The Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station, the nation's oldest nuclear power plant, was granted clearance yesterday for a new 20-year operating license despite claims from conservationists, watchdog and citizens groups that the Ocean County facility poses a danger to the public and wildlife.
The Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station, the nation's oldest nuclear power plant, was granted clearance yesterday for a new 20-year operating license despite claims from conservationists, watchdog and citizens groups that the Ocean County facility poses a danger to the public and wildlife.
"We expect, at this point, that the new license will be issued by April 9, when the plant's current 40-year operating license expires," said Neil Sheehan, a spokesman for the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The license renewal was automatic after the commission voted, 3-1, not to re-open hearings and review a decision by the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board that the 60-year-old plant is safe to re sume operations for another 20 years.
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Opponents pushing for the review were the Nuclear Information and Resource Service; Jersey Shore Nuclear Watch Inc.; Grandmothers, Mothers and More for Energy Safety; New Jersey Public Interest Research Group; New Jersey Sierra Club; and New Jersey Environmental Federation.
They contend the drywell liner or shell that encases the reactor and is designed to contain steam during an accident is too corroded to continue safely or withstand an accident.
