[NukeNet] The Press of Atlantic City Oct 14 Saxton says "Idon't trust NRC on Oyster Creek

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Saxton says ‘I don't trust NRC' on Oyster Creek
By DAVID BENSON Staff Writer, (609) 272-7206
Published: Saturday, October 14, 2006
PLEASANTVILLE — U.S. Rep. Jim Saxton, R-3rd, said Friday he has no confidence in either the management of the Oyster Creek Generating Station or the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission, citing drywell-liner corrosion, plant security and the storage of spent nuclear fuel as three of his top concerns.

Saxton, whose legislative district includes Ocean County, said he wants an independent group of scientists — such as the National Academy of Sciences — to have a closer look at the Lacey Township facility.

“Obviously, I don't trust the NRC,” he said, “or I wouldn't have asked for another group.”

Potential corrosion of Oyster Creek's drywell liner has been a sticking point for Exelon, owner of the nation's longest-running nuclear power plant, since the energy company began its quest for a license renewal. The plant's license expires in 2009. Exelon seeks a 20-year renewal of that operating license.

Five items still under review by federal panels all involve the drywell liner. The liner is a steel vessel surrounding the reactor, designed to contain the release of radioactive materials within the reactor building in the event of an accident.

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“I have doubts about whether the license should be renewed,” Saxton said. “But I keep my knowledge about Oyster Creek in perspective.” Saxton described himself as a “non-scientist” seeking input from a group outside of NRC influence.

Two panels currently looking at the renewal of Oyster Creek's operating license are the Advisory Committees on Reactor Safeguards and the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board. The members of these panels come from academia and industry, and are selected by the NRC.

Saxton said he also worries that Exelon may have misplaced priorities.

“I don't have a lot of confidence in the plant management,” Saxton said. “It is a business. Its primary mission is to make a profit. I want to make sure the communities are safe.”

Rachelle Benson, a spokeswoman for Exelon Nuclear, said the energy company would not be seeking a license renewal if it didn't think Oyster Creek could be maintained through 2029.

“We're disappointed in the congressman's comments considering that we've extended numerous invitations to him for a plant tour,” she said. “The last time he came on a plant tour was two years ago. A lot has changed since then.”

Benson said the facility produces 3 percent of Exelon's total generating capacity. “We would never risk our reputation,” Benson said. “If Oyster Creek was not safe, we would not continue to operate.”

Neil Sheehan, a spokesman for the NRC, said the deliberative process of the commission is intense and thorough. “Anyone who looks at the rigorous review process for Oyster Creek would come away understanding the amount of work that goes into it,” Sheehan said “Thousand of hours of review and not just by the NRC.”

The spokesman has said in the past that both the ASLB and the ACRS are made up of scientists and nuclear experts independent of the commission.

The physical security of the plant — especially the storage of spent nuclear fuel — is a big concern, Saxton said. The spent fuel storage tank is more than 100 feet above ground, and protected by a metal building made of corrugated steel. “I worry about an attack by aircraft,” Saxton said.

The NRC maintains that preventing an air attack is outside the purview of the commission, and that nuclear plants can't be responsible for protecting against that type of terrorism. “NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) keeps an eye on the airspace above nuclear plants,” Sheehan said.

Saxton said he has quizzed the NRC and the management of Oyster Creek about the possibility of an air attack in the past. The lawmaker said he was insulted by the answers he got.

“They told me the plant was too hard to hit with an airplane.”

To e-mail Dave Benson at The Press:

DBenson at pressofac.com
	
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