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{{#Wiki_filter:Official Transcript of Proceedings NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Davis-Besse Nuclear Power StationDraft Environmental Impact Statement Public Meeting: | |||
Afternoon SessionTitle:Docket Number:(n/a)Location: | |||
Port Clinton, OhioDate:Tuesday, March 25, 2014Work Order No.:NRC-650Pages 1-56NEAL R. GROSS AND CO., INC.Court Reporters and Transcribers 1323 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20005(202) 234-4433 112345678910ii12131415161718192021222324UNITED STATES OF AMERICANUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION | |||
+ + + + +DAVIS-BESSE NUCLEAR POWER STATIONPUBLIC MEETINGDRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT | |||
+ + + + +Tuesday,March 25th, 2014+ + + + +Port Clinton, OhioThe Public Meeting was held at 2:00 p.m. at theCamp Perry Conference Center, 1000 Lawrence Road,Building 600, Port Clinton, Ohio, Alison Rivera,Facilitator, presiding. | |||
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 212345678910111213141516171819202122232425APPEARANCES: | |||
ALISON RIVERA FACILITATOR JOHN LUBINSKIBRIAN WITTACKBOB HOFFMANELAINE KEEGANJAMNES CAMERONDAVID HILLSVIKTORIA MITLYNGHARRAL LOGARASNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 312345678910111213141516171819202122232425A-G-E-N-D-A WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKSOVERVIEW OF DRAFT SEISELAINE KEEGANQUESTIONS PUBLIC COMMENTSCLOSING REMARKSNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 47333350(202) 234-4433 41 P-R-O-C-E-E-D-I-N-G-S 2 1:30 p.m.3 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Good afternoon, 4 everyone. | |||
I want to welcome you and thank you for5 participating in this meeting, to provide comments on6 the draft supplemental environmental impact statement 7 for the -- prepared by the NRC staff, as part of an NRC8 independent review of the Davis-Besse application, to9 renew its operating | |||
: license, for an additional 20 years.10 My name is Alison Rivera and I will be the11 facilitator for this meeting. | |||
My role, as the12 facilitator, is to help in making sure that this meeting13 runs smoothly, that everyone who wants to speak has an14 opportunity to do so and to try to keep us running on15 time. So thank you for taking your seats in a timely16 manner.17 This is a category 3 public meeting, to18 encourage active participation, and information 19 exchange, with the public, to obtain information on the20 draft supplemental environmental impact statement. | |||
21 Hopefully everyone had a chance to sign in.22 We had a table out front, in the lobby. But if you23 didn't have a chance to do so, please do so at the end24 of the meeting.25 The agenda, for this meeting, does includeNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 51 a presentation, by NRC staff, on the preliminary 2 conclusions, on the review of the supplement 3 environmental impact statement, or the conclusions of4 the supplement environmental impact statement, and the5 preliminary process.6 When the presentation concludes we will7 open the floor for questions and answers, on the8 presentation itself.9 Finally, we will move right into the public10 comment period. There are a few ground rules for this11 public meeting to ensure it runs smoothly. | |||
12 First, and most important, please be13 respectful of your fellow participants. | |||
We want to14 make sure that everyone has a chance to be heard, and15 we are transcribing this meeting.16 So I ask that you do turn off electronic 17 devices or put them on vibrate. | |||
If you do need to take18 a phone call please go out into the lobby to do so.19 Logistically, you all may be more familiar20 with this facility, but the rest rooms are out in the21 lobby, and to the left. Emergency exits are well marked22 throughout this area.23 And if we have to evacuate please follow the24 directions from the security officers. | |||
I would also25 like to let everyone know, as I alluded to, that thisNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 61 meeting is being recorded. | |||
2 So we need to ask that everyone keep their3 side bar conversations, or background noise, to a4 minimum.5 When speaking also, because of the6 recording, we do ask that you use a mic. We have this7 podium mic up here, or there is a center mic towards the8 middle of the room.9 Finally, the NRC is always looking for ways10 to improve our meetings, and your feedback is important 11 to us. We have some postage paid, pre-addressed, 12 envelopes that were out on the registration table, if13 you would like to provide feedback at the close of the14 meeting.15 You can either provide the feedback form to16 any NRC staff, or you may mail it in.17 There are some NRC staff here, at the18 meeting, today that I'd like to take a moment to19 introduce. | |||
First, from NRC headquarters, we have John20 Lubinski, the director of the division of license21 renewal in the office of nuclear reactor regulation. | |||
22 Next we have Brian Wittack the chief of the23 environmental projects management branch; Bob Hoffman24 is standing by the door, he was at the registration 25 table. He is an environmental scientist, with theNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 71 environment review and guidance update branch.2 Elaine Keegan will be delivering the3 presentation. | |||
