Addressing aviation procedures in response to accidental radiological hazard releases

After the devastating Japanese earthquake and tsunami, an accidental release of radioactive material occurred from a nuclear power plant in the tsunami zone. Although the impact to US aviation interests is limited, the event provided insight into the challenges operational offices face in providing critical information for aviation safety during an accidental radiation release.

To address these challenges, NOAA/NWS and the FAA, along with EPA and DOE, drafted a set of procedures to better define the roles and responsibilities of the NOAA/NWS offices after notification of radiological hazard event. These procedures capture the actions of the various agencies and offices in response to an event. The procedures outline a NOAA Radiological Hazards Lead who will be the focal point for information throughout NOAA and the flow of information between within NOAA and with partner agencies and stakeholders.