NRC to unveil draft report on LaSalle nuclear plant license-renewal bid

LaSalle County Nuclear Generating Station
LaSalle County Nuclear Generating Station | Courtesy of the NRC

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) said this week that it is seeking public input on a draft environmental study supplement to the LaSalle County Nuclear Generating Station's license-renewal application.

The plant, located near Ottawa, Illinois, is seeking new licenses for its two boiling-water reactors (BWR). If they're approved, the plant would be authorized to continue operations for an additional 20 years.

The NRC review process involves in-depth evaluations of a nuclear facility’s current and anticipated environmental impact on the surrounding area, as well as its technical performance and safety practices.

The NRC will hold a public meeting 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, at the LaSalle County Emergency Operations Center in Ottawa, Illinois, 711 E. Etna Road. 

At this meeting, NRC representatives will present the draft report of its findings relating to the LaSalle plant. At this time, the NRC said the environmental impact currently reported does not preclude the issuance of renewed licenses.

Commentary also will be accepted through the Federal Register through Monday, April 4.

The LaSalle Nuclear Plant is owned and operated by Exelon Corp. and can generate approximately 2,320 megawatts of electricity.