What is the Agreement-in-Principle (AIP)?

In July 1990, Gov. William P. Clements signed the Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) between the State of Texas and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This agreement enables the state to help protect human health and safety and the environment at and around the Pantex Plant through environmental oversight and emergency response. The DOE owns the Pantex Plant, located in Carson County about 17 miles northeast of Amarillo. The facility both assembles and dismantles nuclear weapons. It began as a conventional bomb plant during World War II, then was sold to Texas Tech University at the war's end. The federal government reclaimed the plant at the beginning of the Cold War. As part of the DOE weapons complex, Pantex assembled the parts that were sent by other facilities around the nation. Those other facilities engaged in activities that produced both hazardous and radioactive waste. While the plan was for significant amounts of radioactive waste to be shipped to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), delays in opening the WIPP resulted in the waste being stored on site, especially at the Idaho National Environmental Laboratory and the Rocky Flats Plant near Boulder, Colorado. Beginning in the 1970s, governors whose states hosted weapons plants began petitioning DOE for assistance in cleaning up the sites. Gov. Cecil Andress of Idaho eventually filed a lawsuit. In 1989, the U.S. Justice Department, along with the FBI, the State of Colorado and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), raided the Rocky Flats Plant. Significant environmental hazards were uncovered, and the plant was shut down. Those actions culminated in then-Energy Secretary James Watkins proposing an AIP between DOE and those states hosting nuclear defense facilities, focusing on environmental cleanup. Emergency response activities were added to the agreement, and a number of states signed on. In Texas, the program is administered by the Pantex Program of the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO). The work is divided between emergency response and environmental cleanup, with a number of state and local governmental agencies doing the work. The AIP Program works in partnership with local elected officials and emergency managers within Armstrong County, Carson County, City of Amarillo/Potter County, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), the Texas Department of State Heath Services (DSHS), the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), SECO, DOE/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) to enhance preparedness and response capabilities and to ensure the protection of the health, welfare, and well-being of the citizens in the surrounding area, the State of Texas, and the nation should an incident take place at the Pantex Plant.

PANTEX 10-Mile Emergency Planning Zone Sector Map

Once an emergency situation begins to unfold, local emergency management officials may advise those who live or work in specific emergency response sectors to take special personal protective actions. Emergency announcements will include the sector number which has been affected by the emergency. Most likely the original message will be to shelter-in-place. Know what this means and make plans accordingly. Should you be asked to evacuate, do so quickly and follow the instructions of local authorities. Please take a few minutes now to review the map to the right and determine which emergency response sector your home and/ or work place is located.

Radiation Basics

What is Radiation?

Radiation is energy that comes from a source and travels through space and may be able to penetrate various materials. Light, radio, and microwaves are types of radiation called nonionizing. The kind of radiation discussed here is called ionizing radiation because it can produce charged particles (ions) in matter. Ionizing radiation is produced by unstable atoms. Unstable atoms differ from stable atoms because unstable atoms have an excess of energy, mass, or both. Radiation can also be produced by high-voltage devices (e.g., x-ray machines). Atoms with unstable nuclei are said to be radioactive. In order to reach stability, these atoms give off, or emit, the excess energy or mass. These emissions are called radiation. The kinds of radiation are electromagnetic (like light) and particulate (i.e., mass given off with the energy of motion). Gamma radiation and x-rays are examples of electromagnetic radiation. Gamma radiation originates in the nucleus while xrays come from the electronic part of the atom. Beta and alpha radiation are examples of particulate radiation. One of the best ways to be prepared is to understand the radiation protection principles of time, distance, and shielding. During a radiological emergency (a large release of radioactive material into the environment), these principles will help protect our families and ourselves. Time: Less time spent near source means less radiation received. Distance: Greater distance from source means less radiation received. Shielding: Barriers of lead, concrete, or water provide protection from penetrating gamma rays and x-rays.

Radioactive Contamination

Contamination occurs when material that contains radioactive atoms is deposited on materials, skin, clothing, or any place where it is not desired. It is important to remember that radiation does not spread or get “on” or “in” people; rather, it is radioactive contamination that can be spread. A person contaminated with radioactive material will receive radiation exposure until the source of radiation (the radioactive material) is removed. A person is externally contaminated if radioactive material is on the skin or clothing. A person is internally contaminated if radioactive material is breathed in, swallowed, or absorbed through wounds. The environment is contaminated if radioactive material is spread about or is unconfined.

Radioactive Decontamination

Remove clothing (including watches and jewelry) without tracking contamination into your living space. If possible, take clothes off in an outdoor space, like a garage. Place all personal items you were wearing into a plastic, air-tight bag, close the bag carefully and put it in a secure location outside your home, away from people and pets. Shower from head to toe using soap and warm (not hot) water. Do not scrub your skin with abrasive sponges or brushes. Use shampoo without conditioner to clean your hair. Contact designated authorities to remove contaminated personal items. Do not transport contaminated clothes or personal items yourself. Do not wash your belongings or throw them in the trash.