She is a senior project manager for the4 Davis-Besse environmental projects. | |||
From Region 3, we5 have Jamnes Cameron, the reactor projects branch chief,6 in the division of reactor projects. | |||
7 David Hills, the chief of the engineering 8 branch, in the division of reactor safety; Victoria9 Mitlyng is the senior public affairs officer, she is in10 mid-room. | |||
And Harral Logaras is the regional11 governmental liaison specialist. | |||
12 With that I would like to turn the meeting13 over to Elaine Keegan, project manager in the division14 of license renewal, for a short presentation. | |||
15 Please hold any questions you have, on the16 materials you hear, until the end.17 MS. KEEGAN: Thank you, Alison. I thank you18 all for taking the time to come to this meeting.19 My name is Elaine Keegan, I'm the20 environmental project manager for the Davis-Besse 21 Nuclear Power Station, license renewal review.22 I hope the information we provide, today,23 will help you understand what we have done so far, and24 the role you can help in making sure that the Final25 Environmental Impact Statement is accurate andNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 81 complete. | |||
2 I would like to emphasize that the3 environmental review is not yet complete. | |||
I'd like to4 start by briefly going over the agenda for today's5 presentation. | |||
6 I will discuss the NRC's regulatory role,7 the preliminary findings of our environmental review,8 which addresses the impacts associated with extending 9 the operating | |||
: license, at Davis-Besse, for an10 additional 20 years, and the current schedule for the11 remainder of the environmental review and how you can12 submit comments outside of this meeting.13 The NRC was established to regulate14 civilian use of nuclear materials, including facilities 15 producing electric power. The NRC conducts license16 renewal reviews for plants whose owners wish to operate17 them beyond their initial license period.18 NRC license renewal reviews address safety19 issues related to managing the effects of aging on the20 plant, and the environmental issues related to an21 additional 20 years of operation. | |||
22 In all aspects, of the NRC's regulation, 23 our mission is three-fold; to ensure adequate24 protection of public health and safety, to promote25 common defense and security, and to protect theNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 91 environment. | |||
2 License renewal involves two parallel3 reviews, the safety review and the environmental 4 review. Safety review focuses on the aging of the5 components and structures that the NRC deems important 6 to plant safety.7 The staff's main objection, in the safety8 review, is to determine that the effects of aging will9 be adequately managed by the Applicant. | |||
10 The results of the safety review are11 documented, in a safety evaluation report. The12 environmental review considers, evaluates, and13 discloses, the environmental impacts of continued plant14 operation for an additional 20 years.15 As part of our environmental review, the16 staff considers the scoping comments, submitted by the17 public, reviews the licensee's environmental report,18 conducts an environmental site audit, and consults with19 its other federal and state agencies. | |||
20 The staff then prepares a supplement 21 environmental impact statement, or SEIS, to document22 its environmental review.23 We are here, today, to discuss the24 potential site-specific impacts of license renewal for25 Davis-Besse. | |||
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 1234567891011121314151617181920212223242510The Generic Environmental ImpactStatement, or GEIS, which was first published in 1996,and updated in 2013, examines the possibleenvironmental impacts that could occur as a result ofrenewing licenses of individual nuclear power plantsunder the regulations in 10 CFR Part 54.The GEIS, to the extent possible, establishes the bounds and significance of thesepotential impacts. | |||
The analysis, in the GEIS,encompasses all operating light water power reactors. | |||
For each type of environmental impact theGEIS established generic findings covering as manyplants as possible. | |||
For some environmental issues the GEISfound that a generic evaluation was not sufficient, andthat a plant specific evaluation was required. | |||
The site specific | |||
: findings, forDavis-Besse, are contained in the draft SEIS, which waspublished on February 26th, 2014.The draft SEIS contains analyses of allapplicable site specific issues, as well as a review ofissues covered by the GEIS, to determine whether theconclusions in the GEIS remain valid for Davis-Besse. | |||
In this process the NRC staff also reviewsthe environmental impacts of potential power generation NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433(202) 234-4433 111 alternatives, to license renewal, to determine if the2 impacts expected from license renewal are unreasonable. | |||
3 For each environmental issue, identified, 4 an impact level was assigned. | |||
The NRC standard of5 significance for impacts was established by the White6 House's Council on Environmental | |||
