recognize that
for nuclear weapons or weapon component accidents, land may be
temporarily placed under effective Federal control by the
establishment of a National Defense Area or National Security Area
to protect U.S. Government classified materials. These lands will
revert back to State control upon disestablishment of the National
Defense Area or National Security Area.
DOD has a trained and equipped nuclear response organization to
deal with accidents at its facilities or involving materials in its
custody. Radiological resources include trained response personnel,
specialized radiation instruments, and mobile instrument calibration
and repair capabilities. DOD also may perform special sampling of
airborne contamination on request. Descriptions of the capabilities
and assets of DOD response teams can be found in DOD 5100.52M.
DOD may provide assistance in the form of personnel, logistics
and telecommunications, assistance and expertise in site
restoration, including airlift services, when available, upon the
request of the LFA or FEMA. Requests for assistance must be directed
to the National Military Command Center or through channels
established by prior agreements.
3. DOD References
(1) DOD Directive 5100.52, DOD Response to an Accident or
Significant Incident Involving Radiological Materials.
(2) DOD Directive 5230.16, Nuclear Accident and Incident Public
Affairs Guidance.
(3) DOD Directive 3025.1, Military Support to Civil Authorities.
(4) DOD Directive 3025.12, Military Assistance for Civil
Disturbances.
(5) DOD Directive 3150.5, DOD Response to Improvised Nuclear
Device (IND) Incident.
(6) DOD 5100.52M, Nuclear Weapon Accident Response Procedures
(NARP) Manual.
(7) Joint Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Energy,
and Department of Defense Agreement for Response to Improvised
Nuclear Device Incidents.
4. DOD Specific Authorities
(1) The Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.
(2) Pub. L. 97-351 ``Convention on the Physical Protection of
Nuclear Material Implementation Act of 1982.''
(3) Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Federal
Emergency Management Agency Memorandum of Agreement of Response to
Nuclear Weapon Accidents and Nuclear Weapon Significant Incidents,
1983.
D. Department of Energy
1. Summary of Response Mission
The Department of Energy (DOE) owns and operates a variety of
radiological activities throughout the United States. These
activities include: fixed nuclear sites; the use, storage, and
shipment of a variety of radioactive materials; the shipment of
spent reactor fuel; the production, assembly, and shipment of
nuclear weapons and special nuclear materials; the production and
shipment of radioactive sources for space ventures; and the storage
and shipment of radioactive and mixed waste. DOE is responsible for
the safe operation of these activities and should an emergency occur
at one of its sites or an activity under its control, DOE will be
the LFA for the Federal response.
Due to its technical capabilities and resources, the DOE may
perform other roles within the Federal response to a radiological
emergency. With extensive, field-based radiological resources
throughout the United States available for emergency deployment, the
DOE responds to requests for offsite radiological monitoring and
assessment assistance and serves as the initial coordinator of all
such Federal assistance (to include initial management of the FRMAC)
to State and local governments. With other specialized, deployable
assets, DOE assists other Federal agencies responding to malevolent
nuclear emergencies, accidents involving nuclear weapons not under
DOE custody, emergencies caused by satellites containing radioactive
sources, and other radiological incidents as appropriate.
2. Capabilities and Resources
DOE has trained personnel, radiological instruments, mobile
laboratories, and radioanalytical facilities located at its national
laboratories, production, and other facilities throughout the
country. Through eight Regional Coordinating Offices, these
resources form the basis for the Radiological Assistance Program,
which can provide technical assistance in any radiological
emergency. DOE can provide specialized radiation detection
instruments and support for both its response as LFA and as initial
coordinator of Federal radiological monitoring and assessment
assistance. Some of the specialized resources and capabilities
include:
(1) Aerial monitoring capability for tracking dispersion of
radioactive material and mapping ground contamination;
(2) A computer-based, emergency preparedness and response
predictive capability that provides rapid predictions of the
transport, diffusion, and deposition of radionuclides released to
the atmosphere and dose projections to people and the environment;
(3) Specialized equipment and instruments and response teams for
locating radioactive materials and handling damaged nuclear weapons;
(4) Medical experts on radiation effects and the treatment of
exposed or contaminated patients; and
(5) Support facilities for DOE response, including command post
supplies, communications systems, generators, and portable video and
photographic capabilities.
3. DOE References
(1) DOE Order 5500.1B, Emergency Management System, April 1991.
(2) DOE Order 5500.2B, Emergency Categories, Classes, and
Notification and Reporting Requirements, April 1991.
(3) DOE Order 5500.3A, Planning and Preparedness for Operational
Emergencies, April 1991.
(4) DOE Order 5500.4, Public Affairs Policy and Planning
Requirements for Emergencies, August 1981.
(5) DOE Order 5530.1A, Accident Response Group, September 1991.
(6) DOE Order 5530.2, Nuclear Emergency Search Team, September
1991.
(7) DOE Order 5530.3, Radiological Assistance Program, January
1992.
(8) DOE Order 5530.4, Aerial Measuring System, September 1991.
(9) DOE Order 5530.5, Federal Radiological Monitoring and
Assessment Center, July 1992.
4. DOE Specific Authorities
(1) Atomic Energy Act of 1954 as amended.
(2) Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-438).
(3) Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 (Pub. L. 95-
91).
(4) Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (Pub. L. 97-425).
(5) Title 44, CFR, Part 351, Radiological Emergency Planning and
Preparedness, March 1982.
E. Department of Health and Human Services
1. Summary of Response Mission
In a radiological emergency, the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) assists with the assessment, preservation, and
protection of human health and helps ensure the availability of
essential health/medical and human services. Overall, HHS emergency
response is coordinated by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Health, Office of Emergency Preparedness. HHS provides technical and
nontechnical assistance in the form of advice, guidance, and
resources to Federal, State, and local governments. The principal
HHS response comes from the U.S. Public Health Service. HHS actively
participates with EPA and USDA on the Advisory Team for Environment,
Food, and Health when convened.
2. Capabilities and Resources
HHS has personnel located at headquarters, regional offices, and
at laboratories and other facilities who can provide assistance in
radiological emergencies. The agency can provide the following kinds
of advice, guidance, and assistance:
(1) Assist State and local government officials in making
evacuation and relocation decisions;
(2) Ensure the availability of health and medical care and other
human services (especially for the aged, the poor, the infirm, the
blind, and others most in need);
(3) Provide advice and guidance in assessing the impact of the
effects of radiological incidents on the health of persons in the
affected area;
(4) Assist in providing crisis counseling to victims in affected
geographic areas;
(5) Provide guidance on the use of radioprotective substances
(e.g., thyroid blocking agents), including dosage, and also
projected radiation doses that warrant the use of such drugs;
(6) In conjunction with DOE and DOD, advise medical personnel on
proper medical treatment of people exposed to or contaminated by
radioactive materials;
(7) Recommend Protective Action Guides for food and animal feed
and assist in developing technical recommendations on protective
measures for food and animal feed; and
(8) Provide guidance to State and local health officials on
disease control measures and epidemiological surveillance and study
of exposed populations.
3. HHS References
(1) 55 FR 2879, January 29, 1990--Delegations of authority to
the Assistant Secretary for Health for department-wide emergency
preparedness functions.
(2) 55 FR 2885, January 29, 1990--Statement of organization,
functions and delegations of authority to the Office of Emergency
Preparedness.
(3) Federal Response Plan, Emergency Support Functions #8
(Health and Medical Services), April 1992.
(4) Disaster Response Guides, Operating Divisions, Various
Dates.
4. HHS Specific Authorities
(1) Public Health Service Act.
(2) Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938.
(3) Snyder Act, 25 U.S.C. 13 (1921).
