1. DOE Region 8 Radiological Assistance Program Response Capabilities
Doug Hildebrand
Radiological Assistance Program
Alternate Regional Response Coordinator
Richland Operations Office
Richland, Washington
(509)

2. DOE/NNSA Mission
Protect the public, environment, and the emergency responders by providing a responsive, flexible, efficient, and effective radiological emergency response framework and capability for the Nation

3. DOE/NNSA Emergency Response Assets
Expert technical advice from the DOE complex in response to:
Nuclear weapon accidents and significant incidents
Radiological accidents
Lost or stolen radioactive materials
Acts of nuclear terrorism
Provide access to expertise in nuclear weapons design and production capabilities
Deployable capabilities, configured for a rapid response to any specific nuclear accident or incident

4. RAP – Path to Other DOE/NNSA Assets
Radiological Assistance Program
Radiological measurements and advice to public sector
Regionalized Detection & Identification
NRAT
Nuclear Radiological Advisory Team
DOE subject matter experts directly supporting FBI and Department of State
CRISIS
RESPONSE
ASSETS
JTOT
Joint Technical Operations Team
Advance Technical Capabilities to neutralize or move nuclear WMD devices
SRT
Search Response Team
Specialized search for lost or stolen nuclear devices, weapons, or material
Nuclear Emergency Support Team or NEST, an umbrella term to describe the specialized response teams designed to deal with nuclear/radiological terrorism. NEST includes the following:
RAP
The Nuclear/Radiological Advisory Team (NRAT) - the command and control element for deployed DOE/NNSA NEST assets. DOE component of the DEST or FEST.
The Search Response Team (SRT) for specialized search of lost, stolen, or hidden nuclear devices, weapons or materials. Also maritime operations at sea.
Joint Technical Operations Team (JTOT) brings advanced technical capabilities to provide diagnostics and assessment of suspected nuclear devices, technical operations in support of render safe procedures, and packaging and transport for final disposition.
Accident Response Group (ARG) - provides safe recovery and transport for accidents and significant incidents involving US nuclear weapons in DOE or DoD custody.
ARG
Accident Response Group
Recover nuclear weapons

5. RAP – Path to Other DOE/NNSA Assets
ARAC Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability Computer Modeling of Transport Diffusion and Disposition of Radioactive and Hazardous Material
RAP Radiological Assistance Program
Radiological measurements and advice to public sector
AMS
Aerial Measurement System
Airborne radiological sensing and surveying capabilities
CONSEQUENCE
MANAGEMENT
ASSETS
FRMAC
Federal Radiological Monitoring Assessment Center
Operational and logistical management cell focused on
radiological consequence management
REAC/TS
Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site
Expert medical assistance for radiation exposure accidents
Aerial Measuring System (AMS) - A deployable capability to detect, measure, and track ground and airborne radioactivity over large areas using both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. AMS assets are located at both Nellis AFB, NV and Andrews AFB, MD.
Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (ARAC) - A laboratory-based (LLNL) capability for providing real-time computer modeling capability to assess events involving the release of hazardous radiological materials in the atmosphere. ARAC provides realistic plots, or maps, of potential dose and exposure assessments and estimates of the path of nuclear contaminants released into the atmosphere.
Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC) – Operational framework to collect, analyze, evaluate, assess, interpret, and distribute off-site radiological data in support of the Lead Federal Agency (LFA), State(s), and tribal governments. FRMAC coordinates the federal resources used in responding to the off-site monitoring and assessment needs at the scene of a radiological emergency.
Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) - A medical consultative or deployable capability to provide 24-hour advice on health issues associated with radiation accidents. REAC/TS also provides training and education programs for U.S. and foreign medical and emergency management professionals.

6. DOE Assets CONSEQUENCE CRISIS FRMAC REAC/TS NRAT AMS ERO SRT NARAC
Federal Radiological Monitoring
Assessment Center
CONSEQUENCE
CRISIS
FRMAC
Radiation Emergency
Assistance Center /
Training Site
REAC/TS
NRAT
Nuclear / Radiological
Advisory Team
AMS
ERO
Nuclear Incident
Team
Aerial Measuring System
SRT
Search Response
Team
NARAC
National Atmospheric
Release Advisory Center
JTOT
Joint Technical Operations Team
RAP
ARG
Radiological Assistance Program
Accident Response Group

7. Concept of Operations
RAP provides a regional first response capability – DOE First Responders
RAP enhances the DOE nuclear Counter-Terrorist (CT) capability
RAP provides a rapid, flexible and efficient response to a radiological event
Search capability for Radiological Material
Advise on Public safety
Characterize Radiation Environment
Material Recovery
May call on other DOE Assets

8. RAP Team Configuration
Each region has a minimum of 3 teams
RAP teams consist of trained employees from DOE and DOE contractors/facilities
Each team consists of 8 members; one Federal Team Leader, one Team Captain, one Senior Scientist, and five Health Physics Survey/Support personnel
Additional personnel are available, such as a PIO, transportation specialists, logistics support, etc.

