Indian Point relicensing bid gets federal nod; review to start

Thursday, July 26, 2007 Indian Point relicensing bid gets federal nod; review to start Gannett News Service
BUCHANAN - Federal nuclear regulators yesterday accepted Indian Point's relicensing application to keep the nuclear plant operating until 2035, kicking off what will likely be a combative review that could last three years.
The acceptance by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission also starts a 60-day period for the public to request and participate in formal hearings on issues they want the federal government to address during the relicensing process.
"We've just completed our review and we're at the point where we're comfortable enough to go forward," said Neil Sheehan, a spokesman for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. "The window for requesting a hearing is going to be opened."
The battle will decide whether nuclear reactors will continue to produce electricity in the Hudson Valley, part of one of the nation's most densely populated areas.
The combatants could end up including everyone from Gov. Eliot Spitzer, the local congressional delegation and elected officials to environmental groups and nuclear industry activists.
Indian Point 2's license is set to expire Sept. 28, 2013, and Indian Point 3's on Dec. 12, 2015.
"Their acceptance of the application officially kicks off the process," Entergy Nuclear spokesman Jim Steets said. "To that extent, we look forward to making the case for these plants to continue to operate."
Officials from Riverkeeper, an environmental group that opposes the plant's operation, said they expect to fight the plants' renewals as long as necessary.
"Although it's nothing new, the NRC acceptance of Entergy's applications fails to address vital environmental concerns Riverkeeper raised ... in a 17-page letter to the NRC," Lisa Rainwater said.
She said Riverkeeper has pointed to three key concerns: how the plant's cooling system affects aquatic life and warms the Hudson River as well as ongoing leaks of radioactive isotopes tritium and strontium 90.