: Quality, a term for7 significant. | |||
8 The NRC established the three levels of9 potential | |||
: impacts, small, moderate and large, as10 defined on the slide.11 This slide provides a summary of our12 findings with respect to cumulative impacts in the area13 where Davis-Besse is located. | |||
Cumulative impacts are14 defined, by the Council on Environmental | |||
: Quality, as the15 impacts on the environment which result from the16 incremental impact of the action, when added to other17 past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions,18 regardless of which agency, federal or none, or person,19 undertakes other actions.20 NRC's review of cumulative impacts include21 the effects, on the environment, from other past,22 present, reasonably foreseeable, human actions.23 These effects not only include the24 operation of the plant but, also, impacts from25 activities unrelated to the plant.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS. | |||
1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 121 Activities such as future urbanization, 2 other energy producing facilities in the area, and3 climate change.4 Future actions are considered to be those5 that are reasonably foreseeable, through the end of6 plant operation, and including the period of extended7 operation. | |||
8 It is possible an action, by itself, can9 have an impact which is small, but when the other10 actions, in the area, are considered the impact could11 be large or moderate. | |||
12 For aquatic resources, when the cumulative 13 impacts, from historical condition, on Lake Erie's14 western basin, the impacts from invasive species,15 fishing, energy development, urbanization, and16 shoreline development, and climate change, are taken17 into account.18 The staff has determined there would be19 likely a large cumulative impact. For surface water20 there are a number of active and proposed energy21 projects in the area, which have the potential to impact22 large volumes of lake water to be used for cooling23 systems at power plants.24 Other sources of pollution, such as25 sanitary landfills, urbanization, forest management, NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 131 livestock, agricultural production, also have the2 impact, the potential to impact tributaries and Lake3 Eyre.4 Based on this information, plus potential 5 impacts from climate change, the cumulative impact to6 surface water resources, from all past, present, and7 reasonably foreseeable | |||
: actions, would be small to8 moderate. | |||
9 For terrestrial resources, taking into10 account the historical conditions, at the Davis-Besse 11 site, protected | |||
: species, invasive species,12 urbanization, habitat fragmentation, and climate13 change, the staff has determined there would likely be14 a moderate impact.15 With respect to cumulative human health16 impacts, related to microbiological organisms, the17 current operation of Davis-Besse has not been linked to18 the presence or growth of cyanbacteria in lake area.19 However, the staff concludes that the cumulative impact20 would be moderate for Lake Erie.21 In all other areas considered the staff,22 primarily, concluded that cumulative impacts are small.23 This slide lists the site-specific issues24 NRC staff reviewed for the continued operation of25 Davis-Besse, during the proposed license renewalNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 141 period.2 With the exception of historic and3 archeological resources, the direct and indirect4 impacts, for license renewal, on all of these issues,5 were found to be small.6 Which means the effects are not detectable, 7 or are so minor, that they will neither destabilize, nor8 noticeably alter any important attribute of the9 resource. | |||
10 For historic and archeological resources, 11 the staff determined that based on consultation with the12 Ohio State Historical Preservation | |||
: officer, a review of13 the Davis-Besse resource management plan, and the14 potential for additional archeological resources to be15 located on the Davis-Besse | |||
: property, the impact to16 historic and archeological resources would be small to17 moderate. | |||
18 There would be no adverse impact to19 historic properties, in accordance with the National20 Historic Preservation Act.21 This slide lists the federally protected 22 species and habitats in the vicinity of Davis-Besse. | |||
The23 level impacts, from the Endangered Species Act, are24 different from the small, moderate, large, as seen on25 the previous slide.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 151 Under the Endangered Species Act, the2 impact to each species must be identified and3 determined. | |||
The Endangered Species Act has three4 determinations. | |||
5 Lowest is no effect, means that there are6 no impacts, positive or negative, to listed or proposed7 resources. | |||
8 May affect but unlikely to adversely 9 effect, means that all effects are beneficial and10 significance, or discountable. | |||
11 May affect and is likely to adversely 12 affect, means listed resources are likely to be exposed13 to the action, or its environmental consequences, and14 will respond in a negative manner to the use exposure. | |||
15 Staff consulted with the Fish and Wildlife16 Service, National Marine Fisheries | |||
