4/14/15 Philly.com (Blog): Expand Emergency-Planning Zones Around Salem Nuclear Plants, Group Urges

Expand Emergency-Planning Zones Around Salem Nuclear Plants, Group Urges

Posted: Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 5:15 AM

Local governments need to step up emergency planning and public outreach regarding potentially harmful events that could occur if radiation is released into the areas surrounding the three nuclear power plants in Salem County, according to a nonprofit group.

A report issued by the Disaster Accountability Project criticized the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for not expanding its current 10-mile emergency-planning zone around nuclear units, not only in South Jersey, but also at other locations.

Citing the Government Accounting Office, the report suggests that without such planning people outside of the 10-mile zone may choose to evacuate “even though they may be outside of the hazard area.’’

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