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Public input sought on Exelon reactor plan
By Edith Brady-Lunny
eblunny@mchsi.com
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CLINTON -- The public is invited to offer comments Nov. 8 on an early site permit requested by Exelon Generating Co. for a second reactor at the Clinton Power Station.

The meeting, sponsored by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission will be held from 6 to 10 p.m., at Clinton Junior High School.

Statements to the commission may not exceed five minutes.

Exelon was the first company to file for a new reactor under the early site procedure adopted by the NRC. The application was made in September 2003.

Approval of an early site permit is the first in a two-step process that addresses site suitability, environmental impact and emergency planning for the site. If granted, the permit is valid for 20 years and may be renewed for an additional 20 years.

The second step in the process involves approval of a Combined Operating License. A separate licensing process and opportunity for public input must be completed for that step.

The early site application indicates that Exelon has not determined a design for the second unit that could be built about 700 feet south of the existing reactor. The Clinton plant was selected by Exelon because the site was originally designed for two units.

A public hearing on the permit held in April 2005 attracted about 300 people. Many local residents favored the prospect of a second reactor on economic grounds.

Exelon is the largest property tax payer in the county, despite a sharp decrease in taxes paid by Exelon under terms of a five-agreement with county taxing units. A revised tax plan that could increase tax revenue is expected to be finalized soon. Opponents to the permit worry about safety and disposal of spent nuclear fuel.

The Clinton plant is owned and operated by AmerGen Energy Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Exelon.

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Reader comments on this story - 2 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

MB wrote on Nov 2, 2006 4:57 PM:

" My only concern is the fact that the Clinton plant has had a number of unexpected shutdowns in the past 5 years. Will the new reactor design eliminate the causes of these shutdowns? While not a safety concern, everytime I hear that the reactor "scrubbed" due to an abnormal condition, it makes me wonder what's going on that the condition couldn't be detected and resolved early. "

Oh here we go!! wrote on Nov 2, 2006 5:48 AM:

" Watch the people jump at this. They gripe and complain about the little wind turbines. Maybe this will give the Sierra Club something else to do! "
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