Saturday, February 23, 2008

AAEA Participates In Nuclear Power Meeting in Mississippi

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) held a Public Outreach Meeting on Feb 21, 2008 to discuss the potential Combined Operating License (COL) application for one new nuclear plant at the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station. NRC staff discussed safety and environmental review of the anticipated Entergy application for a COL for a Grand Gulf Nuclear Station Unit 3. There are already two units at the facility. They explained what the NRC does during the review of a COL and they described how the public can participate in the process. The meeting was conducted by the Division of New Reactor Licensing.

AAEA President Norris McDonald participated in the meeting and discussed several issues with NRC staff (see videos). Former Congressman and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy also particupated in the meeting. It was held at the Port Gibson City Hall. About 50 people turned out for the meeting but no antinuclear activists participated.

The Grand Gulf COL Application will reference the Early Site Permit (ESP) issued by the NRC on April 5, 2007, which determined the suitability of the Grand Gulf site for construction and operation of a new nuclear plant. The Grand Gulf COL Application will reference the General Electric Hitachi design for the Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (ESBWR). NRC will not issue a COL before the ESBWR design is certified. Currently two designs are certified: 1) Westinghouse AP 1000 and 2) GE Advance Boiling Water Reactor.


NRC of March 6 Public Meeting Summary

Grand Gulf Unit 3 COL Website

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