Criteria for Preparation and Evaluation of Radiological Emergency Response Plans and Preparedness in Support of Nuclear Power Plants; NUREG-0654/FEMA-REP-1/Rev. 1 Supplement 4 and FEMA Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program Manual, 23198-23200 [E9-10951]

Download as PDF 23198 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 94 / Monday, May 18, 2009 / Notices (DRBOSAC) will meet in Philadelphia, PA to discuss various issues to improve oil spill prevention and response strategies for the Delaware River and Bay. This meeting will be open to the public. DATES: The Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This meeting may close early if all business is finished. Requests to make oral presentations should reach the Coast Guard on or before June 8, 2009. Written material, and requests to have a copy of your material distributed to each member of the committee, should reach the Coast Guard on or before June 10, 2009. ADDRESSES: The Committee will meet at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay, 1 Washington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19147. Send written material and requests to make oral presentations to Gerald Conrad, Liaison to the Designated Federal Officer (DFO) of the DRBOSAC, at the address above. This notice and any documents identified in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section as being available in the docket may be viewed online, at https:// www.regulations.gov, using docket number USCG–2008–0333. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gerald Conrad, Liaison to the DFO of the DRBOSAC, telephone 215–271– 4824. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of this meeting is given under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. (Pub. L. 92–463). cprice-sewell on PRODPC61 with NOTICES Agenda of the Meeting The agenda for the June 17 meeting will be as follows: (1) Opening comments. (2) Introductions. (3) Administrative announcements. (4) Pre-approved presentations from the public. (5) Debriefs from each DRBOSAC Subcommittee. (6) Public comments. (7) Future Committee business. (8) Closing. More information and detail on the meeting will be available at the committee Web site, located at https:// homeport.uscg.mil/drbosac. Additional detail may be added to the agenda up to June 10, 2009. Procedural This meeting is open to the public. All persons entering the building will have to present identification and may be subject to screening. Please note that the meeting may close early if all business is finished. The public will be able to make oral presentations during the meeting when VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:36 May 15, 2009 Jkt 217001 given the opportunity to do so. Members of the public may seek pre-approval for their oral presentations by contacting the Coast Guard no later than June 8, 2009. The public may file written statements with the committee; written material should reach the Coast Guard no later than June 10, 2009. If you would like a copy of your material distributed to each member of the committee in advance of the meeting, please submit 35 copies to the Liaison to the DFO no later than June 10, 2009, and indicate that the material is to be distributed to committee members in advance of the June 17 meeting. Please register your attendance with the Liaison to the DFO no later than June 10, 2009. Information on Services for Individuals With Disabilities For information on facilities, or services for individuals with disabilities, or to request special assistance at the meeting, contact the Liaison to the DFO as soon as possible. Dated: 5 May 2009. David L. Scott, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Sector Delaware Bay, Designated Federal Officer. [FR Doc. E9–11528 Filed 5–15–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–15–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [Docket ID FEMA–2008–0022] Criteria for Preparation and Evaluation of Radiological Emergency Response Plans and Preparedness in Support of Nuclear Power Plants; NUREG–0654/ FEMA–REP–1/Rev. 1 Supplement 4 and FEMA Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program Manual AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting comments on two documents: the proposed Supplement 4 (Supplement 4) to ‘‘Criteria for Preparation and Evaluation of Radiological Emergency Response Plans and Preparedness in Support of Nuclear Power Plants,’’ NUREG–0654/FEMA– REP–1/Rev. 1 (NUREG–0654), and the proposed Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program Manual (the REPP Manual). NUREG–0654 is a joint PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 document issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and FEMA that contains the Evaluation Criteria against which FEMA and the NRC measure the emergency preparedness plans of Nuclear Power Plant owners and operators and the State, local, and Tribal jurisdictions in which they sit. The REPP Manual provides additional implementation guidance for State, local, and Tribal jurisdictions. Supplement 4 revises and provides additional offsite requirements for emergency preparedness programs at the Nation’s nuclear power plants, as well as requirements for backup means for alert and notification, and coordination between licensees and offsite responders. The REPP Manual consolidates all of the FEMA Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program’s many operative guidance and policy documents into one location, and provides additional guidance on the proposed changes in Supplement 4. DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 3, 2009. ADDRESSES: The proposed Supplement 4 and the proposed REPP Manual are available online at https:// www.regulations.gov. You may also view hard copies of these documents at the Office of Chief Counsel, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Room 835, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472. You may submit comments on the proposed Supplement 4 and the proposed REPP Manual, identified by Docket ID FEMA–2008–0022, by one of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. E-mail: FEMA–POLICY@dhs.gov. Include ‘‘Docket ID FEMA–2008–0022’’ in the subject line of the message. Fax: 703–483–2999. Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier: Regulation & Policy Team, Office of Chief Counsel, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Room 835, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and Docket ID. Also, because FEMA is collecting comments on two documents in this docket, please also identify the document to which your comment applies. Regardless of the method used for submitting comments or material, all submissions will be posted, without change, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov, and will include any personal information you provide. Therefore, submitting this information makes it public. You may wish to read the E:\FR\FM\18MYN1.SGM 18MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 94 / Monday, May 18, 2009 / Notices Privacy Act notice that is available on the Privacy and Use Notice link on the Administration Navigation Bar of https://www.regulations.gov. