What is an Emergency Planning Zone?
Most of the radiation during an emergency at a nuclear power plant probably will come in the form of a plume of radioactivity. The path the plume takes is dependent on wind direction, wind speed and other meteorological conditions. Plants are equipped with radiation monitors, and field teams are deployed to predict and track the path of a radioactive plume. Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs) are defined areas around nuclear power plants so that Protective ActionRecommendations (PARs) can be made in the areas affected by the radioactive plume. The Emergency Planning Zone is a 10-mile radius around the plant divided into sub areas. PARs, such as sheltering and evacuation, will be made for the sub areas either affected or predicted to be affected by the plume. If the wind changes or other meteorological conditions occur, other sub areas could be included in the Protective Action Recommendation.
