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Testimony: Charles Tedford Page 5 



DEC plans to implement the environmental surveillance program 

 in three phases. In phase one, the ER.\M monitors would be activat- 

 ed; phase two would involve the purchase and activation of the PIC 

 system; and during phase three, procure the laboratory equipment to 

 undertake more regular sampling of water and biota to establish 

 background levels and detect change. 



The framework for emergency response to a nuclear radiation 

 incident or accident is contained in the Alaska Emergency Opera- 

 tions Plan. Depending upon the severity of the incident, as many 

 as seven state agencies and four federal agencies would be involved 

 in a coordinated response. The Departments of Health and Social 

 Services, Military Affairs, Environmental Conservation, and Labor 

 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 1982 which describes 

 each of these agencies' responsibilities and roles in a radiation 

 incident or accident scenario. The Conference of Radiation Control 

 Program Directors, a national organization comprised of the 

 Directors of all fifty states' Radiation Programs, will review the 

 Alaska Radiation Program, including our emergency response 

 capability this fall. This review will include recommendations 

 about statutory changes, personnel and equipment, methods to 

 establish a response capability, and funding necessary to accom- 

 plish these tasks. ^ 



The Department of Health and Social Services headed by Dr. 

 Theodore Mala, has the responsibility for emergency response action 

 for radiation incidents or accidents. Dr. Mala supports the 

 concept of the environmental monitoring system and efforts should 

 focus on air and water surveillance. He believes that local 