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov, and search for Docket ID ‘‘FEMA–2008–0022.’’ Submitted comments may also be inspected at FEMA, Office of Chief Counsel, Room 835, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Fiore, Deputy Chief, Radiological Emergency Preparedness Branch, Technological Hazards Division, National Preparedness Directorate, craig.fiore@dhs.gov, (703) 605–4218. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting comments on the proposed Supplement 4 to ‘‘Criteria for Preparation and Evaluation of Radiological Emergency Response Plans and Preparedness in Support of Nuclear Power Plants,’’ NUREG–0654/FEMA– REP–1/Rev. 1 (Supplement 4), and the proposed Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program Manual (the REPP Manual). The substance of these proposed policies conforms to changes proposed in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking entitled ‘‘Enhancements to Emergency Preparedness Regulations.’’ The NRC rulemaking can be found on https://www.regulations.gov in Docket ID NRC–2008–0122. cprice-sewell on PRODPC61 with NOTICES Supplement 4 As part of the domestic licensing of commercial nuclear power plants (NPPs), FEMA and the NRC evaluate emergency preparedness activities at these facilities. Preparedness activities for a radiological incident at an NPP are an essential part of planning for communities that could be affected by such events. FEMA’s role is to review and provide findings to the NRC on planning and preparedness activities of State, local, and Tribal governments, licensee emergency response organizations, if applicable, and other supporting organizations (collectively referred to as Offsite Response Organizations or OROs). FEMA performs this activity before the NRC issues a license to operate a NPP, as well as provides ongoing certifications that planning and preparedness efforts are effective and consistent with relevant regulatory guidelines. The NRC evaluates applicants for NPP site permits, construction permits, and operating licenses. As a part of that VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:36 May 15, 2009 Jkt 217001 evaluation, the NRC reviews the onsite facility licensees’ emergency plans and preparedness efforts. NPP licensees and OROs must show that they have plans in place that provide a reasonable assurance that adequate protective measures will be taken to protect public health and safety in the event of an incident at an NPP. The NRC evaluates the adequacy of the onsite plans and capabilities, and FEMA evaluates the adequacy of the offsite plans and capabilities by applying 16 planning standards. The planning standards are contained in FEMA regulations at 44 CFR 350.5 and NRC regulations at 10 CFR part 50 (including Appendix E). The NRC and FEMA have also developed a number of evaluation criteria that the agencies use to determine compliance with each of the 16 planning standards. Those evaluation criteria are contained in NUREG–0654 which is incorporated by reference into FEMA’s regulations at 44 CFR part 350, as well as contained in NRC regulations at 10 CFR part 50. As such, the criteria established in NUREG–0654 are binding upon both NPP licensees and the OROs responsible for offsite emergency preparedness planning in the areas surrounding the NPP. Supplement 4 adds to, and in limited situations revises, evaluation criteria contained in NUREG–0654. The changes in Supplement 4 are being proposed to address four emerging issues: (1) Preparing for and responding to hostile action-based (HAB) events at NPPs; (2) enhancing scenario realism and reducing negative training and preconditioned responses to exercise participants; (3) aligning the offsite Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program with the national preparedness initiatives under Homeland Security Presidential Directives 5 and 8; and (4) ensuring backup means are in place for alert and notification systems. As previously mentioned, NUREG– 0654 is currently incorporated by reference into FEMA’s regulations at 44 CFR part 350. Should Supplement 4 become final, FEMA intends to update the incorporation by reference to include not only the original NUREG– 0654, but also its supplements, including Supplement 4. In doing so, FEMA intends to make the substance proposed in Supplement 4 binding on OROs. The REPP Manual The REPP Manual is intended to be the principal source of policy and guidance for FEMA’s REP Program. The REPP Manual provides an overview PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 23199 along with additional guidance to aid ORO planners, responders, and emergency management professionals. This manual provides additional guidance with respect to the planning standards established in 44 CFR part 350 and the evaluation criteria contained in NUREG–0654 and its Supplements. The REPP Manual does not create new requirements or evaluation criteria. In August 2002, FEMA released a Draft REPP Manual for interim use by OROs, NPP licensees, FEMA Regional staff, the NRC, and other stakeholders in developing plans or assessing planning and preparedness in communities surrounding the Nation’s NPPs. The document currently available for comment is an updated version of the REPP Manual. This document contains only proposed guidance, however, and it will not be effective until comments have been received and adjudicated by FEMA, and the final version has been published. The proposed REPP Manual incorporates and updates previouslyissued FEMA Guidance Memoranda (GMs), policy memoranda, and some FEMA–REP series documents. The REPP Manual effectively retires these documents from use as independent resources. Guidance on specific technical areas and other REP Program documents that FEMA was unable to incorporate have been retained as ‘‘technical references.’’ The remaining stand-alone FEMA–REP series documents and these technical references are listed in Appendix C and cited in the applicable parts of this proposed REPP Manual. The retired guidance documents are listed in Appendix D as a historical resource. To the greatest extent possible, FEMA will issue all future REP Program guidance as amendments to the applicable parts of the REPP manual. In updating the 2002 Draft REPP Manual, FEMA made important changes to both the language and the substance of the document. First, FEMA conducted a ‘‘plain English’’ review to produce a more easily understandable document by considering the audience’s needs and avoiding unnecessary words, jargon, technical terms, and long and ambiguous sentences. Second, the new REPP Manual provides guidance on the integration of terms and concepts found in the National Incident Management System/Incident Command System and in the National Exercise Program, Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP). (Note: Because both HSEEP and REP are evolving programs, additional revisions and modifications may be necessary.) Further, the REPP E:\FR\FM\18MYN1.SGM 18MYN1 23200 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 94 / Monday, May 18, 2009 / Notices Manual provides additional guidance on the new or revised evaluation criteria proposed in Supplement 4 and the NRC’s proposed rulemaking. Authorities: FEMA proposes to issue the new REPP Manual, and FEMA and the NRC propose to issue Supplement 4 to NUREG– 0654 under the authority of: Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1978; Presidential Directive of Dec. 7, 1979; Executive Order 12148 ‘‘Federal Emergency Management’’; section 201 of the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 5131, as amended by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended (Pub. L. 93–288); Homeland Security Act of 2002, 6 U.S.C. 101 et seq., as amended by the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (Pub. L. 109–295); NRC Authorization Acts of 1980 (Pub. L. 96– 295) and 1982–1983 (Pub. L. 97–415); Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.; Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.; Energy Policy Act of 2005, 42 U.S.C. 15801 note; Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5: Management of Domestic Incidents; and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8: National Preparedness; 10 CFR part 50; 10 CFR part 50, Appendix E; 44 CFR part 350. Dated: May 5, 2009. David Garratt, Acting Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency. [FR Doc. E9–10951 Filed 5–15–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–21–P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR–5312–N–01] Notice of Availability: Program Requirements for the Green Retrofit Program for Multifamily Housing Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 cprice-sewell on PRODPC61 with NOTICES AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing Commissioner, HUD. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: HUD announces the availability of program requirements, including eligibility requirements and application instructions, for the Green Retrofit Program authorized under Title XII of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111– 5, approved February 17, 2009). The Green Retrofit Program makes funding available to multifamily owners for adopting measures that will meet requirements for green project operation. The notice establishing the program requirements is available on the HUD Web site at: https:// www.hud.gov/recovery/. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Theodore K. Toon, Deputy Assistant VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:36 May 15, 2009 Jkt 217001 Secretary, Office of Affordable Housing Preservation, Office of Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street, SW., Room 6230, Washington, DC 20410; telephone 202–708–0001 (this is not a toll-free number). Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access this number through TTY by calling the tollfree Federal Information Relay Service at 800–877–8339. Dated: May 13, 2009. Brian D. Montgomery, Assistant Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing Commissioner. [FR Doc. E9–11556 Filed 5–13–09; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Notice of Proposed Information Collection for 1029–0103 AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is announcing that the information collection request regarding noncoal reclamation, found at 30 CFR Part 875, has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for renewed approval. The information collection request describes the nature of the information collection and the expected burden and cost. DATES: OMB has up to 60 days to approve or disapprove the information collection but may respond after 30 days. Therefore, public comments should be submitted to OMB June 17, 2009, in order to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Department of the Interior Desk Officer, via e-mail at OIRA_Docket@omb.eop.gov, or by facsimile to (202) 395–5806. Also, please send a copy of your comments to John A. Trelease, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 1951 Constitution Ave, NW., Room 202– SIB, Washington, DC 20240, or electronically to jtrelease@osmre.gov. Please reference 1029–0103 in your correspondence. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To receive a copy of the information PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 collection request, contact John A. Trelease at (202) 208–2783, or electronically at jtrelease@osmre.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 5 CFR 1320, which implement provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13), require that interested members of the public and affected agencies have an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping activities [see 5 CFR 1320.8(d)]. OSM has submitted a request to OMB to renew its approval of the collection of information for 30 CFR Part 875—Noncoal Reclamation. OSM is requesting a 3-year term of approval for this information collection activity. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Responses are required to obtain a benefit. The OMB control number for this collection of information is listed in 30 CFR part 875, which is 1029–0103. As required under 5 CFR 1320.8(d), a Federal Register notice soliciting comments on these collections of information was published on February 27, 2009 (74 FR 8985). No comments were received. This notice provides the public with an additional 30 days in which to comment on the following information collection activity: Title: 30 CFR Part 875—Noncoal Reclamation. OMB Control Number: 1029–0103. Summary: This part establishes procedures and requirements for State and Indian tribes to conduct noncoal reclamation using abandoned mine land funding. The information is needed to assure compliance with the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Bureau Form Numbers: None. Frequency of Collection: Once. Description of Respondents: State governments and Indian Tribes. Total Annual Responses: 1. Total Annual Burden Hours: 100. Send comments on the need for the collection of information for the performance of the functions of the agency; the accuracy of the agency’s burden estimates; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and ways to minimize the information collection burden on respondents, such as use of automated means of collection of the information, to the places listed under ADDRESSES. Please refer to control number 1029–0103 in all correspondence. E:\FR\FM\18MYN1.SGM 18MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 94 (Monday, May 18, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23198-23200]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-10951]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Docket ID FEMA-2008-0022]


