1 WG-MISD Release of Radioactive Material (RRM) Work Stream Colin Hord, UK CAA Nigel Gait UK Met Office.

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WG-MISD Release of Radioactive Material(RRM) Work Stream

Colin Hord, UK CAANigel Gait UK Met Office

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IMPROVED CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND READINESS FOR NUCLEAR EVENTS

EANPG PROGRAMME COORDINATING GROUP (COG) SIXTY-THIRD MEETING (Paris, France, 13 to 16 October 2015)

WP 12 was presented, this report which detailed the findings from an exercise of the network-wide response in case of a nuclear emergency in Europe (NUCLEAR14). This exercise was conducted on 19-20 November 2014 by the Eurocontrol Network Manager (NM) and the European Aviation Crisis Coordination Cell (EACCC).

Key finding from the exercise was that the exercise demonstrated that there is an immediate need for improved information and improved guidance to enhance the readiness and appropriate response of all aviation stakeholders in case of a nuclear incident or accident

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IMPROVED CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND READINESS FOR NUCLEAR EVENTS

NUCLEAR14 was debriefed with all participants involved and concluded with a workshop to discuss the findings and to agree on recommendations. This was reflected in the NUCLEAR14 - Network Manager Feedback Report.

The main recommendations were: Recommended action 1: Develop a comprehensive Concept of Operations for

ATM in case of a nuclear disaster, in particular regarding information flows and decision making criteria, including radiological parameters for nuclear contamination of airspace and ground level

Recommended action 2: Develop contamination charts linked to decision making criteria that can be used to support Airspace user and ANSP decision making.

Recommended action 3: Mandate expert organisations (i.e. RSMCs) to produce the contamination charts as per recommendation 2 and provide them to all stakeholders (including NM) as per the changed information flow in recommendation 1.

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IMPROVED CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND READINESS FOR NUCLEAR EVENTS

The main recommendations were (cont): Recommended action 4: Develop guidance to compose the

SIGMETs for nuclear contaminated airspace. Recommended action 5: Define acceptable threshold values and

procedures for radioactive contaminated airframes on both health and technical aspects (including aircraft engine).

Recommended action 6: Decontamination procedures shall include the levels at which the Airline can perform the decontamination with their existing tools and processes, and at which level help from National Authorities should be sought.

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IMPROVED CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND READINESS FOR NUCLEAR EVENTS

COG highlighted: The need to provide the CONOPS as a matter of urgency. The need for specific elements related to Regional implementation

and Regional contingency planning. That little consideration was given in the past to answer two simple

operational questions ’where is the released nuclear material in the airspace’ and ‘is it safe to fly in it?’

These two basic elements are at the heart of the NUCLEAR14 observed shortcomings, the recommendations from it and should be resolved in the short term by utilising existing capabilities and expertise.

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IMPROVED CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND READINESS FOR NUCLEAR EVENTS

COG highlighted (cont): Dispersion of radioactive material is not sufficient in identifying the

exposition posed to passengers and flight crew, as well as cargo and systems, in flight .

Suggest that improvements are made on a regional basis where products can be trialled and assessed for fitness for purpose.

Shortcomings in the information, information flow and decision making criteria for States, which prevent a controlled and harmonised response by all stakeholders involved in case of a nuclear event, especially when effecting airspace.

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IMPROVED CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND READINESS FOR NUCLEAR EVENTS

Action by the Working Group

Review Recommendations 1-6 and agree if they are ultimately achievable

Define responsibilities and deliverables for achieving the various recommendations.

Agree an action plan, accountabilities and timescales.