Feds OK emergency plan for (Indian Point, NY) nuke plant - Paulison

[GeorgeGist]

Critics say plant must shut down

Sunday, July 27, 2003 Posted: 9:21 AM EDT (1321 GMT)

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Federal authorities have approved the evacuation plan for the Indian Point nuclear power plant near New York City, essentially overruling local officials worried that residents might not be protected in the event of a terrorist attack.

The Federal Emergency Management Agent told New York Gov. George Pataki in a letter Friday it had "reasonable assurance" the plant's evacuation plan is adequate. R. David Paulison, director of FEMA's Preparedness Division, said the agency would continue to work with the Nuclear Regulatory Agency on issues relating to security of the plant.

He said next year's emergency planning exercise for Indian Point would include a simulated terrorist scenario. The effectiveness of Indian Point's evacuation plan has been at the heart of a bitter debate over whether the plant, 35 miles north of Manhattan, should remain open.

Opponents, including dozens of municipalities and hundreds of local officials, say the plan is flawed and the plant should be shut down.
http://www.cnn.tv/2003/US/Northeast/07/26/indian.point/