Criteria for Preparation and Evaluation of Radiological Emergency 
Response Plans and Preparedness in Support of Nuclear Power Plants; 
NUREG-0654/FEMA-REP-1/Rev. 1 Supplement 4 and FEMA Radiological 
Emergency Preparedness Program Manual

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting 
comments on two documents: the proposed Supplement 4 (Supplement 4) to 
``Criteria for Preparation and Evaluation of Radiological Emergency 
Response Plans and Preparedness in Support of Nuclear Power Plants,'' 
NUREG-0654/FEMA-REP-1/Rev. 1 (NUREG-0654), and the proposed 
Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program Manual (the REPP Manual). 
NUREG-0654 is a joint document issued by the Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission (NRC) and FEMA that contains the Evaluation Criteria against 
which FEMA and the NRC measure the emergency preparedness plans of 
Nuclear Power Plant owners and operators and the State, local, and 
Tribal jurisdictions in which they sit. The REPP Manual provides 
additional implementation guidance for State, local, and Tribal 
jurisdictions.
    Supplement 4 revises and provides additional offsite requirements 
for emergency preparedness programs at the Nation's nuclear power 
plants, as well as requirements for backup means for alert and 
notification, and coordination between licensees and offsite 
responders. The REPP Manual consolidates all of the FEMA Radiological 
Emergency Preparedness Program's many operative guidance and policy 
documents into one location, and provides additional guidance on the 
proposed changes in Supplement 4.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 3, 2009.

