LDEQ participates in Nuclear Safety Training Exercise at GOSHEP
BATON ROUGE, La. — On June 25, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) transformed into a hive of activity as over 33 employees plunged into a high-stakes simulation at the River Bend Power Station. This intense biennial exercise, led by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), aimed to sharpen the state’s response to a nuclear disaster.
The drill, crafted to adhere to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) protocols, placed participants amid a hypothetical nuclear catastrophe. The goal was clear: ensure the state’s nuclear facilities are battle-ready against any threats, be they radiological or cyber. “The time to build strong relationships in emergency management is before the storm hits,” emphasized GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux. “These drills are a prime opportunity to ensure seamless coordination among all partners. FEMA’s evaluations help us pinpoint weaknesses and bolster our strategies.”
The simulation saw employees donning roles as public information officers, field samplers, liaison officers, dose assessors, and more. The action unfolded across multiple sites: the plant itself, GOHSEP, nearby parishes within the 10-mile emergency planning zone, local media stations, and LDEQ headquarters.
Tony Robinson, Director of FEMA Region 6 National Preparedness Division, underscored the importance of these Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program (REPP) exercises, conducted every two years in tandem with state and local governments. “These drills are crucial for ensuring that state and local agencies are equipped to protect public health and safety during a nuclear incident,” he remarked.
The graded drills did more than just test response times; they also involved making recommendations for further actions to enhance public safety. “As first responders for air quality, our employees must be trained to tackle disasters swiftly and effectively,” stated LDEQ Secretary Aurelia Giacometto. “The safety of our community remains our highest priority.”
LDEQ’s emergency planning spans three nuclear plants: River Bend Station in St. Francisville, Waterford-3 Steam Electric Station in Taft, and Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson. The River Bend Power Station exercise is critical in preparing agencies for potential incidents at all three facilities, ensuring a robust defense against any nuclear threat.