(4) Transfer Act (Pub. L. 83-568).
(5) Indian Health Care and Improvement Act (Pub. L. 14-437).
(6) Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950.
(7) Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980 (SUPERFUND) (Pub. L. 96-510) as amended by the
SUPERFUND Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (Pub. L. 99-
499) (1986).
(8) 42 U.S.C. 3030--Sec. 310 of the Older Americans Act.
(9) 42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.--Sec. 401 et seq. of the Social
Security Act.
(10) 45 CFR 233.120--Emergency Community Services Homeless Grant
Program.
(11) 45 CFR 233.120--AFDC Emergency Assistance Program.
(12) 45 CFR 233.20 (a)(2)(v)--AFDC Special Needs Allowance.
(13) Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (as amended), Sec. 366(0).
(14) Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, Title XXVI (as
amended by Pub. L.'s 98-558, 99-425, 101-501, 101-517)--Low Income
Home Energy Assistance Program.
(15) E.O. 12656, National Security Emergency Preparedness--Part
8.
F. Department of Housing and Urban Development
1. Summary of Response Mission
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides
information on available housing for disaster victims or displaced
persons. HUD assists in planning for and placing homeless victims by
providing emergency housing and technical and support staff within
available resources.
2. Capabilities and Resources
HUD has capabilities to do the following:
(1) Review and report on available housing for disaster victims
and displaced persons;
(2) Assist in planning for and placing homeless victims in
available housing;
(3) Provide staff to support emergency housing within available
resources; and
(4) Provide technical housing assistance and advisory personnel.
3. HUD References
HUD Handbook 3200.02, REV-3, ``Disaster Response and
Assistance.''
4. HUD Specific Authorities
HUD housing programs provide the Department some discretion, to
the extent permissible by law, in granting waivers of eligibility
requirements to disaster-displaced families. These programs provide
rental housing assistance, HUD/FHA-insured loans to repair and
rebuild homes, and HUD/FHA-insured loans to purchase new or existing
housing, under the following authorities:
(1) National Housing Act, as amended.
(2) United States Housing Act of 1977, as amended.
(3) Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
(4) National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-625).
G. Department of the Interior
1. Summary of Response Mission
The Department of the Interior (DOI) manages over 500 million
acres of Federal lands and thousands of Federal natural resources
facilities and is responsible for these lands and facilities, as
well as other natural resources such as endangered and threatened
species, migratory birds, anadromous fish, and marine mammals, when
they are threatened by a radiological emergency. In addition, DOI
coordinates emergency response plans for DOI-managed refuges, parks,
recreation areas, monuments, public lands, and Indian trust lands
with State and local authorities; operates its water resources
projects to protect municipal and agricultural water supplies in
cases of radiological emergencies; and provides advice and
assistance concerning hydrologic and natural resources, including
fish and wildlife, to Federal, State, and local government upon
request. DOI also administers the Federal Government's trust
responsibility for 512 Federally recognized Indian tribes and
villages, and about 50 million acres of Indian lands. The Bureau of
Indian Affairs of the Department of the Interior is available to
assist other agencies in consulting with these tribes about
radiological emergency preparedness and responses to emergencies.
DOI also has certain responsibilities for the island territories of
the United States.
2. Capabilities and Resources
DOI has personnel at headquarters and in regional offices with
technical expertise to do the following:
(1) Advise and assist in assessing the nature and extent of
radioactive releases to water resources including support of
monitoring personnel, equipment, and laboratory analytical
capabilities.
(2) Advise and assist in evaluating processes affecting
radioisotopes in soils, including personnel, equipment, and
laboratory support.
(3) Advise and assist in the development of geographical
information systems (GIS) databases to be used in the analysis and
assessment of contaminated areas including personnel, equipment, and
databases.
(4) Provide hydrologic advice and assistance, including
monitoring personnel, equipment, and laboratory support.
(5) Advise and assist in assessing and minimizing offsite
consequences on natural resources, including fish and wildlife, land
reclamation, mining, and mineral expertise.
(6) Advise and assist the Territories of Guam, American Samoa,
and the Virgin Islands and the Trust Territory of the Pacific
Islands (interim) on economic, social, and political matters.
(7) Coordinate and provide liaison between Federal, State, and
local agencies and Federally recognized Indian tribal governments on
questions of radiological emergency preparedness and responses to
incidents.
3. DOI References
(1) 910 DM 5 (Draft)--Interior Emergency Operations, Federal
Radiological Emergency Response Plan.
(2) 296 DM 3 (Draft)--Interior Emergency Delegations,
Radiological Emergencies.
4. DOI Specific Authorities
(1) Organic Act of 1879 providing for ``surveys, investigations,
and research covering the topography, geology, hydrology, and the
mineral and water resources of the United States.'' (43 U.S.C. 31)
(USGS).
(2) Appropriations Act of 1894 providing for gaging streams and
assessment of water supplies of the U.S. (28 Stat. 398) (USGS).
(3) OMB Circular A-67 (1964) giving DOI (USGS) responsibility
``* * * for the design and operation of the national network for
acquiring data on the quantity and quality of surface ground waters
* * *'' (USGS).
(4) The Reclamation Act of 1902, as amended (43 U.S.C. 391), and
project authorization acts (BuRec).
(5) National Park Service Act of 1916 (16 U.S.C. 1 et seq) and
park enabling acts (NPS).
(6) The Snyder Act of 1921, as amended (25 U.S.C. 13) DOI shall
direct, supervise, and expend such monies appropriated by Congress
for the benefit, care, and assistance of Indians throughout the
United States for such purposes as the relief of distress, and
conservation of health, for improvement of operation and maintenance
of existing Indian irrigation and water supply systems * * * etc.
(BIA).
(7) National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966,
as amended (16 U.S.C. 668dd), and refuge enabling acts (FWS).
(8) Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1701 et seq.) (BLM).
(9) Endangered Species Act (1973), Federal agencies may not
jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened
species (FWS).
(10) Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1918), Prohibits the taking of
migratory birds without permits (FWS).
(11) Anadromous Fish Conservation Act, Reestablishes anadromous
fish habitat (FWS).
(12) Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972), Conserves marine
mammals with management of certain species vested in DOI (FWS).
H. Department of Justice
1. Summary of Response Mission
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the lead agency for
coordinating the Federal response to acts of terrorism in the United
States and U.S. territories. Within the DOJ, the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) will manage the law enforcement aspect of the
Federal response to such incidents. The FBI also is responsible for
investigating all alleged or suspected criminal violations of the
Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.
2. Capabilities and Resources
The FBI will coordinate all law enforcement operations including
intelligence gathering, hostage negotiations, and tactical
operations.
3. DOJ References
(1) Memorandum of Understanding between DOJ, DOD, and DOE for
Responding to Domestic Malevolent Nuclear Weapons Emergencies.
(2) Federal Bureau of Investigation Nuclear Incident Response
Plan.
(3) Memorandum of Understanding between DOE and the FBI for
Responding to Nuclear Threat Incidents.
(4) Memorandum of Understanding between the FBI and the NRC
Regarding Nuclear Threat Incidents Involving NRC-Licensed
Facilities, Materials, or Activities.
(5) Memorandum of Understanding between DOE, FBI, White House
Military Office, and the U.S. Secret Service Regarding Nuclear
Incidents Concerning the Office of the President and Vice President
of the United States.
(6) Joint Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Energy,
and Department of Defense Agreement for Response to Improvised
Nuclear Device Incidents.
4. DOJ Specific Authorities
(1) Title 42, U.S.C., Sec. 2011-2284 (Atomic Energy Act of 1954,
as amended).
(2) Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 831 (Prohibited Transactions
Involving Nuclear Materials).
