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Action follows nuclear crisis in Japan

A task force that will conduct an assessment of operations and emergency preparedness plans for New Jersey’s four nuclear generating facilities has been formed by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The review will attempt to determine whether any early lessons from the ongoing nuclear emergency in Japan could enhance New Jersey's current comprehensive nuclear response protocols, DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said.

The task force will begin its analysis of nuclear facilities next week and plan to tour the operations at each plant and discuss current emergency response measures with the management.

New Jersey’s nuclear reactors are Oyster Creek in Lacey, Ocean County; Hope Creek in Lower Alloways Creek, Salem County, and the Salem Units One and Two reactors, also in Lower Alloways Creek.

Martin said the Exelon Corp. and Public Service Electric & Gas, which own and operate the reactors, have pledged to participate in the reviews. Potential impacts from reactors in neighboring Pennsylvania and New York also will be examined, including Indian Point plant on the Hudson River.

A regularly scheduled nuclear emergency preparedness drill will be held in May at Salem Unit One. These drills are held quarterly, on a rotating basis at the state's nuclear reactors, and include state, federal, county and local representatives.

"We want to ensure all proper safety protocols and preventative measures are in place to protect the residents of New Jersey from ever having to experience a nuclear emergency," Gov. Chris Christie said Friday. "There may be lessons to be learned from what is happening in Japan that could make our preparedness even better and make the State's residents more secure. We have an obligation to explore those facts and will make necessary adjustments to our safety plans as appropriate."

The task force will explore emergency response protocols, technical reviews of plant operations, the chain of command and control at each nuclear facility, evacuation plans, and emergency communications to the public.

Guided by Martin, the task force includes state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Director Charles B. McKenna, State Police Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes, and state Board of Public Utilities President Lee Solomon. The task force will submit a written report to Christie once its review is complete.

"We already have an excellent response system in place, one that is continuously updated as we gather new science and facts,'' Martin said. "We also have excellent cooperation from the owners of nuclear facilities in our state. But you can never be too prepared. If there are lessons for New Jersey from what is happening in Japan, we should draw from that information.''

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires the state's nuclear plants to meet federal specifications to withstand natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis.

The DEP offered these questions and answers about the issue:

What is the radiological consequence of the event in Japan for New Jersey?

At this time, there is no indication that materials from the incidents in Japan have the potential to have any significant radiological effect on New Jersey. The EPA's radiation monitors confirm no radiation levels of concern have reached the U.S. or New Jersey. For more information click here.

No, not at this time.

Could an earthquake in New Jersey or off the Atlantic coast cause a similar disaster?

Geologic formations in New Jersey and the Atlantic Ocean are far different from those in the Pacific Rim. An immense earthquake of the type that struck Japan, measuring 9.0 – the fifth largest earthquake in recorded history – is very unlikely to occur in New Jersey. The most severe earthquake to strike New Jersey measured 5.5 in the late 1800s. For more information, click here.

Could a tsunami strike New Jersey and damage its nuclear facilities?

There is virtually no possibility of a tsunami striking New Jersey. For more information, click here.

Could New Jersey's nuclear reactors withstand natural disasters?

All U.S. nuclear power plants, including those in New Jersey, are built to withstand environmental hazards, including earthquakes and tsunamis. The NRC requires that nuclear structures, systems, and components be designed to take into account the most severe natural phenomena historically estimated for the site and surrounding area. For more information, click here.

Are our nuclear reactors the same as those now in crisis in Japan?

The nuclear design in Japan is ''similar'' but not the same as two of those located in New Jersey. Backup generators and fuel supplies at New Jersey's reactors, required in power outages, and are far better protected than at facilities now in jeopardy in Japan. For more information, click here.

For up to date information on the Japan situation from the NRC, click here.

– TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM