Audit of the EPA National Center for Radiation Field Operations’ Preparedness

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Date Issued

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Submitting OIG

Environmental Protection Agency OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Environmental Protection Agency

Report Number

25-P-0047

Report Description

Why We Did This Report

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General conducted this audit to determine to what extent the EPA National Center for Radiation Field Operations, or NCRFO, has the capability—including appropriate management and internal control, resources, and staff qualifications—to successfully fulfill its roles and responsibilities in preparing for and responding to radiological incidents.

Summary of Findings

We found that the NCRFO needs to take steps to improve its preparedness to respond to radiological emergencies. While the NCRFO successfully conducted nonemergency responses, such as site assessments, we found that it was not fully prepared for the one emergency response it conducted during the period we reviewed.

Report Type

Audit

Agency Wide

Yes

Number of Recommendations

Questioned Costs

Funds for Better Use

Report updated under NDAA 5274

Open Recommendations

This report has 2 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
1	No	$0	$0
Assess the National Center for Radiation Field Operations to determine the most efficient and effective use of the center's expertise and resources based on the Agency's responsibilities for responding to radiological emergencies and nonemergencies. The assessment should include but is not limited to the following: a. The importance of the center to the EPA's operational readiness to respond to radiological incidents. b. The role of the center in meeting the EPA's responsibilities under the Nuclear/Radiological Incident Annex to the Response and Recovery Federal Interagency Operational Plan and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan. c. The availability, expertise, and location of response personnel with specialized radiological knowledge within the EPA. d. The impact of the center on the mission success of other stakeholders-including EPA regions; state, local, and tribal responders; and other federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Energy. e. Opportunities, such as site assessments, that exist to maximize the utility of the center's skills and expertise. f. The optimal size and staff composition of the center.
2	No	$0	$0
Depending on the results of the Recommendation 1 assessment, develop a comprehensive strategy to improve the National Center for Radiation Field Operations' preparedness to ensure that it can effectively fulfill its roles and responsibilities in responding to radiological emergencies. The strategy should include the establishment and implementation of the following: a. A process to ensure that all Radiological Emergency Response Team staff participate in one national-level or Office of Radiation and Indoor Air-wide exercise annually to prepare for a radiological emergency and to confirm that the Radiological Emergency Response Team has plans and procedures that are regularly tested and practiced. A lessons-learned activity should be completed and documented for each exercise to identify areas in which additional training or preparation is required. b. A plan to promote the National Center for Radiation Field Operations' expertise and availability throughout the Agency to ensure that staff routinely participate in radiological site assessments to hone skills and abilities. c. A method to consistently document and track training for all employees and management. d. A succession plan. e. A plan to modernize equipment. f. A method to track all accountable equipment by documenting when equipment is issued, when equipment is returned, when equipment needs to be calibrated, and when equipment was calibrated. g. A review process that includes performance measures to ensure that the center is prepared to respond to a radiological emergency.