RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCIES
Erin Coyle
Program Manager, Emergency Management
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Washington State areas capable of radiological release are Energy Northwest's Columbia Generating Station nuclear power plant located 14 miles north northwest of Richland, the United States Department of Energy (USDOE) Hanford Site, military bases, medical and research facilities, private industry, and trucks, trains, aircraft, and vessels moving across the state carrying radiological materials. The Washington State Dept. of Agriculture (WSDA) and the Washington State Dept. of Health will work in partnership to respond to radiation contamination on agricultural land. The two agencies will evaluate the situation and determine whether state emergency officials should issue an agricultural advisory. The advisory notice is meant to alert farmers of a potential problem and direct them as to the actions needed to minimize risks. The advisory may direct farmers to take actions intended to protect employees, crops, feed for animals, or water supplies.
Program Manager, Emergency Management
Contact Us
Washington State areas capable of radiological release are Energy Northwest's Columbia Generating Station nuclear power plant located 14 miles north northwest of Richland, the United States Department of Energy (USDOE) Hanford Site, military bases, medical and research facilities, private industry, and trucks, trains, aircraft, and vessels moving across the state carrying radiological materials. The Washington State Dept. of Agriculture (WSDA) and the Washington State Dept. of Health will work in partnership to respond to radiation contamination on agricultural land. The two agencies will evaluate the situation and determine whether state emergency officials should issue an agricultural advisory. The advisory notice is meant to alert farmers of a potential problem and direct them as to the actions needed to minimize risks. The advisory may direct farmers to take actions intended to protect employees, crops, feed for animals, or water supplies.
Food Control Areas
WSDA has the authority to establish a food control area, which is a defined area meant to control the movement and consumption of potentially contaminated food and milk products. WSDA's emergency response procedures for radiological emergencies are similar to actions of a bacterial, virus, or toxin event.
Resources for a Radiological Emergency
- Radiological Emergency Information for Farmers, Food Processors and Distributors [PDF], February 2022. Also available in Spanish [PDF].
- Preparing for a radiological emergency in Washington State [PDF]. Also available in Spanish [PDF].
- Washington State Fixed Nuclear Facility Plan (2023) Annex F - Agriculture and Food Control Measures