Title
A Resolution to Strengthen Nuclear Emergency Planning for the Population of the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan
Memorandum
This resolution supports the stockpiling of nonprescription potassium iodine in communities located within 50-miles from an actively operating nuclear power plant, for the preservation of public safety.
Staff
Prepared by: John Mirsky, Energy Commissioner
Reviewed by: Missy Stults, Sustainability and Innovations Manager
Reviewed by: Matthew Rechtien, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Reviewed by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The American Thyroid Association (ATA), a leading public health organization dedicated to the prevention, and population-level risk reduction, of thyroid disease, has called for the international harmonization of best-practice standards for direct pre-distribution and stockpiling of nonprescription potassium iodide (KI) around nuclear power plants;
Whereas, Timely and appropriate ingestion of KI is recognized around the world as a safe and effective public health protection measure for preventing cases of thyroid cancer caused by exposure to radioactive iodine (I-131) in the event of a nuclear accident;
Whereas, Canada responded to Japan's 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident by strengthening KI distribution requirements to improve radiological emergency preparedness for Canadians;
Whereas, The U.S. government and the State of Michigan did not respond in kind, thus leaving Americans with unequal KI protection coverage compared to Canadians, particularly in the case where one nuclear power plant straddles both countries;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor, Michigan is located within the international 50-mile emergency planning ingestion pathway zone (IPZ) of the Fermi-2 nuclear power plant in southeast Michigan near Ontario;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor's Sustainability Framework adopted in 2013 includes the goal of "Safe Community---Minimize the risk to public health and propert...
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