IEMA Sampling Results Show No Measureable Increases in Radiation Near Byron Nuclear Power Plant
Water, Vegetation Samples Analyzed by IEMA
SPRINGFIELD - Laboratory analysis of environmental sampling conducted by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) earlier this week showed no measureable increases of radiation in the environment as a result of a steam release from the Byron Nuclear Power Plant. The release occurred during an Unusual Event incident at the plant on Monday following a loss of off-site power.
The IEMA Bureau of Environmental Radiation Safety (BERS) routinely monitors for radioactivity in the environment surrounding nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities in Illinois.
Summary of Analytical Results
Press Releases
February 3, 2011 - IEMA Sampling Results Show No Measureable Increases in Radiation Near Byron Nuclear Power Plant
January 31, 2011 - IEMA Environmental Personnel Collect Samples Near Byron Nuclear Power Plant
Governor Quinn Proclaims February Earthquake Preparedness Month
IEMA Encourages Participation in Multi-State Earthquake Drill; More than 400,000 Illinoisans Already Registered
SPRINGFIELD - Recognizing the seismic risk in Illinois and the need for residents to be prepared for a major earthquake, Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed February Earthquake Preparedness Month in Illinois. A multi-state earthquake drill set for Feb. 7 will provide an excellent opportunity for people to learn how to stay safe during an earthquake. View the Executive Department Proclamation.
For more information about the earthquake threat in Illinois and what you can do to prepare, read the Earthquake Preparedness Month press release and check out the "Earthquakes in Illinois" section on the IEMA website.
The deadline for filing 2011 Tier 2 data is Thursday, March 1
Owners or operators of facilities that have hazardous chemicals on hand in quantities equal to or greater than set threshold levels must submit Tier 2 forms between January 1 and March 1 for the previous calendar year.
The purpose of the Tier 2 form is to provide State and local officials and the public with specific information on hazardous chemicals present at your facility during the previous calendar year.
IEMA Working with Federal Officials to Identify, Secure Contaminated Tissue Box Holders
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) announced it is coordinating with federal officials and Bed, Bath and Beyond to identify and secure decorative tissue box holders that are contaminated with low-levels of cobalt-60, a radioactive material. While the holders present no immediate health risk, IEMA is working with federal officials to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure by anyone who comes in contact with them.
The contaminated items are in the Dual Ridge Boutique product line, model number DR9M. They were manufactured at a facility in India and shipped to a Bed, Bath and Beyond distribution site in New Jersey. The items were shipped to the company’s stores in 20 states, including at least two stores in the Chicago area; one at 1800 N. Clyborne Street in Chicago and the other at 3232 Lake Avenue in Wilmette.
Read the full press release.
New Law to Help Renters Learn More About Radon Levels in Their Homes
Radon is Second-Leading Cause of Lung Cancer
A new law set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2012, will help people who rent apartments, condominiums or houses access information about radon levels in their homes. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency’s (IEMA) radon program is offering guidance to help renters better understand radon hazards and their rights under this new law.
Read the full press release.
Radon Guide for Tennants
IEMA Encourages Illinois Residents to Prepare for Winter Storms
SPRINGFIELD - On the heels of a crippling winter storm on the East Coast and just nine months after a blizzard and ice storm hammered most of Illinois, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) encourages Illinois residents to begin preparing for the cold, snow and ice that define winters in Illinois.
To help people prepare for winter hazards, IEMA, NWS and the American Red Cross developed a Winter Storm Preparedness Guide, which contains information about winter weather terms and tips for staying safe at home, in the car and at work or school.
Read the full press release.
IEMA Launches 'Illinois Homeland Security Vision 2020' to Guide Emergency Preparedness, Response Planning
With the 10th anniversary of 9/11 just days away, Illinois' homeland security officials launched an initiative that will help shape the state's homeland security preparedness and response policies into the next decade. As part of Governor Quinn's commitment to public safety and the state's observance of National Preparedness Month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) announced 'Illinois Homeland Security Vision 2020,' a statewide, grass-root effort to engage Illinois' residents and organizations in development of the state's strategy for dealing with current and emerging threats and risks and response to disasters.
Read the full press release.
Nuclear Power Facilities in Illinois
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Events at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plants in Japan following a devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11 have led to interest in the safety of nuclear power plants in Illinois. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency's (IEMA) Division of Nuclear Safety is devoted to ensuring the safety of people living and working near the 11 operating nuclear power reactors at six sites in the state. With its innovative programs and experienced staff of nuclear experts, Illinois is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in nuclear safety.
These programs include a one-of-a kind Remote Monitoring System, which monitors conditions in and around each reactor site 24 hours a day; state resident inspectors conducting independent safety inspections at each facility; the Radiological Emergency Assessment Center, where data from the monitoring system is received and analyzed; and a Radiological Task Force that can assess the impact of radiological incidents.
Read more about nuclear power in Illinois and IEMA's nuclear safety programs in the following documents.
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