New Vogtle reactors
Public encouraged to attend NRC meeting
By Anne Marie Kyzer Staff Writer

Unless Burke County wants outsiders to determine its fate, local residents should attend the public meeting on possible new reactors at Plant Vogtle, according to area officials and business leaders.

The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., next Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Waynesboro/Burke Campus of Augusta Technical College.

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Com- mission (NRC) will host the meeting to discuss an application filed by Southern Nuclear Operating Company for a site at Plant Vogtle for two new reactors. The NRC welcomes comments about the company's plans from members of the public.

At a similar meeting in May, those opposed to the new reactors and nuclear power in general came from near and far to voice their concerns about the project. However, none of the handful of critics that dominated the meeting were from the local area.

William H. "Dub" Harper, chairman of the Burke County Development Authority, said that unless Burke County residents attend and speak up at the meeting, the scenario could be repeated.

"We have to remember that the community doesn't need to be complacent and assume who it's going to happen," Harper said. "There will be groups that are well-organized and well-funded that speak out against it."

Harper said he hopes area residents won't be intimidated by the assertive approach and technical speech used by many of the activists.

"What we need from the local community is just regular folks speaking from the heart about their experiences over the past twenty years," William Edwards, area manager for Georgia Power, said.

Harper said he, for one, plans to voice his thoughts about Plant Vogtle's presence.

"My father lives four miles, as the crow flies, from the plant, and he's ninety-five years old," he said. "He doesn't notice anything different besides looking out and seeing those two towers."

Harper encouraged locals to speak up, even if their comments don't pertain to the environment, which is the main topic on the agenda. He said that the NRC needs to hear from Burke County residents about their experiences living near the plant and not from "outsiders" who could monopolize the meeting time.

The NRC asks that those interested in making comments at the meeting sign up beforehand to ensure that enough time is allotted for each person to speak.

To register in advance, contact Cristina Guerrero at 800- 368-5462, ext. 2981 or email Vogtle_EIS@nrc.gov by Thursday, Oct. 12.

Those wishing to speak may also sign up at the meeting no later than 6:45 p.m.

Before the meeting, the NRC will be available for an "informal" open house session to talk with members of the public from 5-7 p.m.

The time for comments will be limited based on the number of people who wish to speak.

Written comments will also be considered by the NRC staff and should be submitted no later than Dec. 4. Comments may be mailed to the NRC or emailed to Vogtle_EIS@nrc.gov.

Harper and Ashley Long, executive director of the Burke County Chamber of Commerce, have offered their help to community members who need assistance in signing up to speak or formulating their comments. Harper and Long can be reached at 706-554-2923 and 706-554- 5451, respectively.