The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced Thursday that it has completed the Final Safety Evaluation Report for an Early Site Permit (ESP) application for a southern New Jersey location.
The application was submitted by the PSEG Power and PSEG Nuclear companies for space that is adjacent to the Salem and Hope Creek nuclear power plants in Salem County.
The ESP process allows an applicant to address site-related issues prior to any planned or potential construction and eventual operation of a nuclear facility. The NRC states that in this case, there were no aspects found that would preclude a license from being issued.
Over the course of its investigation, the NRC studied the potential for accidents that could result in site operations, the area’s ability to support required physical security measures, and the seismology, meteorology, hydrology and geology of the area. Staff also investigated the company’s proposed integrated emergency plan that would be implemented should a nuclear reactor be built at the site.
The staff will need to finalize the Environmental Impact Statement for a mandatory hearing from the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board to be held relating to this permit. The hearing would determine whether the staff’s review supports the issuance of a permit.