: Service, to identify17 any federally listed endangered species or habitats. | |||
18 No species, under the jurisdiction of the19 National Marine Fishery service are present on the20 Davis-Besse site or within Lake Erie.21 The Fish and Wildlife Service identified 22 four federally listed species that occur in Ottawa23 County. And of those only the Indiana bat was24 determined to have an impact rating of may affect, but25 is unlikely to adversely affect.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 161 The National Environmental Policy Act2 mandates that each Environmental Impact Statement 3 consider alternatives to any proposed major federal4 action.5 A major step in determining whether a6 license renewal is reasonable or not is comparing the7 likely impacts of continued operation of the nuclear8 power plant, with the likely impacts of alternative 9 means of power generation. | |||
10 Alternatives must provide an option that11 allows for power generation capability, beyond the term12 of the current nuclear power plant operating license,13 to meet future system generating needs.14 In the Draft SEIS, the NRC initially 15 considered 17 different alternatives. | |||
After this16 initial evaluation the staff then chose the most likely17 and analyzed these in depth.18 The three on the slide are the most likely19 to be reasonable alternatives. | |||
Some of the20 alternatives, considered but rejected, because they21 could not produce sufficient actual electricity 22 production, include wind power, solar power, wood23 waste, conventional hydroelectric. | |||
24 Finally the staff considered what would25 happen if no action is taken, and Davis-Besse shuts downNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 171 at the end of its current license, without a specific2 replacement alternative. | |||
3 This alternative would result in no power4 generation | |||
: capacity, and would not meet the needs5 currently met by Davis-Besse. | |||
6 NRC's preliminary conclusion is that the7 environmental impacts of renewal, of the operating 8 license for Davis-Besse, would be smaller than those9 feasible and commercially viable alternatives. | |||
10 The no action alternative would have a11 small environmental impact in most areas, with the12 exception of socioeconomic | |||
: impacts, which would be13 small to moderate. | |||
14 The staff concluded that continued 15 operation, of Davis-Besse, is the environmentally 16 preferred alternative. | |||
17 The preliminary conclusion, that we have18 reached, based on a review of likely environmental 19 impacts from license renewal, as well as potential 20 environmental impacts of alternatives to license21 renewal, the NRC's staff preliminary recommendation, in22 the Draft SEIS, is that the adverse environmental 23 impacts, of license renewal for Davis-Besse, are not24 great enough to deny the option of license renewal for25 energy planning decisionmakers. | |||
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 181 For the term beyond the 20 year period, of2 extended operation, the NRC addresses the management of3 spent nuclear fuel and the waste confidence decision and4 rule.5 Previous license renewal SEIS noted that6 environmental impacts of temporary | |||
: storage, of nuclear7 power, of nuclear fuel, for the period following the8 reactor operating license term were addressed by the9 Rule.10 This Draft SEIS does not address potential 11 environmental impacts of storing spent fuel for an12 extended period. That issue will be addressed in the13 NRC's Waste Confidence Environmental Impact Statement 14 and Rule.15 The Draft Rule, and EIS, Environmental 16 Impact Statement, was published on September 13th,17 2013. Public comment period was from September 13th,18 2013, through December 20th, 2013.19 NRC staff is now reviewing, and working to20 resolve, all the public comments that were received. | |||
21 The final Rule and EIS are expected to be published in22 the Fall of 2014.23 Additional information, on the Waste24 Confidence Rulemaking and EIS can be found on the NRC25 public website, that is at the link at the bottom of theNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 191 slide.2 And in August of 2012 the Commission 3 decided that the Agency will not issue licenses4 dependent upon the Waste Confidence Decision until the5 Waste Confidence Rule is completed. | |||
6 However, the Commission directed the staff7 to proceed with license renewals if the result of the8 Waste Confidence EIS, and Rule, identify information 9 that impacts the analysis in the SEIS for Davis-Besse, 10 the NRC staff will perform the appropriate review for11 these issues, and may supplement the SEIS before the NRC12 makes a final decision as to whether or not to review13 Davis-Besse's license.14 I would like to re-emphasize that the15 environmental review is not yet complete. | |||
Your16 comments today, as well as all written comments, 17 received by the end of the comment period on April 21st,18 will be considered by the NRC staff as we develop the19 Final SEIS.20 We currently plan to issue the Final in21 September of 2014. Those comments that are within the22 scope of the environmental review, and provide new and23 significant information, can help to change the staff' s24 findings. | |||
