NRC hearing to examine early site permit for possible new N.J. plant

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) Atomic Safety and Licensing Board (ASLB) will hold a hearing this month regarding an early site permit (ESP) application for a parcel next to the Salem and Hope Creek nuclear power plants in Salem County, N.J.

The hearing will take place at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 24, at NRC's headquarters, 11555 Rockville Pike in Rockville, Maryland. Media and the public can attend the hearing, but no public comments or questions will be taken. Comments can be sent to hearing.docket@nrc.gov before the meeting date.

Representatives from PSEG Power LLC and PSEG Nuclear LLC will be present to provide testimony on the application. NRC officials also will be present to explain the results of the environmental and safety reviews that were conducted at the site and whether they support granting the license, which would clear the way for a potential new nuclear plant to be built and operated at the site.

The NRC said PSEG submitted the ESP application in 2010. If it is approved, it would last for 20 years and would allow the applicants to pursue the necessary construction and eventual operation permits.