[EAS] Is monitoring a translator cool?

[IPAWS]

Dale Lamm asked...

This particular PEP station employs an FM translator. The state plan calls for several participants to monitor the 50 KW AM PEP. Supposing a cleaner off air feed was available by instead monitoring the FM translator, would doing so constitute a change in the state plan? Would you consider this change?

Dale,

There is no guaranty that a PEP station FM translator will carry an NP EAS message. In most cases FM translators are fed directly from the studio. PEP messages are inserted into the program chain at the transmitter site bypassing the studio and STL. This was done to avoid message failure due to equipment issues downstream. 

Al Kenyon