Planning Partnerships

Interjurisdictional Planning Committee

The Interjurisdictional Planning Committee (IPC) was formed in 1982 to address the emergency planning requirements within the Emergency Planning Zone for the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).

The IPC is composed of representatives from the cities of

  • San Clemente
  • Dana Point
  • San Juan Capistrano
  • Orange County
  • San Diego County
  • Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
  • California State Parks
  • Southern California Edison

The mission of this group is to integrate emergency plans, coordinate decision-making for SONGS-related activities and educate the public. The IPC is a strong partnership that is recognized at the local, state and federal levels.


Emergency Classifications

Federal guidelines classify emergency conditions at U.S. nuclear power plants into four levels. Here they are in order from the least to most serious:

1. NOTIFICATION OF UNUSUAL EVENT

Indicates a potential problem with operation of the plant. Officials are notified, but no public action is taken.


2. ALERT

Indicates an event that could reduce the plant's level of safety. Any release of radioactivity would be a small fraction of the federal guidelines. No public action is taken.


3. SITE AREA EMERGENCY

Indicates a problem that substantially reduces the plant's level of safety. Release of radioactivity outside the plant site would not be expected to exceed federal guidelines. Those who live and work in the Emergency Planning Zone should monitor the situation on television or radio.


4. GENERAL EMERGENCY

Indicates a problem affecting safety systems in the plant that could lead to a release of radiation that would exceed the federal guidelines outside the plant. Officials may order protective actions for some areas.