I. Department of State
1. Summary of Response Mission
The Department of State (DOS) is responsible for the conduct of
relations between the U.S. Government and other governments and
international organizations and for the protection of U.S. interests
and citizens abroad.
In a radiological emergency outside the United States, DOS is
responsible for coordinating U.S. Government actions concerning the
event in the country where it occurs (including evacuation of U.S.
citizens, if necessary) and internationally. Should the FRERP be
invoked due to the need for domestic action, DOS will continue to
hold this role within the FRPCC structure. Specifically, DOS will
coordinate foreign information-gathering activities and, in
particular, conduct all contacts with foreign governments except in
cases where existing bilateral agreements permit direct agency-to-
agency cooperation. In the latter situation, the U.S. agency will
keep DOS fully informed of all communications.
In a domestic radiological emergency with potential
international trans-boundary consequences, DOS will coordinate all
contacts with foreign governments and agencies except where existing
bilateral agreements provide for direct exchange of information. DOS
is responsible for conveying the U.S. Government response to foreign
offers of assistance.
2. Capabilities and Resources
The State Department maintains embassies, missions, interest
sections (in countries where the United States does not have
diplomatic relations), and consulates throughout the world. The
State Department Operations Center is capable of secure, immediate,
around-the-clock communications with diplomatic posts. The
diplomatic personnel stationed at a post are knowledgeable of local
factors important to clear and concise communication, and frequently
speak the local language. The Ambassador is the President's personal
representative to the host government, and his country team is
responsible for coordinating official contacts between the U.S.
Government and the host government or international organization.
3. DOS References
Task Force Manual for Crisis Management (rev. 11 January 1990).
4. DOS Specific Authorities
(1) Presidential Directive/NSC-27 (PD-27) of January 19, 1978.
(2) 22 U.S.C. 2656.
(3) 22 U.S.C. 2671(a)(92)(A).
J. Department of Transportation
1. Summary of Response Mission
The Department of Transportation (DOT) Radiological Emergency
Response Plan for Non-Defense Emergencies provides assistance to
State and local governments when a radiological emergency adversely
affects one or more transportation modes and the States or local
jurisdictions requesting assistance have inadequate technical and
logistical resources to meet the demands created by a radiological
emergency.
2. Capabilities and Resources
DOT can assist Federal, State, and local governments with
emergency transportation needs and contribute to the response by
assisting with the control and protection of transportation near the
area of the emergency. DOT has capabilities to do the following:
(1) Support State and local governments by identifying sources
of civil transportation on request and when consistent with
statutory responsibilities.
(2) Coordinate the Federal civil transportation response in
support of emergency transportation plans and actions with State and
local governments. (This may include provision of Federally
controlled transportation assets and the controlling of
transportation routes to protect commercial transportation and to
facilitate the movement of response resources to the scene.)
(3) Provide Regional Emergency Transportation Coordinators and
staff to assist State and local authorities in planning and
response.
(4) Provide technical advice and assistance on the
transportation of radiological materials and the impact of the
incident on the transportation system.
(5) Provide exemptions from normal transportation hazardous
materials regulations if public interest is best served by allowing
shipments to be made in variance with the regulations. Most
exemptions are issued following public notice procedures, but if
emergency conditions exist, DOT can issue emergency exemptions by
telephone.
(6) Control airspace, including the imposition of Temporary
Flight Restrictions and issuance of Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS), both
to give priority to emergency flights and protect aircraft from
contaminated airspace.
DOT is responsible for dealing with the International Atomic
Energy Agency and foreign Competent Authorities on issues related to
packaging and other standards for the international transport of
radioactive materials. If a transport accident involves
international shipments of radioactive materials, DOT will be the
point of contact for dealing with the transportation authorities of
the foreign country that offered the material for transport in the
United States.
3. DOT References
(1) Department of Transportation Radiological Emergency Response
Plan for Non-Defense Emergencies, August 1985.
(2) DOT Order 1900.8, Department of Transportation Civil
Emergency Preparedness Policies and Program(s).
(3) DOT Order 1900.7D, Crisis Action Plan.
(4) Transportation Annex (Emergency Support Function #1),
Federal Response Plan.
4. DOT Specific Authorities
(1) 49 U.S.C. 301.
(2) 44 CFR 351, Radiological Emergency Planning and Preparedness
Final Regulations, Sec. 351.25, the Department of Transportation.
K. Department of Veterans Affairs
1. Summary of Response Mission
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can assist other Federal
agencies, State and local governments, and individuals in an
emergency by providing immediate and long-term medical care,
including management of radiation trauma, as well as first aid, at
its facilities or elsewhere. VA can make available repossessed VA
mortgaged homes to be used for housing for affected individuals. VA
can manage a system of disposing of the deceased. VA can provide
medical, biological, radiological, and other technical guidance for
response and recovery reactions. Generally, none of these actions
will be taken unilaterally but at the request of a responsible
senior Federal official and with appropriate external funding.
2. Capabilities and Resources
In addition to the capabilities listed above, VA:
(1) Operates almost 200 full-facility hospitals and outpatient
clinics throughout the United States;
(2) Has almost 200,000 employees with broad medical, scientific,
engineering and design, fiscal, and logistical capabilities;
(3) Manages the National Cemetery System in 38 States;
(4) May have a large inventory of repossessed homes (this
inventory varies according to economic trends);
(5) Is one of the Federal managers of the National Disaster
Medical System;
(6) Is a participant in the VA/DOD contingency plan for Medical
Backup in times of national emergency;
(7) Has the capability to manage the medical effects of
radiation trauma using the VA's Medical Emergency Radiological
Response Teams (MERRTs); and
(8) Has a fully equipped emergency center with multi-media
communications at the Emergency Medical Preparedness Office (EMPO).
3. VA References
MP-1, Part II, Chapter 13 (Emergency Preparedness Plan), March
20, 1985, as revised.
4. VA Specific Authorities
(1) Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950, as amended.
(2) National Security Decision Directive Number 47 (NSDD-47),
July 22, 1982, Emergency Mobilization Preparedness.
(3) National Security Decision Directive Number 97 (NSDD-97),
June 13, 1982, National Security Telecommunications Policy.
(4) National Plan of Action for Emergency Mobilization
Preparedness.
(5) Veterans Administration and Department of Defense Health
Resources Sharing and Emergency Operations Act, Pub. L. 97-174, May
4, 1982.
(6) E.O. 12656, Assignment of Emergency Preparedness
Responsibilities, November 18, 1988.
(7) E.O. 12657, Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance,
Emergency Preparedness Planning at Commercial Nuclear Power Plants,
November 23, 1988.
L. Environmental Protection Agency
1. Summary of Response Mission
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assists Federal,
State, and local governments during radiological emergencies by
providing environmental and water supply monitoring, recommending
protective actions, and assessing the consequences of radioactivity
releases to the environment. These services may be provided at the
request of the Federal or State Government, or EPA may respond to an
emergency unilaterally in order to fulfill its statutory
responsibility. EPA actively participates with USDA and HHS on the
Advisory Team when convened.
2. Capabilities and Resources
EPA can provide personnel, resources, and equipment (including
mobile monitoring laboratories) from its facilities in Montgomery,
AL, and Las Vegas, NV, and technical support from Headquarters and
regional offices. EPA has capability to do the following:
(1) Direct environmental monitoring activities and assess the
environmental consequences of radioactivity releases.
(2) Develop Protective Action Guides.
(3) Recommend protective actions and other radiation protection
measures.
(4) Recommend acceptable emergency levels of radioactivity and
radiation in the environment.
(5) Prepare health and safety advice and information for the
public.
(6) Assist in the preparation of long-term monitoring and area
restoration plans; and recommend clean-up criteria.
