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Routine Media InquiriesFor information about the Callaway Plant, call:
You can also get information about the Callaway Plant from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) by calling:
For basic plant information and statistics, see our Callaway Plant Facts and Statistics.
Due to enhanced security regulations and changing plant operating conditions, access to the plant for media and other visitors may be restricted. When media visits are allowed, some areas will be “off limits,” and there will be restrictions on photos and videotaping in certain areas. Therefore, if you wish to visit the plant, please call to make arrangements before coming out. NOTE: If a radiological emergency occurs, plant access for all visitors will be restricted for safety reasons. See Emergency Communications for details. Plant Access Requirements The following industrial safety and security requirements apply to all visitors:
What to wear
Equipment limitations A considerable amount of walking and stair climbing may be necessary. Therefore, we suggest that you travel “light” and avoid bringing bulky equipment cases or heavy tripods into the plant. Since everything you bring in must be inspected by security personnel, the more you bring, the more delay you may encounter in getting into the plant to get your story. Radiological areas Federal regulations strictly limit access to radiological areas for people who are not trained in radiation safety procedures. Therefore, visitors are generally not permitted in these areas.
Lighting inside the plant is generally adequate for today’s equipment, but a portable, battery-operated light is suggested for taping in some areas. AmerenUE can provide high-quality video footage and digital photos of refuelings and other plant activities. Let us know what format you need. Copies of public records and documents related to the Callaway Plant and its construction are available on the Internet at In April 2000, the NRC began posting quarterly plant safety performance indicators on the Internet. A color coding system (green, white, yellow, red) is used to show how well each nuclear plant’s performance met safety criteria during that period, with green indicating the highest level of safety performance and red the lowest. You can find the latest data for the Callaway Plant at: Emergency CommunicationsIf a radiological emergency occurs at the Callaway Nuclear Plant, one of AmerenUE’s top priorities will be to provide timely, accurate information to the news media and allow media representatives to meet with and ask questions of AmerenUE personnel. How you will be notified AmerenUE will provide initial notification of the emergency by fax or email to key media, including: 1. Mid-Missouri media We will also post news releases on the Ameren Web site (www.ameren.com). A radiological emergency at the Callaway Plant would be expected to generate an enormous amount of media interest. Therefore, our first priority will be to set up news briefings so large numbers of reporters can be accommodated and their questions answered at one, central location. In the early stages of an emergency, we recommend that you do not try to call the plant or AmerenUE Corporate Communications personnel. Doing so will only delay our efforts to gather information and arrange news briefings to provide you with the most timely and accurate information possible! How nuclear plant emergencies are classified The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has established four emergency action levels for nuclear power plants. Each classification requires a different response from county, state and power plant personnel. The classes, in order of severity, are: 1. Unusual Event. This means a minor event has occurred, or may occur, that could potentially reduce the overall level of safety. No releases of radioactive material requiring off-site response are expected. Appropriate public officials are notified, but no public action is required. 2. Alert. An alert is declared if events occur that could cause a further reduction in plant safety. Public officials and agencies are notified to be on standby, but no public action is required. 3. Site Emergency. This means there are actual or potential major failures of the plant’s safety-related equipment that could release radioactive material into the environment. However, any actual danger is confined to the plant site. Agencies activate their emergency operations centers and the public is kept informed through the news media. 4. General Emergency. This is the most severe classification, and means safety conditions have deteriorated to where a significant release of radioactive material beyond the plant boundaries is occurring or may occur. Appropriate public agencies begin the necessary steps to protect the public. Sirens and tone alert radios are activated to warn residents of the plant’s Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ). The public is given protective action instructions through the Emergency Alert System. Media Briefings 1. Since an Unusual Event is the least-significant of the four Emergency Action Levels for nuclear power plants, and presents no danger to the public, media inquiries for an Unusual Event will be handled through the normal communications channels (see “General Media Inquiries” in the first section of this guide). 