ADDRESSES: The proposed Supplement 4 and the proposed REPP Manual are 
available online at https://www.regulations.gov. You may also view hard 
copies of these documents at the Office of Chief Counsel, Federal 
Emergency Management Agency, Room 835, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, 
DC 20472. You may submit comments on the proposed Supplement 4 and the 
proposed REPP Manual, identified by Docket ID FEMA-2008-0022, by one of 
the following methods:
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
    E-mail: FEMA-POLICY@dhs.gov. Include ``Docket ID FEMA-2008-0022'' 
in the subject line of the message.
    Fax: 703-483-2999.
    Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier: Regulation & Policy Team, Office of 
Chief Counsel, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Room 835, 500 C 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and Docket ID. Also, because FEMA is collecting comments on two 
documents in this docket, please also identify the document to which 
your comment applies. Regardless of the method used for submitting 
comments or material, all submissions will be posted, without change, 
to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov, and 
will include any personal information you provide. Therefore, 
submitting this information makes it public. You may wish to read the

[[Page 23199]]

Privacy Act notice that is available on the Privacy and Use Notice link 
on the Administration Navigation Bar of https://www.regulations.gov.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov, and search for Docket ID ``FEMA-2008-0022.'' 
Submitted comments may also be inspected at FEMA, Office of Chief 
Counsel, Room 835, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Fiore, Deputy Chief, 
Radiological Emergency Preparedness Branch, Technological Hazards 
Division, National Preparedness Directorate, craig.fiore@dhs.gov, (703) 
605-4218.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Emergency Management Agency 
(FEMA) is accepting comments on the proposed Supplement 4 to ``Criteria 
for Preparation and Evaluation of Radiological Emergency Response Plans 
and Preparedness in Support of Nuclear Power Plants,'' NUREG-0654/FEMA-
REP-1/Rev. 1 (Supplement 4), and the proposed Radiological Emergency 
Preparedness Program Manual (the REPP Manual). The substance of these 
proposed policies conforms to changes proposed in the Nuclear 
Regulatory Commission (NRC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking entitled 
``Enhancements to Emergency Preparedness Regulations.'' The NRC 
rulemaking can be found on https://www.regulations.gov in Docket ID NRC-
2008-0122.

Supplement 4

    As part of the domestic licensing of commercial nuclear power 
plants (NPPs), FEMA and the NRC evaluate emergency preparedness 
activities at these facilities. Preparedness activities for a 
radiological incident at an NPP are an essential part of planning for 
communities that could be affected by such events. FEMA's role is to 
review and provide findings to the NRC on planning and preparedness 
activities of State, local, and Tribal governments, licensee emergency 
response organizations, if applicable, and other supporting 
organizations (collectively referred to as Offsite Response 
Organizations or OROs). FEMA performs this activity before the NRC 
issues a license to operate a NPP, as well as provides ongoing 
certifications that planning and preparedness efforts are effective and 
consistent with relevant regulatory guidelines. The NRC evaluates 
applicants for NPP site permits, construction permits, and operating 
licenses. As a part of that evaluation, the NRC reviews the onsite 
facility licensees' emergency plans and preparedness efforts.
    NPP licensees and OROs must show that they have plans in place that 
provide a reasonable assurance that adequate protective measures will 
be taken to protect public health and safety in the event of an 
incident at an NPP. The NRC evaluates the adequacy of the onsite plans 
and capabilities, and FEMA evaluates the adequacy of the offsite plans 
and capabilities by applying 16 planning standards. The planning 
standards are contained in FEMA regulations at 44 CFR 350.5 and NRC 
regulations at 10 CFR part 50 (including Appendix E).
    The NRC and FEMA have also developed a number of evaluation 
criteria that the agencies use to determine compliance with each of the 
16 planning standards. Those evaluation criteria are contained in 
NUREG-0654 which is incorporated by reference into FEMA's regulations 
at 44 CFR part 350, as well as contained in NRC regulations at 10 CFR 
part 50. As such, the criteria established in NUREG-0654 are binding 
upon both NPP licensees and the OROs responsible for offsite emergency 
preparedness planning in the areas surrounding the NPP.
    Supplement 4 adds to, and in limited situations revises, evaluation 
criteria contained in NUREG-0654. The changes in Supplement 4 are being 
proposed to address four emerging issues: (1) Preparing for and 
responding to hostile action-based (HAB) events at NPPs; (2) enhancing 
scenario realism and reducing negative training and pre-conditioned 
responses to exercise participants; (3) aligning the offsite 
Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program with the national 
preparedness initiatives under Homeland Security Presidential 
Directives 5 and 8; and (4) ensuring backup means are in place for 
alert and notification systems.
    As previously mentioned, NUREG-0654 is currently incorporated by 
reference into FEMA's regulations at 44 CFR part 350. Should Supplement 
4 become final, FEMA intends to update the incorporation by reference 
to include not only the original NUREG-0654, but also its supplements, 
including Supplement 4. In doing so, FEMA intends to make the substance 
proposed in Supplement 4 binding on OROs.

