New Burghfield emergency planning area announced

AWE welcomes the announcement today (March 14th) of the Burghfield Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Public Information Regulations (REPPIR) off-site emergency planning area (EPA) by the Office for Nuclear Regulation.

The ONR has determined the off-site emergency planning area to be 1.3 km to 2.1 km from the centre of the Burghfield nuclear licensed site. The area is defined by roads, a railway line, footpaths, field boundaries and rivers. 

The revised EPA is the area within which the lead local authority, in this case West Berkshire Council, is required to have an emergency plan in place to protect the public. 

This new EPA will see a very small increase in population from the previous area and includes Poundgreen Farm, James’s Farm and St. Mary’s Church and Parish Centre.  

In response to the ONR decision, AWE Site Director, Haydn Clulow said: “I welcome the ONR’s announcement to determine the new Burghfield EPA. AWE takes our emergency planning responsibilities under REPPIR very seriously. And we work very closely with our district partners, like West Berkshire Council, on REPPIR arrangements, to ensure our emergency preparations are regularly practiced. 

“The health and safety of our employees, the community and the environment are and always will remain a priority for AWE.”For more information about the ONR decision go to www.ONR.org.uk 

Note:

(This REPPIR off-site emergency planning area (EPA) was formerly known as the Detailed Emergency Planning Zone (DEPZ) and is the area within which the lead local authority, in this case West Berkshire Council (WBC), is required to have an emergency plan in place to protect the public.)