9. Standard Response Equipment
Radiation Detection and Monitoring Equipment

10. Standard Response Equipment
Man-portable and Vehicle-mounted Search Systems

11. Standard Response Equipment
Radionuclide Identification Systems (NaI and HPGe)

12. Identifying Isotopes Room temperature (Nal) Spectrum Liquid Nitrogen
Cooled (HPGe)
Spectrum
Most “Room Temperature” units do NOT have the resolution to identify many complicated isotopes
Identifying Isotopes
Most “Room Temperature” units do NOT have the resolution to identify many complicated isotopes
DOE responders use high resolution gamma spectroscopy systems to provide much better identification capability. Unfortunately, these systems are not easily obtained or maintained by 1st responders.
HPGes provide much better resolution and ability to identify isotopes, but….
Difficult to Operate:
- Requires Supply of Liquid Nitrogen
- Spectrums complicated and difficult to interpret.
- Fragile
Expensive ($ 50k ++)
Image copied from Knoll, “Radiation Detection and Measurement” 3rd Ed. Originally sourced from J.Cl. Philippot, IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci. NS-17(3), 446 (1970)

13. Regional Coordinating Offices
Nine geographical regions
Each RCO maintains a Regional Response Coordinator (RRC)
24-hour emergency availability

14. Regional Coordinating Offices

15. Regional Coordinating Offices
Region 1, Brookhaven Site Office (631)
Region 2, Oak Ridge Office (865)
Region 3, Savannah River Site Office (803)
Region 4, NNSA Service Center (505)
Region 5, Chicago Office (630)
Region 6, Idaho Operations Office (208)
Region 7, Livermore Site Office (925)
Region 8, Richland Operations Office (509)
Region 0, Remote Sensing Laboratory - Andrews (202)
Department of Energy Headquarters/EOC (202)

16. Release Advisory Center
National Atmospheric
Release Advisory Center
(NARAC)
Response timeline
5-10 minutes for NARAC supported sites
1 hour for non-supported sites
NARAC assists decision
makers
NARAC
Response timeline for initial plots:
5-10 minutes for NARAC supported sites
1 hour for non-supported sites
NARAC products provide information to Decision Makers to:
Assess dose and surface contamination downwind
Deploy field teams
Plan for AMS surveys
Develop PARs and make protective action recommendations
NARAC supported sites (sites with computers and software for direct interactive service) use the iClient to request and display predictions. Others participating in the event can view the predictions using the ARAC password protected Web site (i.e., NARAC Web). Products may also be ed or faxed to specific users.
After initial plots are distributed, NARAC scientists will modify the source characteristics to match the set of ground and/or aerial survey measurements collected to refine the initial plots. It typically takes NARAC minutes to prepare inputs, run models, quality assure calculations and deliver refined plots.
The NARAC iClient (Internet Client) allows users to enter event information, request NARAC model predictions, run local models, and display model results with geographical information.
NARAC has developed an expanded web-based capability that will allow users to access NARAC from any computer with a web browser and an Internet connection. Users will be able to:
Enter a simplified description of an atmospheric release.
Send this information to NARAC.
Receive an initial prediction, based upon a simple Gaussian model, within 1 to 2 minutes.
Receive a more accurate prediction, based upon our sophisticated 3-D model, within 5 to 15 minutes.
ARAC POC for access: John Nasstrom,
NARAC Web Page:
Dose and contamination
Field teams
AMS surveys
PARs

17. Release Advisory Center
National Atmospheric
Release Advisory Center
(NARAC)
NARAC
Prediction
National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (NARAC)
Discuss NARAC Prediction

18. Aerial Measuring System (AMS)
Radiological detectors mountable in helicopters and fixed wing aircraft
Provides radiation mapping over large areas around an accident or incident scene
Aerial Measurement System
Radiological detectors mountable in helicopters and fixed wing aircraft
Provides radiation mapping over large areas around an accident or incident scene
One fixed-wing aircraft and one helicopter are stationed at both Nellis AFB (Las Vegas, NV) and Andrews AFB (near Washington, DC).
AMS provides information regarding the location, size, intensity, dominant isotopes, and migration pattern of the radioactive air mass or cloud.
Sensitivities: KeV Fixed* Helo*
Americium
Cesium
Cobalt
Iodine
*Surface Area Deposition in microcuries/square meters
Products:
Contour map of inferred exposure rate at 1 m above ground level
Contour map of specific isotope surface area activity
Identification and magnitude of dominant isotopes