2. If an Alert, Site Emergency or General Emergency is declared, a Joint Public Information Center (JPIC) will be established at the State Emergency Management Agency Headquarters, 2302 Militia Drive, Jefferson City. To get to the JPIC from downtown Jefferson City, take U.S. Highway 50/63 East approximately 8 miles to the Militia Drive exit, turn left, and follow Militia Drive to the Missouri National Guard's Ike Skelton Training Site—the large brick building on top of the hill. AmerenUE and government officials will conduct news conferences and background briefings at that location. You will be asked to present up-to-date media credentials when you arrive. Check our glossary for terms you may hear used in news briefings at the JPIC. Callaway Plant Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ)
Glossary of Nuclear Energy TermsBackground radiation—Radiation that occurs naturally. In central Missouri, natural background radiation is about 295 millirems per year. Chain reaction—The continuous splitting of uranium atoms. This process is controlled in the reactor. Cladding—The metal (a zirconium alloy) surrounding the uranium fuel, acting as a barrier between the fuel and the water in the reactor coolant system. Contamination—Radioactive material where it is not desired. Control rods—Metal rods placed between the fuel rods to absorb neutrons and control the fission process. When inserted into the reactor core, the reactor quickly shuts down. Control Room—The center from which the nuclear plant is operated, monitored and controlled. Operators licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission are on duty at all times. Core—The central part of a nuclear reactor containing the fuel assemblies. Decontamination—The removal of radioactive material. Emergency Core Cooling System—An important back-up safety system for a nuclear power plant. It provides cooling water for the reactor if the primary cooling system is not operating. Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ)—The area around a nuclear power plant for which plans are developed for public protection in the event of a nuclear accident. The zone covers approximately a 10-mile radius from the plant. To see a map of the Callaway Plant EPZ, click here. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)—An agency of the federal government charged with establishing policy for and coordinating all civil emergency planning and assistance functions for federal agencies. Fission—The splitting of an atom into two or more new atoms. When a uranium atom splits in the reactor, two new atoms, neutrons and heat are produced. Fuel rod—A cylindrical rod, 12 feet long, containing uranium fuel pellets. Ingestion Exposure Pathway EPZ—The area within a 50-mile radius of the Callaway Plant in which people may be indirectly exposed to radiation by eating or drinking contaminated food, milk and water if radioactive material was released in a nuclear emergency. Millirem (mrem)—Unit used to measure radiation dosage (1/1000 of a REM). REM stands for Roentgen Equivalent Man, a measure of radiation that indicates potential impact on the human body. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)—Agency of the federal government responsible for regulation and inspection of nuclear power plants. Plume Exposure Pathway EPZ—The area within a 10-mile radius of the Callaway Plant in which people may be directly exposed to radiation if radioactive material was released in a nuclear emergency. Primary coolant—Water which passes through the reactor vessel, picking up heat from the nuclear fuel. Radioactivity—The property possessed by some elements which enables them to give off energy in the form of particles or waves. Reactor—The large steel vessel in a nuclear power plant containing fuel assemblies, primary coolant and other equipment. The fissioning, or splitting, of atoms is controlled within the reactor. Reception and care center—Centers operated by the State of Missouri and assisted by the American Red Cross, providing food and shelter to residents of evacuated areas in a nuclear emergency. Recovery—Process of reducing environmental radiation to normally acceptable levels following a nuclear emergency. Re-entry—Temporary return under controlled conditions, into a restricted, contaminated area with the 10-mile EPZ following a nuclear emergency. REM—See "millirem." Shielding—Comprises the various materials within a nuclear power plant preventing radiation from escaping into the environment. Shielding can be steel, lead, concrete or water. State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)—Missouri state government agency responsible for development and implementation of procedures to protect the public during natural or other emergency conditions. Subareas—Specific geographical areas within the EPZ, used in providing protective action recommendations to the public. How the Plant Works (diagram)
Links to Other Information SourcesGovernment Organizations
Industry Organizations
Nuclear Energy Basics Radiation and Health Plant Photos
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Secondary Loop 
Cooling Loop 
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