25 The Final SEIS will contain the staff'sNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 201 final recommendation on the acceptability of license2 renewal, based on the work we have already performed, 3 and any new and significant information received in the4 form of comments during the comment period.5 I am the primary contact for the6 environmental review. Juan Uribe is the primary7 contact for the safety review. There are a limited8 number of copies of the Draft SEIS available on CD in9 the entryway. | |||
10 In addition the Ida Rupp Public Library in11 Port Clinton and the Toledo Lucas County Public Library12 in Toledo, have paper copies available for review.13 You can also find electronic copies of the14 Draft SEIS, along with other information, about the15 Davis-Besse license renewal, on-line.16 Please be aware that any comments that you17 provide, to the NRC, will be considered public records,18 and entered into the Agency-wide documents access and19 management system, or ADAMS.20 Do not include any information, address,21 telephone number email, that you do not want made22 public.23 The staff will address written comments in24 the same way we address the spoken comments received25 today. You can submit written comments, either on-line,NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 211 or via convention mail.2 To submit comments on-line visit the3 website regulations.gov. | |||
Search for docket ID4 NRC-2010-0298. | |||
5 If you have written comments, today, you6 may give them to me, or any other NRC staff member. And7 that concludes my presentation. | |||
8 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you, Elaine9 and, thank you for your attention, everyone. | |||
Before we10 do move into the public comment period, we are going to11 go ahead and open the floor up, for about ten minutes,12 of question and answer on the materials you just heard,13 or if you need a clarification on the presentation. | |||
14 If you raise your hand we will recognize you15 and you can move to the mic. Yes, sir. And I ask, as16 you approach the mic, when you get there, could you17 please introduce yourself so we can get your name on the18 record. Thank you.19 PARTICIPANT: | |||
Can we be anonymous? | |||
20 FACILITATOR RIVERA: I'm afraid not.21 MR. PUBLIC: John Q. Public. As I'm22 listening to this, it sounds like a boilerplate that23 came out of a Wordperfect file.24 And I'd like to know what the premise of25 this was. Am I to believe that you are assuming in this,NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 221 and it looks like you are assuming, but you don't always2 assume, that the plant will discharge nothing more than3 heat.4 And that is how it looks. You are looking5 at the impact of fish, of people, and things like that.6 Is --7 MS. KEEGAN: We would --8 MR. PUBLIC: -- that -- am I correct to9 believe that, that you are not even addressing a10 radiation discharge? | |||
11 MS. KEEGAN: No, we look at all,12 everything. | |||
We look at all the radiological, 13 environmental data. We look at radiological effluent14 data, we evaluate that, make sure that it is within the15 regulations. | |||
We look at everything. | |||
16 MR. PUBLIC: Okay, a second part of this17 question, there are a couple of parts. You made no18 mention of the condition of the structures, the19 compromised structures, and what the level of20 compromise is.21 And should that be in this?22 MS. KEEGAN: That is on the safety side.23 That is being evaluated. | |||
24 MR. PUBLIC: But if that structure fails25 you are going to be too late.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 231 MS. KEEGAN: But the safety of -- the2 safety evaluation is looking at all the safety part of3 the plant. If it is not deemed safe we are going to look4 into it further.5 Our review isn't complete until our staff6 is satisfied that we have all the answers that we need.7 MR. PUBLIC: Okay. Since this is an8 environmental impact, somewhere in the middle of your9 briefing, there was a matrix of impact of entities, 10 people, socioeconomic, the fish.11 The biggest one was missing, if you can go12 back to that.13 MS. KEEGAN: I'm trying. That slide?14 MR. PUBLIC: Well, it could be that one.15 Okay, let's say it is that one. You are talking about16 the fish, you are talking -- I don't know, aquatic17 resources. | |||
18 The biggest impact, I would believe, would19 the aviary resources, because they are going to have the20 quickest | |||
: emission, and quickest exposure to the21 facility, here, if there is a leakage or a release of22 radiation, because they are going to be airborne. | |||
23 And we are on the Black Swamp, which is one24 of the biggest flyways in North America. | |||
I mean, North25 America, South America, the butterflies come throughNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 241 here, the birds come through here, many, many other2 organisms come here.3 And I think you are missing the boat,4 literally, on this slide right here, not considering 5 that.6 MS. KEEGAN: Well, it is not on the slide,7 but our staff looked at the impacts on aquatic and8 terrestrial species in the whole evaluation. | |||
9 This is just a brief summary. | |||
In the10 document it lists everything that was looked at, and11 everything that was reviewed. | |||