19. Aerial Measuring System (AMS)
Aerial Measurement System
AMS-equipped fixed wing aircraft are instrument rated, capable of all weather operation, and equipped for penetration of a contaminated air mass, if required (will be done at end of the mission due to contamination of the aircraft)
Three NaI detectors onboard (2”x4”x16”; 2”x4”x4”; 1”x1” dia), survey meters for the crew, recording equipment, radar altitude, autonomous GPS tracking equipment, direct readout hardware, and data analysis equipment
Response Time: 300 miles per hour; refueling stops of 1 hour duration, generally occurring at 3 hour intervals. Max daily flight time will not exceed 8 hours for single pilot crew; 10 hours for a two pilot crew (4 hours wheels up)
Flies a serpentine pattern of uniformly spaced parallel flight lines that will encompass a 10 mile radius around the incident site and the entire area suspected of being contaminated
Time to collect data 2-3 hours
Data is partially analyzed on board and is stored on hard disk for detailed analysis upon landin
Data processing time 1-3 hours
Nominal survey altitude is 500 feet above ground up to 35,000 feet with 1000 feet line spacing at 140 knots
Optimum flying time is 5 hours

20. Aerial Measuring System (AMS)
Discuss AMS
AMS-equipped helicopters operate only under FAA visual flight rules and will not be deployed during poor weather
Equipped with 12 NaI thallium-activated detectors (2”x4”x16”), data formatting and recording equipment, radar altitude and differential GPS position tracking equipment, direct readout hardware and data analysis equipment
Response Time: 290 miles in 3.25 hours, which includes a refueling stop of 1 hour duration. Max daily flight time will not exceed 10 hours for a two pilot crew
Can map ground deposition at a rate of about 4 square miles per hour. Flights normally limited to daytime hours. Data is partially analyzed on board and is stored on hard disk for detailed analysis upon landing
Nominal survey altitude is 150 feet above ground with 250 feet line spacing at 70 knots
Optimum flying time is 2-3 hours
The helicopter is preferred because of the larger volume NaI detector array, lower flying altitude and greater spatial resolution

21. FRMAC Operational framework for coordinating monitoring and assessment
Coordinates data and
interpretations
Multi-agency center
initially managed by DOE
FRMAC
Provides the operational framework for coordinating all federal off-site radiological monitoring and assessment activities in support of affected States
Coordinates and
provides quality
controlled data and
interpretations in an
understandable format
Multi-agency center
initially managed by DOE
FRMAC is a multi-agency organization. It is managed by DOE during the Emergency Phase, specifically the NNSA Nevada Site Office in Las Vegas. Management transitions to the EPA at a mutually agreeable time after the emergency phase is over.
States and locals requested to co-locate with the FRMAC to prioritize monitoring and assessment activities.
Usually located near the Advisory Team (EPA, PHS, and USDA). A-Team provides Protective Action Recommendations to the LFA.
FRMAC web site:

22. FRMAC Products FRMAC Field Measurements FRMAC Products

23. Radiological Emergency Assistance
Center / Training Site
(REAC/TS)
24-hour medical consultation
Deployable team of health professionals
Designated as a WHO
Provides DTPA and Prussian Blue for treatment of internal contamination
Provides training programs for health professionals
Radiological Emergency Assistance Center / Training Site
Provides 24-hour medical consultation or direct advice on health issues associated with radiation accidents
Provides a deployable team of health professionals or provides patient care at REAC/TS
Designated as a WHO
Collaboration Center for Radiation
Emergency Assistance
Provides DTPA and Prussian
Blue for treatment of internal
contamination
Provides training programs
for health professionals
REAC/TS, located in Oak Ridge (TN), was established in 1976 and has assisted in over 1200 incidents involving radiation.
REAC/TS has expertise in and is equipped to conduct:
medical and radiological triage
decontamination procedures and therapies for external contamination and internally deposited radionuclides, including DTPA and Prussian Blue chelation therapy
diagnostic and prognostic assessments of radiation induced injuries;
radiation dose estimates by methods that include cytogenetic analysis, bioassay, and in vivo counting.
REAC/TS staff include physicians, registered nurses, EMT paramedics, health physicists, radiologists and coordinators.
REAC/TS maintains a Radiation Accident Registry System and conducts medical follow-up on radiation accident patients.
REAC/TS consultative services can be obtained a a 24-hour basis by calling (865)

24. DOE Region 8 Radiological Assistance Program Response Capabilities
For More Information on RAP And NNSA Assets see: