Managing nuclear power plant induced disasters

Dean Kyne, PhD, MPA, MPS

doi:10.5055/jem.2015.0252

Authors

Dean Kyne, PhD, MPA, MPS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2015.0252

Keywords:

nuclear power plant, potential nuclear power risks, disaster management, radioactive plume path dispersion

Abstract

Objective: To understand the management process of nuclear power plant (NPP) induced disasters. The study shields light on phases and issues associated with the NPP induced disaster management. Setting: This study uses Palo Verde Nuclear Generation Station as study subject and Arizona State as study area.

Design: This study uses the Radiological Assessment System for Consequence Analysis (RASCAL) Source Term to Dose (STDose) of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a computer software to project and assess the source term dose and release pathway. This study also uses ArcGIS, a geographic information system to analyze geospatial data. A detailed case study of Palo Verde Nuclear Power Generation (PVNPG) Plant was conducted.

Results: The findings reveal that the NPP induced disaster management process is conducted by various stakeholders. To save lives and to minimize the impacts, it is vital to relate planning and process of the disaster management.

Conclusions: Number of people who expose to the radioactive plume pathway and level of radioactivity could vary depending on the speed and direction of wind on the day the event takes place. This study findings show that there is a need to address the burning issue of different racial and ethnic groups’ unequal exposure and unequal protection to potential risks associated with the NPPs.

Author Biography

Dean Kyne, PhD, MPA, MPS

, Assistant Professor of Environmental Sociology, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas; Visiting Researcher, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona. E-mail: dean.kyne@utrgv.edu

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