Devon County Council

There is a need to be prepared for the release of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear material into the general environment, whether deliberate or accidental. Incidents can either be where there is a warning (e.g. nuclear accident) or where no warning is given.

The initial response to any incident in Devon and Cornwall would be local, but if the release is over a wide area and / or the scale and complexity of release is great, then Regional or Central Government would take a lead role and make available sufficient resources to facilitate a response to the incident.

The Joint Agency CBRN plan for the area, prepared by Devon and Cornwall Police details arrangements in Devon to respond to major incidents.

Our colleagues at Plymouth City Council have responsibility for responding to a nuclear incident in the Devonport Dockyard.