In a move to bolster public safety, Wyoming officials have unveiled plans for Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs) and nuclear-safe zones, aligning state protocol with federal nuclear safety standards.
Planning Zones Near Nuclear Sites
Under guidance from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the EPA, Wyoming will implement:
- A 10-mile radius EPZ around each nuclear or uranium recovery facility. Inside this zone, residents would receive detailed evacuation and shelter-in-place plans. Authorities may also distribute iodine tablets to protect against radioactive iodine exposure.
- A 50-mile ingestion pathway zone, where food and water supplies would be monitored and, if necessary, removed from circulation to prevent contamination through consumption.
These designated radii reflect federal emergency planning recommendations following evaluations of possible release pathways and reaction times in the event of a nuclear incident.
Coordinated Emergency Response
- Evacuation Planning: Local governments within 10-mile EPZs must update and test evacuation protocols, accounting for population changes and weather patterns. Evacuations are tailored to wind direction and expected fallout zones .
- Multi-Agency Collaboration: The Wyoming State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) integrates federal, state, tribal, and local resources. Additionally, the Wyoming Homeland Security Radiological Services program provides vital support — including training, threat assessments, technical assistance, and radiation monitoring across the EPZ.
- Cross-Jurisdiction Support: Wyoming has agreements with neighboring states and the federal government to coordinate shelter operations, resource sharing, and evacuation logistics during nuclear emergencies
Security at Nuclear Facilities
In Kemmerer, where the future TerraPower Natrium reactor is to be built, companies and state legislators are focusing on tight security measures. The NRC mandates armed guards capable of responding with lethal force to thwart radiological threats. Proposals in the Wyoming Legislature aim to grant these personnel legal protections from civil liability—pending adoption of a draft bill.
Lincoln County Sheriff Shane Johnson noted, “TerraPower will have more security guards than there are law enforcement officers in Lincoln County.”—an indication of the focus on enhanced local preparedness
What Residents Should Do
- Know Your Zone: Residents near uranium facilities or the planned reactor should determine if they live within the 10-mile EPZ or 50-mile monitoring zone.
- Stay Informed: Wyoming Ready and SERC regularly update emergency guideline materials for families, including evacuation maps, shelter-in-place procedures, and radiation exposure precautions
- Prepare in Advance: Citizens are encouraged to create “Two Weeks Ready” emergency kits and communication plans, available through Wyoming Ready
Balancing Safety and Rights
As Wyoming enhances its nuclear safety architecture, officials face scrutiny over security grants for private armed guards and potential civil liability exemptions. Yet, the primary objective remains safeguarding lives and critical infrastructure near nuclear operations.
With emergency zones codified, evacuation protocols refined, and cross-agency partnerships in place, Wyoming positions itself at the forefront of nuclear preparedness in the Mountain West.
Bottom Line
Wyoming’s adoption of federally recommended Emergency Planning Zones, alongside bolstered security and community outreach, marks a significant advance in nuclear emergency readiness. Residents are urged to understand their location’s risk level, stay ready, and stay informed.
