Nuclear Power Plant Information
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (S.C. DHEC or DHEC) is tasked with providing radiological technical assistance, emergency planning and advice to the Governor’s Office and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD). This important role in the state’s ability to respond to radiological emergencies requires both technical responses, during an actual emergency, and extensive day-to-day planning and liaison work.
DHEC created the Nuclear Response and Emergency Environmental Surveillance (NREES) section to provide the department’s response to radiological emergencies.
The NREES responsibilities assigned to this section include:
- Maintaining a radiological hazard assessment capability and provide radiological technical support, coordination and guidance for the state.
- Preparing and updating supporting technical radiological emergency response plans.
- Provide for a 24-hour accident notification system.
- Provide protective actions guides as well as recovery and re-entry guidelines.
- Provide technical representatives to industry and county and state governments.
- Obtain and coordinate emergency radiological assistance from the federal government, other state and private industry.
- Direct monitoring efforts in the 10-mile emergency planning and the 50-mile ingestion pathway zones.
- Coordinate monitoring at shelters and reception centers, and of emergency workers and vehicles.
- Provide technical advice on decontamination and disposal of contaminated materials.
- Provide water supply information required for sampling and monitoring and respond to radioactive waterborne releases that threaten public water supply.
- Provide radiological monitoring training to technical personnel, and members of local and state government.
- Participate in annual training programs at nuclear facilities.
- Assist in the development and coordination of, and participate in, nuclear facility emergency exercises.
- Coordination with Clemson Extension Service on crop and other agricultural information. Provide advice on protection recovery and re-entry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Radiation
Radiation Information PDF
- South Carolina Radiation History/Overview
- Radiation Basics
- Radiation Health
- How Nuclear Power Plants Work
Radiation Awareness Program
Common Exposures to Radiation
South Carolina Nuclear Power Plants
- Catawba Nuclear Station
- H.B. Robinson Nuclear Plant
- Oconee Nuclear Station
- V.C. Summer Nuclear Station
- Vogtle Electric Generating Plant
Other South Carolina Nuclear Sites
Related Nuclear Power Plant Links
- South Carolina Emergency Management Division
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Nuclear Energy Institute
- United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- United States Environmental Protection Agency – Radiation Programs
- DHEC Emergency Radiological Environmental Program Report 2010 (pdf)
- DHEC Emergency Radiological Environmental Program Report 2011 (pdf)
Potassium Iodide
- Recommendations for Potassium Iodide (KI) Use During a Radiological Disaster (pdf) [Spanish]
- S.C. DHEC Potassium Iodide (KI) Distribution Locations (pdf)
- Potassium Iodide (KI) Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Potassium Iodide Links
- U.S. Center for Disease Control KI Website
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration KI Website
- U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission KI Website
For more information please contact the Bureau of Land & Waste Management at (803) 896-4000.