(7) Estimate effects of radioactive releases on human health and
environment.
(8) Provide nationwide environmental monitoring data from the
Environmental Radiation Ambient Monitoring Systems for assessing the
national impact of the emergency.
3. EPA References
(1) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Radiological Emergency
Response Plan, Office of Radiation Programs, December 1986.
(2) Letter of Agreement between DOE and EPA for Notification of
Accidental Radioactivity Releases into the Environment from DOE
Facilities, January 8, 1978.
(3) Letter of Agreement between NRC and EPA for Notification of
Accidental Radioactivity Releases to the Environment from NRC
Licensed Facilities, July 28, 1982.
(4) Operational Response Procedures Developed Between NRC, EPA,
HHS, DOE, and USDA, 1986.
(5) Manual of Protective Action Guides and Protective Actions
for Nuclear Incidents, Office of Radiation Programs, January 1990.
(6) Memorandum of Understanding Between the Federal Emergency
Management Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency Concerning
the Use of High Frequency Radio for Radiological Emergency Response
1981, Office of Radiation Programs, EPA.
4. EPA Specific Authorities
(1) Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended 42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.
(1970), and Reorganization Plan #3 of 1970.
(2) Public Health Service Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 241 et seq.
(1970).
(3) Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. 300f et seq. (1974).
(4) Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. (1977).
(5) Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980 (SUPERFUND) (Pub. L. 96-510) as amended by the
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (Pub. L. 99-
499) (1986).
M. Federal Emergency Management Agency
1. Summary of Response Mission
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible
for coordinating offsite Federal response activities and Federal
assistance to State and local governments for functions other than
radiological monitoring and assessment. FEMA's coordination role is
to promote an effective and efficient response by Federal agencies
at both the national level and at the scene of the emergency. FEMA
coordinates the activities of Federal, State, and local agencies at
the national level through the use of its Emergency Support Team and
at the scene of the emergency with its Emergency Response Team.
2. Capabilities and Resources
FEMA will provide personnel who are experienced in disaster
assistance to establish and operate the DFO; public information
officials to coordinate public information activities; personnel to
coordinate reporting to the White House and liaison with the
Congress; and personnel experienced in information support for the
Federal response. FEMA personnel are familiar with the capabilities
of other Federal agencies and can aid the States and other Federal
agencies in obtaining the assistance they need. FEMA will:
(1) Coordinate assistance to State and local governments among
the Federal agencies;
(2) Coordinate Federal agency response activities, except those
pertaining to the FRMAC, and coordinate these with the activities of
the LFA;
(3) Work with the LFA to coordinate the dissemination of public
information concerning Federal emergency response activities.
Promote the coordination of public information releases with State
and local governments, appropriate Federal agencies, and appropriate
private sector authorities; and
(4) Help obtain logistical support for Federal agencies.
3. FEMA References
(1) FEMA Emergency Response Operations for Extraordinary
Situations; Emergency Support Team Policy and Operations Response
Procedures, February 8, 1984.
(2) Guidance for Emergency Response Team Planning, July 31,
1985.
(3) Emergency Response Team Plans for FEMA Regions I, II, III,
IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, and X, various dates.
(4) NRC/FEMA Operational Response Procedures for Response to a
Commercial Nuclear Reactor Accident (NUREG-0981/FEMA-51), Rev. 1,
February 1985.
(5) Memorandum of Understanding for Incident Response between
the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, October 22, 1980.
(6) Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Federal
Emergency Management Agency Memorandum of Agreement of Response to
Nuclear Weapon Accidents and Nuclear Weapon Significant Incidents,
1983.
4. FEMA Specific Authorities
(1) E.O. 12148, July 20, 1979.
(2) E.O. 12241, September 29, 1980.
(3) E.O. 12474, April 3, 1984.
(4) E.O. 12656, November 18, 1988.
(5) E.O. 12657, November 18, 1988.
(6) 44 CFR 351, Radiological Emergency Planning and Preparedness
(March 11, 1982).
(7) 44 CFR 352, Commercial Nuclear Power Plants: Emergency
Preparedness Planning (August 2, 1989).
(8) Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act, Pub. L. 93-288, as amended, November 23, 1988.
N. General Services Administration
1. Summary of Response Mission
The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible to
direct, coordinate, and provide logistical support of other Federal
agencies. GSA, in accordance with the National Plan for
Telecommunications Support During Non-Wartime Emergencies, manages
the provision and operations of telecommunications and automated
data processing services. A GSA employee, the Federal Emergency
Communications Coordinator (FECC), in accordance with appropriate
regulations and plans, is appointed to perform communications
management functions.
2. Capabilities and Resources
GSA provides acquisition and procurement of floor space,
telecommunications and automated data processing services,
transportation, supplies, equipment, material; it also provides
specified logistical services which exceed the capabilities of other
Federal agencies. GSA also provides contracted advisory and support
services to Federal agencies and provides security services on
Federal property leased by or under the control of GSA. GSA will
identify a Regional Emergency Communications Planner (RECP) and
FECC, when required, for each of the 10 standard Federal regions.
GSA will authorize the RECP to provide technical support and to
accept guidance from the FEMA Regional Director during the pre-
deployment phase of a telecommunications emergency. The GSA Regional
Emergency Coordinator will coordinate all the services provided.
Upon request of the Senior FEMA Official (SFO) through the Regional
Emergency Coordinator, GSA will dispatch the FECC to the disaster
site to expedite the provision of the telecommunications services.
3. Funding
GSA is not funded by Congressional appropriations. All requests
for support are funded by the requestor in accordance with normal
procedures or existing agreements.
4. GSA References
(1) Memorandum of Understanding between GSA and FEMA Pertaining
to Disaster Assistance Programs, Superfund Relocation Program, and
Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan Programs, February 2,
1989.
(2) GSA Orders in the 2400 Series (Emergency Management).
(3) National Communications System Plan for Telecommunications
Support to Non-Wartime Emergencies, January 1992.
(4) National Telecommunications System Telecommunication
Procedures Manuals.
5. GSA Specific Authorities
(1) The Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of
1947, as amended, 40 U.S.C., 471 et seq.
(2) The Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C. 390 et seq.
(3) The Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, 50 APP.,
2061 et seq.
(4) E.O. 12472, Assignment of National Security and Emergency
Preparedness Telecommunications Functions, April 3, 1984.
(5) Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 CFR 1.
(6) The General Services Administration Acquisition Regulations.
(7) Federal Property Management Regulations.
(8) Federal Travel Regulations.
O. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
1. Summary of Response Mission
The role of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) in a Federal response will depend on the circumstances of the
emergency. NASA will be the LFA and will coordinate the initial
response and support of other agencies as agreed to in specific
interagency agreements when the launch vehicle or payload carrying
the nuclear source is a NASA responsibility.
2. Capabilities and Resources
NASA has launch facilities and the ability to provide launch
vehicle and space craft telemetry data through its tracking and data
network. NASA also has the capability to provide limited
radiological monitoring and emergency response from its field
centers in Florida, Alabama, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, Texas, and
California.
3. NASA References
(1) KHB 1860.1A KSC Ionizing Radiation Protection Program.
(2) Interagency Agreement between AEC (now DOE) and NASA
concerning Isotope SNAP Devices for NASA Space Vehicles with
supplements.
4. NASA Specific Authorities
(1) National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended.
(2) NHB 1700.1 (V1-A) Basic Safety Manual.
(3) 14 CFR 1200 to END ``National Aeronautic and Space
Administration.''
