FROM: RIVERKEEPER

Contact: Rubenstein Communications, Inc.
Sara Walker: 212.843.8086 or swalker@rubenstein.com

For Immediate Release

Riverkeeper to Address Concerns Over Indian Point’s Emergency Plans at NRC Meeting

Siren Failure and Unworkable Evacuation Plans Put Public at Risk

August 25, 2005 – Tarrytown, NY Riverkeeper, concerned that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is not taking immediate actions against the recent and repeated problems with Indian Point’s emergency sirens, will attend NRC public meetings in Rockville, MD from August 31st – September 1st. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss issues related to the emergency preparedness regulations for nuclear power plants.

The meetings will host representatives from State, local and Tribal governments; Department of Homeland Security (DHS); Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); NRC; advocacy groups; and the nuclear industry. The meeting is open to the public, and all attendees will have an opportunity to offer comments and ask questions throughout the meeting.

“Since former head of FEMA James Lee Witt deemed Indian Point’s emergency evacuation plans unworkable – and probably unfixable – in 2003, the NRC and FEMA have done little to address the glaring deficiencies in a plan needed to evacuate over 300,000 residents living within Indian Point’s 10-mile peak fatality zone. While the surrounding counties have diligently tried to improve the plans, they cannot reduce the population density nor can they change the roadways and infrastructure. In the event of an emergency at Indian Point, we’re all sitting ducks,” said Lisa Rainwater van Suntum, Riverkeeper’s Indian Point Campaign Director.

“We are at a critical juncture,” she continued. “Entergy has shown interest in a 20-year license extension, yet has recently demonstrated the inability to comply with basic emergency preparedness standards. We’re heading to the meeting to demand that the NRC force Entergy to install backup power to their sirens immediately – not within two years, as the corporation recently announced.”

Riverkeeper, the environmental advocacy group that monitors and aims to protect the Hudson River area, has long been credited with raising the issue of Indian Point’s failing safety record and potential consequences to public officials and citizens. Lisa Rainwater van Suntum, PhD joined Riverkeeper in November 2003. She coordinated the Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition (IPSEC). In this capacity, Ms. Rainwater van Suntum organized public events and fundraising efforts and spearheaded public outreach and media campaigns for the 72 member organizations seeking to close the Indian Point nuclear power plants.

To speak with Lisa Rainwater van Suntum, please call Sara Walker @ 212.843.8086 or 917.620.3908.