Combating Nuclear Terrorism: Federal Efforts to Respond to Nuclear and Radiological Threats and to Protect Emergency Response Capabilities Could Be Strengthened

United States Government Publishing Office publisher pbl distributor dst United States Government Accountability Office author aut Government Organization text government publication eng GAOREPORTS Legislative Agency Publications gao legislative 2010-08-12 U.S. Government Printing Office 2006-09-21 monographic deposited born digital 39 p. GA 1.13:GAO-06-1015 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-1015 P0b002ee180376c2d f:d061015 DGPO 2010-08-12 2011-03-28 GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-1015 machine generated eng fdlp REPORT GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-1015 GAO-06-1015 Contamination Counterterrorism Emergency preparedness Emergency response Facility security Homeland security Physical security Policy evaluation Radiation monitoring Strategic planning Terrorism Other Written Product A61247 Combating Nuclear Terrorism: Federal Efforts to Respond to Nuclear and Radiological Threats and to Protect Emergency Response Capabilities Could Be Strengthened The Department of Energy (DOE) maintains an emergency response capability to quickly respond to potential nuclear and radiological threats in the United States. This capability has taken on increased significance after the attacks of September 11, 2001, because there is heightened concern that terrorists may try to detonate a nuclear or radiological device in a major U.S. city. This report discusses (1) the capabilities and assets DOE has to prevent and respond to potential nuclear and radiological attacks in the United States, (2) the physical security measures in place at DOE's two key emergency response facilities and whether they are consistent with DOE guidance, and (3) the benefits of using DOE's aerial background radiation surveys to enhance emergency response capabilities. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-1015/html/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-1015.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-1015/pdf/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-1015.pdf GAO-06-1015 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-GAO-06-1015 Other Written Product GAO-06-1015; Combating Nuclear Terrorism: Federal Efforts to Respond to Nuclear and Radiological Threats and to Protect Emergency Response Capabilities Could Be Strengthened; Contamination Counterterrorism Emergency preparedness Emergency response Facility security Homeland security Physical security Policy evaluation Radiation monitoring Strategic planning Terrorism