The REPP Manual

    The REPP Manual is intended to be the principal source of policy 
and guidance for FEMA's REP Program. The REPP Manual provides an 
overview along with additional guidance to aid ORO planners, 
responders, and emergency management professionals. This manual 
provides additional guidance with respect to the planning standards 
established in 44 CFR part 350 and the evaluation criteria contained in 
NUREG-0654 and its Supplements. The REPP Manual does not create new 
requirements or evaluation criteria.
    In August 2002, FEMA released a Draft REPP Manual for interim use 
by OROs, NPP licensees, FEMA Regional staff, the NRC, and other 
stakeholders in developing plans or assessing planning and preparedness 
in communities surrounding the Nation's NPPs. The document currently 
available for comment is an updated version of the REPP Manual. This 
document contains only proposed guidance, however, and it will not be 
effective until comments have been received and adjudicated by FEMA, 
and the final version has been published.
    The proposed REPP Manual incorporates and updates previously-issued 
FEMA Guidance Memoranda (GMs), policy memoranda, and some FEMA-REP 
series documents. The REPP Manual effectively retires these documents 
from use as independent resources. Guidance on specific technical areas 
and other REP Program documents that FEMA was unable to incorporate 
have been retained as ``technical references.'' The remaining stand-
alone FEMA-REP series documents and these technical references are 
listed in Appendix C and cited in the applicable parts of this proposed 
REPP Manual. The retired guidance documents are listed in Appendix D as 
a historical resource. To the greatest extent possible, FEMA will issue 
all future REP Program guidance as amendments to the applicable parts 
of the REPP manual.
    In updating the 2002 Draft REPP Manual, FEMA made important changes 
to both the language and the substance of the document. First, FEMA 
conducted a ``plain English'' review to produce a more easily 
understandable document by considering the audience's needs and 
avoiding unnecessary words, jargon, technical terms, and long and 
ambiguous sentences. Second, the new REPP Manual provides guidance on 
the integration of terms and concepts found in the National Incident 
Management System/Incident Command System and in the National Exercise 
Program, Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP). (Note: 
Because both HSEEP and REP are evolving programs, additional revisions 
and modifications may be necessary.) Further, the REPP

[[Page 23200]]

Manual provides additional guidance on the new or revised evaluation 
criteria proposed in Supplement 4 and the NRC's proposed rulemaking.

    Authorities: FEMA proposes to issue the new REPP Manual, and 
FEMA and the NRC propose to issue Supplement 4 to NUREG-0654 under 
the authority of: Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1978; Presidential 
Directive of Dec. 7, 1979; Executive Order 12148 ``Federal Emergency 
Management''; section 201 of the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, 42 
U.S.C. 5131, as amended by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended (Pub. L. 93-288); Homeland 
Security Act of 2002, 6 U.S.C. 101 et seq., as amended by the Post 
Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (Pub. L. 109-295); NRC 
Authorization Acts of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-295) and 1982-1983 (Pub. L. 
97-415); Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2011 et 
seq.; Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.; 
Energy Policy Act of 2005, 42 U.S.C. 15801 note; Homeland Security 
Presidential Directive 5: Management of Domestic Incidents; and 
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8: National Preparedness; 
10 CFR part 50; 10 CFR part 50, Appendix E; 44 CFR part 350.

    Dated: May 5, 2009.
David Garratt,
Acting Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[FR Doc. E9-10951 Filed 5-15-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-21-P
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