And they looked at the12 swamp, I forget the name of it.13 But they looked at that, they evaluated the14 impact to it. So our staff looked at as much as they15 could, they did an environment, or an independent 16 review.17 MR. PUBLIC: Okay, because that impact18 goes from the Arctic Circle to the tip of South America.19 And that is a serious impact.20 MS. KEEGAN: Our biologists looked at all21 the species that are in this area, and the impact that22 would be to these. We had people look at the23 radiological impact from the site releases. | |||
24 It was a very thorough review. We looked25 at a lot of independent information, not just what wasNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 251 provided by the licensee. | |||
2 MR. PUBLIC: Well, your next slide, or it3 was the next one after that, it talked about the4 organisms that are here. It should really talk about5 any organism that comes through here.6 MS. KEEGAN: Well, these are only the ones7 that are threatened and endangered, that is what this8 slide is.9 MR. PUBLIC: Right, residents. | |||
10 MS. KEEGAN: Right. And in the11 Environmental Impact Statement, and we have a copy out12 there, they look at the bald eagles. There are other13 species that are identified. | |||
I don't remember them14 off-hand, but it is looked at, it is reviewed. | |||
15 MR. PUBLIC: Okay. I guess the key word is16 fly-way. | |||
That is all I got to say.17 MS. KEEGAN: We will look into that and18 evaluate it.19 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you, sir. Are20 there any other questions, or clarifications, needed on21 the presentation? | |||
Yes, ma'am?22 Could you please approach the mic and23 introduce yourself? | |||
You can come up here, if you want,24 it is closer.25 MS. KEEGAN: It is closer, feel free.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 261 MS. KLINE: This is just procedural. | |||
And2 I just wanted to be on the record.3 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Could you just4 introduce yourself? | |||
5 MS. KLINE: My name is Connie Kline. I6 attend a lot of NRC meetings. | |||
I have, and I will put7 this in my comments, too.8 I have never attended one where there has9 not been a copy of the powerpoint information that is10 presented. | |||
And I have also attended one where there11 haven't been name plates.12 I know that you are wearing name tags. I13 was just at a Perry meeting last week. That is a big14 major oversight. | |||
I know it is going to be available 15 after the meeting, but you know we should all have it16 right in front of us.17 I will have that information. | |||
18 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Do you all have19 cards? Thank you. Thank you, that is great feedback. | |||
20 MS. KLINE: That is not everything. | |||
21 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Okay.22 MS. KLINE: I didn't get, on the slide, the23 800 number for Juan Uribe.24 MS. KEEGAN: We will go ahead and put that25 slide back up.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 271 MS. KLINE: Okay, good, thank you.2 MS. KEEGAN: I will just leave that slide3 up for a while.4 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Does anyone else have5 questions on the presentation? | |||
6 MS. JODLOWSKI: | |||
Yes, ma'am. My name is7 Janet Jodlowski and I just wanted some clarifications 8 on a couple of things that were said.9 When you are talking about the Waste10 Confidence | |||
: Decision, and there were comments that, I11 believe if I understood correctly, to be the NRC staff12 that would be working to resolve all public comments13 received. | |||
14 And under the environmental review that the15 staff continues to consider all public comments because16 they are not all in yet.17 And I was wondering if you could define18 resolve, and consider what depth will it be? Will it19 be to resolutions and considerations? | |||
20 MS. KEEGAN: With respect to the Waste21 Confidence Rule a large number of public comments were22 received during the public comment period.23 NRC staff is reviewing the comments now,24 and they are working to address each comment. | |||
And the25 actual responses to the comment will be published in theNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 281 Final Environmental Impact Statement for Waste2 Confidence. | |||
3 So you will be able to see how staff4 actually answered your comments. | |||
5 MR. LUBINSKI: | |||
Elaine, if you don't mind,6 if I could add to that? This is John Lubinski. | |||
And I'm7 the Director of the Division of License renewal at NRC8 Headquarters. | |||
9 And your question was specific to the Waste10 Confidence | |||
: Decision, and the Waste Confidence Rule.11 And let me, also, clarify one difference in between what12 we are doing here, today, and the Waste Confidence 13 Decision. | |||
14 This is a plant specific supplement 15 environmental impact statement, with respect to16 Davis-Besse. | |||
