ODPS Ohio Emergency Management Agency Radiological Branch

Radiological Branch

Carol O'Claire, Branch Chief
(614) 799-3915
coclaire@dps.state.oh.us

The Ohio EMA Radiological Branch has the capability to respond to radiological emergencies on a 24-hour basis; conducts nuclear power plant and transportation accident response training; and supports the Utility Radiological Safety Board of Ohio (URSB).

Radiological Analysis Section

• Maintains the capability to respond to radiological incidents to include response to a nuclear power plant incident.
• Monitors nuclear power plant parameters daily via computer link in the Ohio EMA Assessment Room.
• Updates and test the assessment tools vital to radiological response, to include the Emergency Response Data System (ERDS); Transportation Tracking and Communications (TRANSCOM); and Computer Assisted Dose Assessment Program (CADAP).
• Develops, updates and maintains procedures necessary for response to radiological incidents, to include review of state and county plans.

Training

• Teach annual classes for emergency service personnel in three nuclear power plant areas, on radiological emergency response procedures.
• Teach classes for emergency response groups along transportation route corridors throughout Ohio.

Instrumentation

• Exchange radiological response instruments and dosimeters used by emergency response personnel in the nuclear power plant areas.
• Develop an instrumentation recommendation for first responders for response to terrorist events that include radioactive materials.

Utility Radiological Safety Board
Meet monthly as a member of the URSB Working Group to make recommendations to the URSB on plans and programs to promote nuclear power safety, to include the management of the Joint Inspection Observation Program for nuclear power plants. Schedule and facilitate the URSB meetings held quarterly. Provide URSB agendas, minutes, meeting notices and annual report, in addition to other administrative support.

Radiological Emergency Planning

• Plan for and annually exercise the state's response to emergencies at the three nuclear power plants affecting Ohio.
• Annually revise and submit to FEMA the State Radiological Plan which must meet Nuclear Regulatory Commission and FEMA guidance.
• Review and evaluate county radiological response and transportation plans.

Annual Letter of Certification
The state of Ohio is required by FEMA to submit an Annual Letter of certification addressing periodic requirements for emergency response to incidents at the three nuclear power plants affecting Ohio (Perry Nuclear Power Plant, Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, and Beaver Valley Power Station). The letter is submitted on January 31 st of each year for information regarding the previous calendar year. A complete copy of the current year's letter is available from the Ohio EMA Radiological Branch.