P. National Communications System
1. Summary of Response Mission
Under the National Plan for Telecommunications Support in Non-
Wartime Emergencies, the Manager, National Communications System
(NCS) is responsible for adequate telecommunications support to the
Federal response and recovery operations. The Manager, NCS, will
identify, upon the request of the Senior FEMA Official, a
Communications Resource Manager from the NCS/National Coordinating
Center (NCC) staff when any of the following conditions exist: (1)
When local telecommunications vendors are unable to satisfy all
telecommunications service requirements; (2) when conflicts between
multiple Federal Emergency Communications Coordinators occur; or (3)
if the allocation of available resources cannot be fully
accomplished at the field level. The Manager, NCC, will monitor all
extraordinary situations to determine that adequate national
security emergency preparedness telecommunications services are
being provided to support the Federal response and recovery
operations.
2. Capabilities and Resources
NCS can provide the expertise and authority to coordinate the
communications for the Federal response and to assist appropriate
State agencies in meeting their communications requirements.
3. NCS References
(1) National Plan for Telecommunications Support in Non-Wartime
Emergencies, September 1987.
(2) Memorandum of Understanding, GSA and FEMA, February 1989.
(3) E.O. 12046, as amended, (Relates to the transfer of
telecommunications functions), March 27, 1978.
4. NCS Specific Authorities
(1) E.O. 12472, Assignment of National Security and Emergency
Preparedness Telecommunications Functions, April 3, 1984.
(2) E.O. 12656, November 18, 1988.
(3) E.O. 12046, as amended, March 27, 1978.
(4) White House Memorandum, National Security and Emergency
Preparedness: Telecommunications and Management and Coordination
Responsibilities, July 5, 1978.
Q. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
1. Summary of Response Mission
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulates the use
of byproduct, source, and special nuclear material, including
activities at commercial and research nuclear facilities. If an
incident involving NRC-regulated activities poses a threat to the
public health or safety or environmental quality, the NRC will be
the LFA. In such an incident, the NRC is responsible for monitoring
the licensee to ensure that appropriate protective action
recommendations are being made to offsite authorities in a timely
manner. In addition, the NRC will support its licensees and offsite
authorities, including confirming the licensee's recommendations to
offsite authorities.
Consistent with NRC's agreement to participate in FRMAC, the NRC
may also be called upon to assist in Federal radiological monitoring
and assessment activities during incidents for which it is not the
LFA.
2. Capabilities and Resources
(1) The NRC has trained personnel who can assess the nature and
extent of the radiological emergency and its potential offsite
effects on public health and safety and provide advice, when
requested, to the State and local agencies with jurisdiction based
on this assessment.
(2) The NRC can assess the facility operator's recommendations
and, if needed, develop Federal recommendations on protective
actions for State and local governments with jurisdiction that
consider, as required, all substantive views of other Federal
agencies.
(3) The NRC has a system of direct-reading thermoluminescent
dosimeters (TLD) established around every commercial nuclear power
reactor in the country. The NRC can retrieve and exchange these TLDs
promptly and obtain immediate readings onscene.
3. NRC References
(1) NRC Incident Response Plan Revision 2 (NUREG-0728), NRC
Office for Analysis and Evaluation of Operational Data, June 1987.
(2) Regions I through V Supplements to NUREG-0845, 1990.
(3) NRC/FEMA Operational Response Procedures for Response to a
Commercial Nuclear Reactor Accident, (NUREG-0981; FEMA-51), Rev. 1,
February 1985.
(4) Operational Response Procedures Developed between NRC, EPA,
HHS, DOE, and USDA, 1986.
(5) Memorandum of Understanding for Incident Response between
the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, October 22, 1980.
(6) Memorandum of Understanding Between the FBI and the NRC
Regarding Nuclear Threat Incidents Involving NRC-Licensed
Facilities, Materials, and Activities, March 13, 1991.
(7) NUREG/BR-0150, ``Response Technical Manual,'' November 1993.
(8) NUREG-1442 (Rev. 1)/FEMA-REP-17 (Rev. 1), ``Emergency
Response Resources Guide,'' July 1992.
(9) NUREG-1467, ``Federal Guide for a Radiological Response:
Supporting the Nuclear Regulatory Commission During the Initial
Hours of a Serious Accident,'' November 1993.
(10) NUREG-1471, ``U.S. NRC Concept of Operations,'' February
1994.
4. NRC Specific Authorities
(1) Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.
(2) Energy Reorganization Act of 1974.
(3) 10 CFR Parts 0 to 199.
[FR Doc. 94-21702 Filed 9-2-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6718-02-P
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Part III
Department of the Interior
_______________________________________________________________________
Minerals Management Service
_______________________________________________________________________
Russian Federation Committee on Geology and Use of Mineral Resources;
Notice
TN06SE94.009
TN06SE94.010
TN06SE94.011
TN06SE94.012
TN06SE94.013
TN06SE94.014
[FR Doc. 94-21816 Filed 9-2-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-C
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Part IV
Department of Education
_______________________________________________________________________
Rehabilitation Training Programs; Notice
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
RIN 1820-ZA01
Rehabilitation Training Programs
AGENCY: Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of proposed priorities.
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SUMMARY: The Secretary proposes priorities for three programs
administered by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services. The Secretary may use these priorities for competitions in
fiscal year (FY) 1995 and subsequent years. The Secretary takes this
action to focus Federal financial assistance on areas of identified
national need. These priorities are intended to prepare individuals to
enter rehabilitation professions and to maintain and upgrade the basic
skills and knowledge of trained rehabilitation professionals.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 6, 1994.
ADDRESSES: All comments concerning these proposed priorities should be
addressed to Tom Finch, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland
Avenue SW., Room 3038 Switzer Building, Washington, D.C. 20202-2649.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The name, address, and telephone
number of the person at the Department to contact for information on a
specific proposed priority is in the section describing the program
under which the priority is being proposed.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice contains one proposed priority
under the statutory authority for Rehabilitation Training, one proposed
priority under the Rehabilitation Continuing Education Programs, four
proposed priorities under the Rehabilitation Short-Term Training
program, and two proposed priorities under the Interpreter Training for
Individuals Who Are Deaf and Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind program. A
separate competition would be established for each priority. These
programs are authorized by section 302 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, as amended (Act). The purpose of each program is stated
separately under the title of that program.
The Secretary will announce the final priorities in a notice in the
Federal Register. The final priorities will be determined by responses
to this notice, available funds, and other considerations of the
Department. Funding of particular projects depends on the availability
of funds, the nature of the final priorities, and the quality of the
applications received. The publication of these proposed priorities
does not preclude the Secretary from proposing additional priorities,
nor does it limit the Secretary to funding only these priorities,
subject to meeting applicable rulemaking requirements.
These priorities support the National Education Goal that, by the
year 2000, every adult American will be literate and will possess the
knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and
exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The Department
supports a variety of training activities in vocational rehabilitation,
and training enhances the knowledge and skills of personnel.
Note: This notice of proposed priorities does not solicit
applications. In any year in which the Secretary chooses to use a
priority, the Secretary invites applications through a notice in the
Federal Register. When inviting applications the Secretary
designates a priority as absolute or competitive preference or
invitational. The effect of each type of priority follows:
Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority the Secretary funds
only applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).
Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference
priority the Secretary gives competitive preference to applications by
either (1) awarding, to an application that meets the competitive
priority in a particularly effective way, additional points beyond any
points the application earns under the selection criteria (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting an application that meets the
competitive priority over applications of comparable merit that do not
meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority the Secretary
is particularly interested in applications that meet the invitational
priority. However, an application that meets the invitational priority
does not receive competitive or absolute preference over other
applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
Rehabilitation Training
Purpose of Program: The Rehabilitation Training program supports
projects to ensure that skilled personnel are available to provide
rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities through
vocational, medical, social, and psychological rehabilitation programs,
through supported employment programs, through independent living
services programs, and through client assistance programs. The program
supports projects to maintain and upgrade basic skills and knowledge of
personnel employed to provide state-of-the-art service delivery systems
and rehabilitation technology services.
For Further Information Contact: Robert Werner, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., room 3322 Switzer Building,
Washington, DC 20202-2649. Telephone: (202) 205-8291. Individuals who
use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8
p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
Priority
Proposed Priority--National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training
Materials
Background: The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) has
funded a clearinghouse for rehabilitation training materials since
1961. Over the years, the clearinghouse has facilitated the development
and dissemination of material for use in the training of rehabilitation
personnel. Regulations for the Rehabilitation Training program in 34
CFR 385.42 state that a set of any training materials developed under
the Rehabilitation Training program must be submitted to any
information clearinghouse designated by the Secretary. The project
funded under this priority would be designated to receive training
materials developed by other projects during the project's duration.
Users of the clearinghouse cover the range of rehabilitation providers,
but most frequently include State vocational rehabilitation agency
personnel, rehabilitation counselors, rehabilitation educators,
community rehabilitation program personnel, and advocates for
individuals with disabilities.
The Secretary has identified a maximum possible project period of
60 months. The Secretary believes that at least 36 months will be
necessary to meet the requirements of the priority. The Secretary will
be assessing, during the third year of the project period, whether
there is a need to provide funding beyond 36 months.
Priority
The project must--
Demonstrate experience and capacity to provide for a
national clearinghouse of rehabilitation training materials;
Identify and gather rehabilitation information and
training materials for use in preparing pre-service and in-service
education and training for rehabilitation personnel;
Disseminate, in a cost-effective manner, rehabilitation
information and state-of-the-art training materials and methods to
rehabilitation personnel to assist them in achieving improved outcomes
in vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, and independent
living; and
Provide linkages and policies for the exchange of
information and referral of inquiries with other existing
clearinghouses and information centers supported by the U.S. Department
of Education, including the Educational Resources Information Center
and the National Rehabilitation Information Center.
Selection Criteria: In evaluating applications for grants under
this competition, the Secretary uses the Education Department General
Administrative Regulations selection criteria in 34 CFR 75.210.
The regulations in 34 CFR 75.210 provide that the Secretary may
award up to 100 points for the selection criteria, including a reserved
15 points. For this competition, the Secretary distributes the
additional 15 points as follows:
Plan of operation (34 CFR 75.210(b)(3)). Fifteen points are added
to this criterion for a possible total of 30 points.
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR Part 385.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 774.
Rehabilitation Continuing Education Programs
Purpose of Program: The Rehabilitation Continuing Education
Programs are designed to support training centers that serve either a
Federal region or another geographical area and provide for a broad
integrated sequence of training activities that focus on meeting
recurrent and common training needs of employed rehabilitation
personnel throughout a multi-State geographical area.
For Further Information Contact: Beverly Steburg, U.S. Department
of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., room 3328 Switzer Building,
Washington, DC 20202-2649. Telephone: (202) 205-9817. Individuals who
use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8
p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
Priority
Proposed Priority--Rehabilitation Continuing Education Programs for
Providers of Community Rehabilitation Services
Background: In section 2(a) (2) and (5) of the Act, Congress
reported findings that, as a group, individuals with disabilities
constitute one of the most disadvantaged groups in society subject to
discrimination in many critical areas, including employment.
Furthermore, Congress found that individuals with disabilities,
including individuals with the most severe disabilities, have
demonstrated their ability to achieve gainful employment in integrated
settings if appropriate services and supports are provided.
Community rehabilitation programs, working closely with individuals
with disabilities, their advocates, representatives, families, labor
unions, and employers, are a significant resource for addressing the
national problem of unemployment and underemployment of individuals
with severe disabilities. Those programs serve an estimated two million
individuals with disabilities annually, many through referral
arrangements with vocational rehabilitation State agencies.
On-going post-employment training is needed for all who work in
community rehabilitation programs to achieve improved employment
outcomes for individuals with disabilities, especially volunteers,
providers, and employers who fill key roles in staffing, directing, and
using these programs.
In the past, RSA funded many nonacademic training programs that
maintain or upgrade the skills of currently employed individuals in
community rehabilitation programs under the Rehabilitation Long-Term
Training program. However, final regulations for the Rehabilitation
Long-Term Training program (59 FR 31060) focus on the support of
academic programs that award degrees or certificates. Therefore,
support for nonacademic training programs will be carried out under the
other applicable training program authorities, such as this
Rehabilitation Continuing Education program, the Short-Term Training
program, and the Experimental and Innovative Training program.
The Secretary has identified a maximum possible project period of
60 months. The Secretary believes that at least 36 months will be
necessary to meet the requirements of the priority. The Secretary will
be assessing, during the third year of the project period, whether
there is a need to provide funding beyond 36 months.
Priority
Projects must--
Provide post-employment training for job coaches and other
direct service community rehabilitation personnel, including employers
and co-workers of people with disabilities who provide support at work
for persons with severe disabilities (often called natural support),
administrators, volunteers and peer counselors, and other personnel of
community rehabilitation programs;
Coordinate with activities supported by business and
industry, State vocational rehabilitation agencies, school-to-work
transition projects, and job development centers funded by the National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research;
Provide seminars, forums, train-the-trainer training,
technical assistance, and similar methods to meet recurrent and common
training needs of employed rehabilitation personnel throughout a multi-
State geographical area; and
Demonstrate potential for replication of training methods
based on project outcomes through the dissemination of training
materials and protocols.
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR Part 389.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 774.
Rehabilitation Short-Term Training
Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Rehabilitation Short-Term
Training program is to provide Federal support for the development and
conduct of special seminars, institutes, workshops, and technical
instruction in areas of special significance to the delivery of
vocational, medical, social, and psychological rehabilitation services.
For Further Information Contact: For proposed priority 1, contact
Beverly Steburg, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW.,
room 3328 Switzer Building, Washington, DC 20202-2649. Telephone: (202)
205-9817. For proposed priority 2, contact Ellen Chesley, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., room 3318 Switzer
Building, Washington, DC 20202-2649. Telephone: (202) 205-9481. For
proposed priority 3, contact Barbara Sweeney, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., room 3225 Switzer Building,
Washington, DC 20202-2735. Telephone: (202) 205-9544. For proposed
priority 4, contact Parma Yarkin, U.S. Department of Education, 400
Maryland Avenue SW., room 3220 Switzer Building, Washington, DC 20202-
2647. Telephone: (202) 205-8733. Individuals who use a
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8
p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
Priorities
Proposed Priority 1--Personnel Specifically Trained to Deliver Services
in Client Assistance Programs
Background: The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992 (Pub. L. 102-
569) made significant changes in rehabilitation service provisions
under Title I of the Act. Client Assistance Programs (CAPs) provide
assistance in informing and advising all clients and applicants of
available benefits under the Act. Section 302 of the Act includes
personnel specifically trained to deliver services in CAPs among the
personnel that the Rehabilitation Training program must consider in
reviewing personnel shortages and training needs. Through the 1992
Survey of Personnel Shortages and Training Needs in Vocational
Rehabilitation, CAP directors have reported critical training needs for
both CAP administrative and service-delivery personnel.
The Secretary has identified a maximum possible project period of
60 months. The Secretary believes that at least 36 months will be
necessary to meet the requirements of the priority. The Secretary will
be assessing, during the third year of the project period, whether
there is a need to provide funding beyond 36 months.
