07-18-08: Officials: N-enrichment plant will get thorough review

(c) 2008 Wilmington Star-News

By David Reynolds, Staff Writer

WILMINGTON -- Officials from the federal commission charged with deciding whether a nuclear-enrichment plant is right for New Hanover County assured residents Thursday night that they will conduct a thorough review and consider public opinion.

Several officials from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission spoke to more than 100 people at UNCW’s Burney Center.

The meeting was the first of several slated during a review process that could last several years.

By the end of this year, GE Hitachi will apply for a license to build a nuclear-enrichment plant in Castle Hayne. The proposed facility would enrich uranium so it can be used to fuel nuclear power plants that generate electricity.

Tammy Orr, president and CEO of GE Hitachi’s Global Laser Enrichment program, said the plant would help make the United States less reliant on other countries for the material needed to run nuclear power plants.

She also said GE Hitachi has safely handled nuclear materials for more than 40 years and that its proposed project would also be safe.

Still, the plant must be licensed by the NRC before it can go forward. During Thursday’s meeting, officials with the commission assured residents that they are independent from GE and that their goal is to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Residents’ input will be considered in the process, they said.

“There will be a series of public meetings,” said Brian Smith of the commission’s Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards. “This will not be the last time you see us.”

Tim Johnson, also of the commission, said the nuclear material that would be handled at the proposed facility would be a lower grade than what is used to make weapons.

Public opinion

More than half a dozen residents asked panelists questions about the proposed plant. Questions ranged from how nuclear material would be disposed of to the credentials of the commission members who will be reviewing GE Hitachi’s application.

After the hearing, Tony Schill­moller, a former GE employee, said he came to the hearing to support the building of the plant.

U.S. dependence on foreign countries for nuclear material isn’t good for the country, he said. “We need to build more of these types of facilities in the United States.”

And after 36 years in the nuclear industry, Schillmoller said, he’s confident the plant is safe for his community.

Dorothy McCaskill of Wilmington said she believes there are health risks involved in a nuclear plant. She also said she doubts citizens could stop it from being built.

Janice Wilson, a Wilmington resident and chairwoman of the local Sierra Club chapter, said she’s also concerned about possible negative effects on the environment and wants to learn more.

“It’s a long process,” she said. “I think I’d be interested in knowing what percent of applications get approved.”

John Lyon, who lives south of Castle Hayne, said he came out Thursday to learn about the process and liked what he heard.

The commission members seemed experienced and well-qualified and gave thorough answers, he said.

“Whatever the outcome is,” Lyon said, “I don’t think either side will have room to complain.”

David Reynolds: 343-2075

dave.reynolds@starnewsonline.com