Emergency Preparedness Around the Rancho Seco Nuclear Powerplant:
A Case Study
EMD-79-103: Published: Oct 2, 1979. Publicly Released: Oct 12, 1979.
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GAO was requested to review the emergency preparedness of the localities surrounding the Rancho Seco nuclear powerplant near Sacramento, California. The nuclear emergency preparedness actions of the California Office of Emergency Services of Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties and the operating utility, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District were reviewed. Nuclear emergency preparedness was discussed with the emergency coordinator of Amador and Calaveras Counties. GAO reviewed Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) emergency preparedness requirements and evaluated Federal agency capabilities and preparedness to assist in the event of a nuclear accident at Rancho Seco.
Although state and county emergency-response plans have been developed for Rancho Seco based on NRC criteria, the plans have been tested only on a limited basis. State and local authorities appear to have adequate coordination with respect to handling nuclear emergencies, but local authorities would need state and federal assistance to handle a major nuclear emergency. While local residents have not been routinely informed of evacuation procedures in the event of an emergency, several public meetings were held following the Three Mile Island incident. Given the worst possible accident under the worst meteorological conditions, all potentially affected areas would not have adequate plans. For this type of accident the planning area would include 44 counties in California and several in Nevada with an affected population of over 8 million people.
Dec 10, 2020
Uranium Management:
Actions to Mitigate Risks to Domestic Supply Chain Could Be Better Planned and CoordinatedGAO-21-28: Published: Dec 10, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 10, 2020.
Dec 8, 2020
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Offshore Wind Energy:
Planned Projects May Lead to Construction of New Vessels in the U.S., but Industry Has Made Few Decisions amid UncertaintiesGAO-21-153: Published: Dec 8, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 8, 2020.
Nov 19, 2020
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Nuclear Waste Disposal:
Better Planning Needed to Avoid Potential Disruptions at Waste Isolation Pilot PlantGAO-21-48: Published: Nov 19, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 19, 2020.
Oct 29, 2020
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Nuclear Safety:
DOE and the Safety Board Should Collaborate to Develop a Written Agreement to Enhance OversightGAO-21-141: Published: Oct 29, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 29, 2020.
Oct 15, 2020
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Nuclear Weapons:
NNSA Plans to Modernize Critical Depleted Uranium Capabilities and Improve Program ManagementGAO-21-16: Published: Oct 15, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 15, 2020.
Jul 24, 2020
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Nuclear Weapons:
Action Needed to Address the W80-4 Warhead Program's Schedule ConstraintsGAO-20-409: Published: Jul 24, 2020. Publicly Released: Jul 24, 2020.
Jun 24, 2020
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National Nuclear Security Administration:
Analyzing Cost Savings Program Could Result in Wider Use and Additional Contractor EfficienciesGAO-20-451: Published: Jun 24, 2020. Publicly Released: Jun 24, 2020.
Jun 9, 2020
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Nuclear Weapons:
NNSA Needs to Incorporate Additional Management Controls Over Its Microelectronics ActivitiesGAO-20-357: Published: Jun 9, 2020. Publicly Released: Jun 9, 2020.
May 13, 2020
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Environmental Liabilities:
DOE Needs to Better Plan for Post-Cleanup Challenges Facing SitesGAO-20-373: Published: May 13, 2020. Publicly Released: May 13, 2020.
May 12, 2020
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Hanford Waste Treatment Plant:
DOE Is Pursuing Pretreatment Alternatives, but Its Strategy Is Unclear While Costs Continue to RiseGAO-20-363: Published: May 12, 2020. Publicly Released: May 12, 2020.
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