DOE 2000. - Waste Isolation Pilot Plant - U.S. Department of Energy

WIPP RH PSAR DOE/WIPP-03-3174 CHAPTER 8
8.5.4 Emergency Preparedness Planning
Emergency preparedness is addressed by the WIPP Emergency Management Program. The program
identifies necessary actions for dealing with site-wide and area emergencies, and defines the lines of
authority. Responsibilities of emergency response personnel and organizations are detailed in the
program, including a discussion of the WIPP labor and resources required.
Operational Emergencies at the WIPP are classified by Emergency Action Levels (EALs) that provide
specific predetermined criteria allowing WIPP emergency personnel to categorize Operational
Emergencies. The classification of Operational Emergencies is detailed in procedure WP 12-ER3904,
Categorization and Classification of Operational Emergencies. 11
8.5.4.1 Emergency Response Organization
The Facility Shift Manager (FSM) directs the emergency event and serves as the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (RCRA) Emergency Coordinator. The FSM may activate the Emergency Operations
Center (EOC), depending on the severity or type of emergency. Upon activation of the EOC, the Crisis
Management Team (CMT) assists the FSM with emergency response actions. The WIPP Emergency
Management Program. 1 provides for immediate management response for making the required
notification to external agencies.
The CMT is an executive decision-making group tasked specifically with assisting the FSM during an
emergency. The WTS GM, or designee, will function as the CM. The CMT consists of personnel
experienced and trained in dealing with emergencies. The EOC utilizes support personnel that provides
technical, logistical, and administrative support during EOC activation..
All on-site emergencies shall be reported immediately to the CMRO, where specific information will be
gathered relating to that incident.
8.5.4.2 Assessment Actions
Initial radiological release dose to the public calculations are performed in accordance with procedure
WP 12-RE3000, Radiological Engineering Activities. 12
The DOE, MOC, New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), and the Environmental Evaluation
Group (EEG) have signed a protocol 13 that is an agreement for MOC to provide NMED and EEG with
routine and non-routine (radiation alarm) effluent sample filters for independent analysis. The methods
for sample filter transfer to NMED and EEG are described in the protocol, 13 and in WP 12-HP3500,
Airborne Radioactivity. 14
8.5.4.3 Notification
The WIPP Emergency Management Program 1 describes the off-site notification procedure, and maintains
project credibility by providing timely and accurate information dissemination to the maximum extent
permitted by the emergency situation. These emergencies include: malevolent acts, natural disasters, or
highway accidents involving a WIPP shipment.
8.5-2 January 22, 2003