NRC holds meeting to discuss nuclear power plant licenses

MANNINGTON TWP. - Supporters praised PSEG Nuclear's positive impact on the local community while environmentalists called for better protection for marine life at a meeting designed for federal officials to gather public comment on the utility's request to extend the operating licenses for its three nuclear reactors.

The meeting, held by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission which oversees the operation of the nation's 104 operating nuclear reactors, is an initial step in the process to extend the life of the plants.

Nuclear power plants in the United States are initially granted 40-year operating licenses and are allowed to apply for 20-year extensions.

On Aug. 18, PSEG Nuclear formally submitted applications to the NRC asking that all three of its plants at the Artificial Island generating complex in Lower Alloways Creek Township - Salem 1, Salem 2 and Hope Creek - be granted 20-year license extensions.

"We want to make sure the environmental review contains all relevant information we need to look at," said Donnie Ashley, NRC Safety Project Manager for the review of the Salem and Hope Creek applications.

The environmental segment is part of a two-pronged review the NRC will conduct. The second part is the safety review which will focus on the critical question of how the utility will manage the aging plants.

"The duty of the NRC staff is to determine if effects of aging will be adequately managed by the applicant," Ashley said.

The environmental review focuses not only on the plants impact on fish, wildlife, water and air, but also on historical or cultural resources, taxes, community development and human health.

About 65 people attended the first of two sessions held by the NRC Thursday at the county's Department of Emergency Management headquarters here.

Brian Duffy, Salem County Chamber of Commerce board vice president, said on-site visits at Artificial Island have convinced chamber members that PSEG Nuclear "operates in a culture of safety and security."

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