Indian Point Safety

The Indian Point nuclear power plants, located in Buchanan, NY, are owned by Holtec International. The site is currently undergoing decommissioning. The reactors are no longer in operation, and the nuclear fuel has been removed from them. The fuel is stored onsite in dry cask storage. Because of this, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has determined there is no longer a risk of a significant offsite radiological emergency.

The NRC recently approved a new emergency plan for the site. One of the major changes in this plan is the elimination of the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) that existed previously, and which encompassed portions of Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester Counties. While the EPZ is no longer required, the County of Westchester continues to maintain its emergency plan and preparedness, consistent with the site’s evolving risk profile. The primary goal is the protection of the health and safety of the public in the County.

Emergency Planning
The County’s approach to the Indian Point site is consistent with the “all hazards” approach that would be utilized for any other hazard or disaster within Westchester County. The County continues to act as a resource and partner in support of emergency response by local municipalities by offering planning support, resources, and specialty response assets (including the Hazardous Materials Team and the Technical Rescue Team), Mutual Aid coordination, as well as specialized radiological detection and survey equipment.

Potassium Iodide 
Previously, Potassium Iodide, known by its chemical symbol KI, was distributed by Westchester County. In the event of a nuclear power plant emergency, this medication was to be used as a supplement to sheltering and evacuation. Because the NRC has determined there is no longer a risk of a significant offsite radiological emergency, KI supplies are no longer required to be maintained by area residents for this purpose. If members of the public within the previous 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) surrounding Indian Point still have supplies of KI, it can be safely disposed of in regular household trash.