Priority
The project must--
Provide training to CAP personnel on an as-needed basis,
including--(1) Management training on skills needed for strategic and
operational planning and direction of CAP services; and (2) Consumer
advocacy training on skills and knowledge needed by CAP staff to assist
persons with disabilities to gain access to and to use the services and
benefits available under the Rehabilitation Act, particularly new Title
I requirements;
Coordinate training efforts with training supported by the
Center for Mental Health Services and the Administration on
Developmental Disabilities for protection and advocacy on common areas,
such as financial management; and
Include both national and regional training seminars in
each project year.
Proposed Priority 2--Training Rehabilitation and Mental Health
Personnel to Provide Improved Rehabilitation Services to Individuals
With Mental Illness
Background: High turnover rates and inadequate academic preparation
of service staff are continuing problems among programs providing
rehabilitation services to individuals with severe mental illness
(Pratt and Gill, ``Developing Interagency In-Service Training,''
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Journal, Vol. 16, No. 1, July, 1992).
Ongoing research has documented the need for competency-based training
to promote the recruitment, career development, and retention of
personnel who provide support and rehabilitation services to persons
with mental illness (``A Comprehensive Study of Human Resource
Development Issues--Present and Future--for Personnel Providing
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services,'' Project No. H133G10072, awarded
July 1, 1991, by the National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research to the International Association of
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services).
Provision of rehabilitation services to persons with severe mental
illness is complicated by the need for staff to interact frequently
with professionals in other agencies and disciplines. Cross-training of
counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, evaluators,
and other professionals is essential to effective interagency
cooperation. Rehabilitation and related staff must be knowledgeable
about key legislation such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the
Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Social Security Act.
Increasingly, rehabilitation services involve persons with severe
mental illness making their own choices and family members having a
role in rehabilitation programs. Staff require training to be effective
in consumer-directed rehabilitation.
The Secretary intends to make an award with a project period of up
to 36 months.
Priority
Projects must--
Develop training to improve the skills and knowledge of
existing personnel in providing mental health and vocational
rehabilitation services to persons with severe mental illness;
Disseminate training materials on organizational
coordination, resources, and organizational linkages, including
findings from RSA-supported demonstration projects, that will enhance
employment outcomes of individuals with mental illness served by the
programs of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, and
independent living;
Improve the skills of rehabilitation counselors,
administrators, and related professionals, such as psychologists,
evaluators, and psychiatrists, in working with persons with mental
illness disabilities in the development and implementation of
Individualized Written Rehabilitation Programs and vocational
placements;
Develop instructional techniques for working with
consumers and family members on problem-solving and decisionmaking
skills that will enhance employment outcomes;
Include information in curriculum materials on provisions
of Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act that are related to
work incentives for individuals with disabilities and on employment-
related provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act;
Provide training through special seminars, institutes,
workshops, and other short-term courses in technical matters relating
to the delivery of rehabilitation services to individuals with severe
mental illness;
Provide training for three or more States; and
Demonstrate potential for replication based on project
outcomes through the dissemination of training materials and protocols.
Proposed Priority 3--Training Members of American Indian Tribes, State
Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Staff, and Rehabilitation Educators on
Services for American Indians With Disabilities
Background: The Act has a number of provisions that relate to the
needs of American Indians with disabilities. Under section 101(a)(20),
States are required, as appropriate, to actively consult in the
development of the State plan for vocational services with American
Indian tribes and tribal organizations and Native Hawaiian
organizations.
Section 101(a)(15) requires that States conduct continuing
statewide studies of the needs of individuals with disabilities and how
these needs may be most effectively met, including outreach to
minorities and those who have been unserved or underserved. Vocational
rehabilitation services are provided under section 130 of the Act to
American Indians residing on reservations. Under the Act, the term
American Indians includes Eskimos and Aleuts.
American Indians have one of the highest disability rates of all
population groups. Yet, according to recent RSA statistical data on the
vocational rehabilitation program, when American Indians with
disabilities receive vocational rehabilitation services, they have a
low rehabilitation success rate.
Some of the major problems in providing services to American
Indians include--(1) Lack of outreach efforts to rural and isolated
areas where many American Indians live; (2) Cultural differences that
make use of standard rehabilitation practices or methods less effective
and may lead to lack of mutual understanding and trust between the
provider and recipient of services; (3) Language and communication
barriers; and (4) Limited employment opportunities in rural areas and
on reservations.
These problems are being addressed, in part, through the American
Indian vocational rehabilitation services (section 130) discretionary
grants. Increased cooperative efforts and sharing of information have
occurred as a result of linkages between the discretionary projects and
State rehabilitation agencies. There is a great need, however, for
training methods and materials to improve the provision of services to
American Indians with disabilities. Rehabilitation counselors and other
staff who work in State rehabilitation agencies that serve high
populations of American Indians need training on how to work
effectively with this population. In addition, institutions of higher
education, which prepare individuals to provide vocational
rehabilitation services to American Indians with disabilities, have a
need for culturally appropriate materials.
The Secretary intends to make an award with a project period of up
to 36 months.
Priority
The project must--
Develop, with the active participation of American
Indians, culturally sensitive rehabilitation training materials that
address use of appropriate rehabilitation methods, cultural
differences, and development of mutual understanding and trust between
service provider and recipient;
Use a ``train-the-trainer'' approach to train State
rehabilitation unit in-service training educators and rehabilitation
educators on all materials developed in order to improve the skills and
knowledge of personnel providing vocational rehabilitation services to
American Indians with disabilities;
Conduct seminars and workshops for rehabilitation
counselors and upper management rehabilitation administrators in States
with high American Indian populations on how to reach out to American
Indians with disabilities, including effective services planning in
conjunction with section 130 American Indian vocational rehabilitation
services grants;
Provide training in State agencies with high American
Indian populations; and
Demonstrate potential for replication based on project
outcomes through the dissemination of training materials and protocols.
Proposed Priority 4--Training Impartial Hearing Officers on Provisions
of the Act
Background: The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992 contain
several new requirements for due process applicable to State
rehabilitation agencies that provide services under Title I of the Act.
For example, agency personnel shall presume that an applicant can
benefit from vocational rehabilitation services unless they can
demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the applicant is
incapable of benefiting from vocational rehabilitation services in
terms of an employment outcome. If an individual with a disability is
dissatisfied with an eligibility determination or other decisions
affecting the nature, scope, onset, duration, or other conditions of
services, the applicant or recipient is entitled to a fair hearing
before an impartial hearing officer under section 102(d) of the Act.
An impartial hearing officer is defined in section 7(28) of the
Act. Among the qualifications, the impartial hearing officer must have
is knowledge of the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services, the
State plan for rehabilitation services, and the Federal and State
regulations governing the provision of services. Hearing officers are
required in section 102(d)(2)(C) of the Act to be qualified to perform
their official duties.
One problem in training hearing officers is that there is a lack of
an organized and accessible information base of hearing decisions and
appeals such as is commonly found in our judicial system. Those
compilations relate hearing decisions to State administrative case law,
encourage the use of precedent in hearing decisions, provide evaluative
data to State agencies on policies and practices that require revision
or remediation, and provide information for use by the Federal
Government in its monitoring responsibilities. A digest of hearing
decisions and appeals, if published nationally, would also be of great
benefit to multiple agencies, constituent groups, and Client Assistance
Programs.
The Secretary intends to make an award with a project period of up
to 36 months. The Secretary expects that the materials developed under
this project would be used by projects funded under the State
Vocational Rehabilitation Unit In-Service Training program, the
Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program, and the Client Assistance
Program training projects.
