SECTION 4: RISK ASSESSMENT
Emergency Declaration
Date
Description
Loss of Emergency Response Facility Information System (ERFIS) computer system to display Safety Parameter Display System (SPDS) for more than 4 hours. Seismic activity at the site due to a magnitude 5.8 earthquake near Mineral, VA.
Unusual Event 04/02/2000
Unusual Event 08/23/2011
Source: 2019 Wake County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Table 4.138 – Emergency Declarations at the PULSTAR Research Reactor, 1986 – 2023 Emergency Declaration Date Description
A radiography technician walked in front of a 30 REM per hour beam of radiation for 60 seconds due to a shutter being left open. This incident was reported to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), but no assistance was required from the City of Raleigh or Wake County. PULSTAR shut down due to a 10 gallon per hour leak. No emergency was declared (less than 350 gallons per hour reporting threshold), and no action was required from the City of Raleigh or Wake County. Seismic activity at the site due to a magnitude 5.8 earthquake near Mineral, VA.
None
12/13/2010
None
07/02/2011
Unusual Event
08/23/2011
Source: 2019 Wake County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
PROBABILITY OF FUTURE OCCURRENCE Radiological hazards are highly unpredictable. Nuclear reactors present the possibility of catastrophic damages, yet the industry is highly regulated and historical precedence suggests an incident is unlikely.
Probability: 1 – Unlikely VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
PEOPLE People within the 10-mile EPZ are at risk of direct exposure to radioactive material. People within the 50- mile EPZ are at risk of exposure through ingestion of contaminated food and water. Low levels of radiation are not considered harmful, but a high exposure to radiation can cause serious illness or death. Figure 4.37 reflects the population density of census block groups within the 10-mile EPZ of Harris Nuclear Plant and indicates the potential vulnerability of people to a radiological incident.
Wake County, NC Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
WSP June 2024 Page 262
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