And we are having this public meeting to17 gain input.18 As part of the Waste Confidence Decision19 that is, actually, a rulemaking that is being done under20 the Administrative Procedures Act, and the rules that21 are required to follow for amending our regulations, and22 developing a rule.23 So we will be addressing the comments, as24 Elaine said, each of the comments received will be25 specifically addressed, to determine itsNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 291 applicability, to determine its impact, whether there2 would be changes needed to that Rule.3 And once the Rule is published those4 comments, as well as the NRC's response to those5 comments, and how they were handled, whether they were6 accepted, whether changes were made to the Rule, or7 whether the Rule was sufficient, even based on the8 comment, will be documented as part of the requirements 9 of the Administrative Procedures Act.10 MS. KEEGAN: Does that answer your11 question? | |||
12 We will be around after the meeting if you13 would like to talk further.14 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Any other? I see one15 more hand.16 MS. CLEMONS: | |||
Victoria | |||
: Clemons, and I'm a17 resident in Port Clinton.18 I want to ask, first, about the slide on the19 threatened and endangered species. | |||
What date did the20 Ohio DNR provide that information to you? Do you know21 the date that that information was provided? | |||
22 You have listed four species. | |||
Today there23 are actually six endangered species in Ottawa County and24 there is, actually, evidence of two more. With this new25 information I believe a Generic Environmental ImpactNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 301 Statement would not be adequate. | |||
2 I think NRC, EPA, Fish and Wildlife3 Service, need to do a new survey, an actual full scale4 survey and a new full scale impact statement. | |||
5 The shoreline and marshes, I would add to6 the statement that John Q Public made. The shoreline 7 and marshes of the western basin of Lake Erie are of8 global importance. | |||
9 Davis-Besse rests on the crossroads of two10 major migration | |||
: pathways, both east and west, from the11 Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the North Pole to the12 South Pole.13 Some of these new identified species are14 migratory. | |||
So, thank you.15 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. It16 sounds a little bit like we are moving into more comment17 type feedback. | |||
So does anybody have questions on the18 presentation, or the materials you heard?19 If not we can go ahead and move -- sure, hold20 on one second.21 MR. LUBINSKI: | |||
: Actually, I'm sorry, you22 did start with a question about the date of the survey.23 What we can do is we do have the document here, and there24 are a whole list of references in the back.25 And if you catch us afterwards, during theNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 311 break, we can specifically tell you that. Sorry, we2 would have to look that back in the references. | |||
And if3 not we can get that for you.4 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Are there any5 questions before we move on to the public comment6 portion of the meeting?7 (No response.) | |||
8 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Okay, seeing none we9 are going to go ahead and move into the public comment.10 This is the part of the meeting where you have an11 opportunity to provide your comments on the Draft12 Supplement environmental impact statement. | |||
13 As I said, earlier, there are a number of14 things that we can do to make sure that this part runs15 smoothly. | |||
I will go ahead and remind you of that now.16 First, as I mentioned | |||
: earlier, we are17 recording the meeting, so we do need you to speak at18 mics, and keep conversations down to a minimum, to avoid19 the background noise.20 We do have yellow cards that those who21 pre-registered to sign up I have them. If you do, while22 you are hearing other people's | |||
: comments, feel compelled 23 to speak, please feel free to go ahead and get a yellow24 card.25 We are asking that everyone who speaks putsNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 321 their name down on a yellow card, so that we can give2 them to the reporter, so that they have your official3 name for the transcript. | |||
4 If you have written comments, as Elaine5 mentioned, you can give them to any NRC staff member,6 or we will ensure that they get into the transcript, or7 submit them through the methods she mentioned. | |||
8 Finally, for those, when you are making9 your comments, I will apologize in advance if I10 mispronounce your name, when I call you to the mic.11 But please do begin by identifying 12 yourself, with your name. And if you would like to13 mention an affiliation, you may do so at that time.14 And, finally, because we do want to make15 sure that everyone has an opportunity to be heard, we16 would appreciate it if you would keep your comments to,17 approximately, five minutes.18 If you start going over you will start19 seeing me giving you some signals, or maybe I might start20 moving toward your personal space a little bit.21 Please forgive me. Again, it is all in the22 interest of trying to make sure that everyone who would23 like to speak has an opportunity to do so.24 So with that, our first speaker is going to25 be Guy Parmigian. | |||
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 331 MR. PARMIGIAN: | |||
Good afternoon. | |||
My name2 is Guy Parmigian, P-A-R-M-I-G-I-A-N. | |||