Priority
The project must--
Provide seminars and workshops for impartial hearing
officers that address the many changes in due process requirements in
the Act, including--(1) The rights and remedies for people with
disabilities seeking services under Title I of the Act; and (2) The
conduct of impartial hearings;
Develop model materials and decision compilations
(including, if appropriate, computer-accessed compilations) for in-
State and national dissemination of information on hearing decisions
and appeals; and
Provide training that is national in scope and training
approaches and materials that, when replicated and adapted, are suited
to train State rehabilitation agency staff and Client Assistance
Program staff who have significant involvement with hearings and
hearing officers.
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR Part 390.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 774.
Training of Interpreters for Individuals Who are Deaf and Individuals
Who are Deaf-Blind
Purpose of Program: The purpose of this program is to assist in
providing a sufficient number of skilled interpreters throughout the
country for employment in public and private agencies, schools, and
other service-providing institutions to meet the communication needs of
individuals who are deaf and individuals who are deaf-blind by--(1)
Training manual, tactile, oral, and cued speech interpreters; (2)
Ensuring the maintenance of the skills of interpreters; and (3)
Providing opportunities for interpreters to raise their level of
competence.
For Further Information Contact: Victor Galloway, U.S. Department
of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., room 3228, Switzer Building,
Washington, DC 20202-2736. Telephone: (202) 205-9152. Individuals who
use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the TDD
number at (202) 205-8352.
Priorities
Proposed Priority 1--National Project With Major Emphasis on
Interpreting for Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind
Background: The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992 expanded the
purpose and scope of this program to include a requirement that each
funded project train interpreters for ``individuals who are deaf-
blind'' as well as interpreters for ``individuals who are deaf.'' Each
project has the discretion to provide training for interpreters for
these two disability populations to the extent, and in the specific
communication modes, appropriate to the needs of these populations in
the geographical area to be served by the project. To participate in
major life activities, increased numbers of individuals who are deaf-
blind require skilled interpreting services. Interpreting for
individuals who are deaf-blind is an intensive, one-to-one exercise,
requiring significant skill. Expertise in the training of interpreters
for individuals who are deaf-blind needs to be developed and made
available to the field. A national project is needed that will give
primary focus to training interpreters for individuals who are deaf-
blind to better enable regional projects supported under this program
to meet the communication needs of individuals who are deaf-blind. A
national project is also needed to assist in improving the training of
interpreters for individuals who are deaf.
There is also need for technical assistance to regional projects on
curriculum development for interpreters to serve deaf-blind individuals
and on model methods of instruction for use in the training of
interpreters. The Secretary has identified a maximum possible project
period of 60 months. The Secretary believes that at least 36 months
will be necessary to meet the requirements of the priority. The
Secretary will be assessing, during the third year of the project
period, whether there is a need to provide funding beyond 36 months.
Priority
This project must--
Be of national scope;
Concentrate on curriculum development for training
interpreters for individuals who are deaf-blind in order to improve the
capabilities of regional projects;
Furnish technical assistance to the regional projects in
training interpreters to meet the communication needs of individuals
who are deaf;
Establish cooperative relationships with the regional
interpreter training projects to be funded by the Secretary in fiscal
year 1995;
Use collaborative training approaches, such as workshops
and seminars, to address curriculum development, classroom training of
interpreters, preparation of interpreter trainers (faculty
development), and other activities that will increase the number of
interpreters and the skills and knowledge of interpreters to meet the
communication needs of individuals who are deaf and individuals who are
deaf-blind.
Proposed Priority 2--National Project to Address the Interpreting Needs
of Culturally Diverse Communities
Background: A national project is needed that will provide
technical assistance to interpreter training projects to improve the
recruitment of interpreters who are minority group members and to
improve the training of interpreters to better meet the special needs
of minority individuals who are deaf or deaf-blind. This project would
assist all other projects funded under this program in increasing their
efforts in these areas and in better meeting the interpreting needs of
different cultures.
The interpreter service needs of minority group individuals who are
deaf or hard of hearing is an issue that has been raised nationally. An
RSA-funded evaluation study reported that approximately 90 percent of
graduates from the interpreter training programs around the country are
White, while 4 percent are African-American and 5 percent are Hispanic.
The National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf reported that, in a
given year, of 2,057 interpreters certified by their registry, only 20
were non-White persons. A Health Interview Survey, conducted by the
National Center for Health Statistics in 1990-91, reported that of the
20 million individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, 1.2 million are
Afro-American and 900,000 are Hispanic.
A national project is needed to concentrate on curriculum that will
improve the skills of interpreters working with minority group members.
Strategies for the recruitment of minority interpreters also need to be
developed and made available to the field.
The Secretary has identified a maximum possible project period of
60 months. The Secretary believes that at least 36 months will be
necessary to meet the requirements of the priority. The Secretary will
be assessing, during the third year of the project period, whether
there is a need to provide funding beyond 36 months.
Priority
This project must--
Be of national scope;
Provide technical assistance to the regional interpreter
training projects supported under this program in recruiting and
training interpreters to meet the communication needs of culturally
diverse populations;
Develop curriculum to improve the knowledge of
interpreters with respect to social and cultural concepts of
interpreting, such as body language, spatial considerations, and
communication between individuals from different cultures;
Establish cooperative relationships with the regional
projects to be funded by the Secretary during fiscal year 1995 by
conducting workshops and seminars to improve curriculum development,
classroom training of interpreters, preparation of interpreter
trainers, recruitment outreach to members of racial and ethnic minority
groups, and other activities that will increase the number and skills
of interpreters to help meet the communication needs of individuals
from different cultures; and
In carrying out project activities, address at a minimum
the needs of the minority populations referred to in section 21 of the
Rehabilitation Act, including African-Americans, Hispanics, American
Indians, and Asian-Americans.
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR Part 396.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 771a(f).
Executive Order 12866
This notice of proposed priorities has been reviewed in accordance
with Executive Order 12866. Under the terms of the order the Secretary
has assessed the potential costs and benefits of this regulatory
action.
The potential costs associated with the notice of proposed
priorities are those resulting from statutory requirements and those
determined by the Secretary as necessary for administering this program
effectively and efficiently.
In assessing the potential costs and benefits--both quantitative
and qualitative--of this notice of proposed priorities, the Secretary
has determined that the benefits of the proposed priorities justify the
costs.
The Secretary has also determined that this regulatory action does
not unduly interfere with State, local, and tribal governments in the
exercise of their governmental functions.
To assist the Department in complying with the specific
requirements of Executive Order 12866, the Secretary invites comment on
whether there may be further opportunities to reduce any potential
costs or increase potential benefits resulting from these proposed
priorities without impeding the effective and efficient administration
of the program.
Intergovernmental Review
These programs are subject to the requirements of Executive Order
12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR Part 79. The objective of the
Executive order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and a
strengthened federalism by relying on processes developed by State and
local governments for coordination and review of proposed Federal
financial assistance.
In accordance with the order, this document is intended to provide
early notification of the Department's specific plans and actions for
these programs.
Invitation to Comment
Interested persons are invited to submit comments and
recommendations regarding these proposed priorities. The Secretary also
is interested in comments on any other requirements that should be
included in the final priorities to ensure that grants awarded under
these competitions will meet the need or needs identified in the
proposed priorities.
All comments submitted in response to this notice will be available
for public inspection, during and after the comment period, in room
3038 Mary E. Switzer Building, 330 C Street SW., Washington, DC,
between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday of
each week except Federal holidays.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.264 Rehabilitation
Continuing Education Program; 84.246 Rehabilitation Short-Term
Training; 84.160 Interpreter Training for Individuals Who are Deaf
and Individuals Who are Deaf-Blind; 84.275 Rehabilitation Training--
General)
Dated: August 30, 1994.
Howard R. Moses,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services.
[FR Doc. 94-21817 Filed 9-2-94; 8:45 am]
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