And I'm the3 Superintendent with the BEnton-Carroll-Salem local4 school district. | |||
5 Our school district's geographical 6 boundaries include more than 100 square miles. And our7 school district includes the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power8 Station.9 I know I speak for the educators across10 northwest Ohio when I say that Davis-Besse serves an11 important role supporting the educational backbone of12 our communities. | |||
13 In fact the plant provides more than 5.814 million dollars, | |||
: locally, in annual property taxes15 which provide a direct and substantial benefit to our16 school districts. | |||
17 Benton-Carroll-Salem school district is18 unique in that approximately 20 percent of our revenues19 are the results of Davis-Besse's operations within the20 boundaries of our school district. | |||
21 Given the unique relationship between our22 school district institution, and the Davis-Besse 23 Nuclear Power Station, I would be remiss if I did not24 discuss how Davis-Besse has been a good neighbor, 25 community minded, and invested in the success of theNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 341 kids of Benton-Carroll-Salem schools.2 For example, site vicepresident Ray Lief,3 and some of his key staff members, have committed to4 ongoing communications for the benefit of both of our5 institutions. | |||
6 In our discussions we have talked about7 working together to install light poles, to illuminate 8 our soccer field. The donation of computers, and the9 partnering on educational and mentoring opportunities 10 for our students. | |||
11 We are eager to continue to work together12 on projects that benefit our kids. But Davis-Besse 13 commitment to the community goes much farther than14 simply contributing to the tax base.15 The plant's young nuclear professionals 16 have taken on a highly active role in public and17 educational outreach about nuclear power generation. | |||
18 For example, over the past year,19 Davis-Besse hosted two Teach the Teacher events for20 middle and high school teachers across northwest Ohio.21 About 85 teachers attended these events to learn more22 about the fission process, nuclear power plant electric23 generation and distribution, and careers in nuclear24 power.25 This program has helped us develop enhancedNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 351 curriculums that embrace science and technology, two2 subjects of ever-increasing importance in our world3 today.4 Davis-Besse employees also reached out to5 more than 1,000 families, through Bowling Green State6 University | |||
: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math7 Fair.8 At the Davis-Besse booth children learned9 about nuclear power by dressing in radiation worker10 clothing, generating electricity by cranking a wheel,11 and operating a steam turbine.12 The Davis-Besse facility has also extended13 a welcoming, and transparent, hand to college students, 14 and other professional development groups. These15 groups are invited to tour the plant on a regular basis.16 And Davis-Besse representatives often17 visit schools, and other organizations, to provide18 presentations on nuclear power.19 Recently the plant has hosted groups from20 Ohio State University, Bowling Green State University, 21 and the University of Toledo.22 Davis-Besse employees have organized 23 several fundraisers, earning more than 5,000 dollars,24 to benefit local schools through events such as a golf25 outing and a chili cook-off. | |||
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 361 Continued, long-term operation, of the2 plant will allow the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station,3 to maintain its commitment to education in Ottawa4 County, and beyond, both through annual tax5 contributions and the public outreach activities 6 conducted by its dedicated professionals. | |||
7 This is an invaluable contribution to our8 communities that will benefit students for generations 9 to come.10 Thank you for the opportunity to share my11 perspective on the benefits of license renewal for the12 Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station.13 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. For the14 future speakers I will give a list of three so that you15 will know when your turn is coming.16 Next we are going to have Brad Goetz,17 followed by Jodi Regal, and then Larry Tscherne. | |||
Brad?18 MR. GOETZ: Good afternoon. | |||
My name is19 Brad Goetz, I'm the business manager of International 20 Brotherhood of Electrical | |||
: Workers, Local 1413. We21 represent the security folks at Davis-Besse. | |||
22 I have been the business manager for 2423 years. I have been an employee for 30 years, and I have24 been a life-long resident of Ottawa County, and raised25 my family nine miles from the plant.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., NW.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 371 The IBEW and local 1413 has a long history2 with First Energy, and our experience with safety has3 been positive. | |||
4 As all of you know, as a parent, you5 wouldn't allow your family to come in harm's way, and6 I do not believe that is the case with Davis-Besse, nor7 as a business manager would I let any of our members go8 into a plant that was not safe.9 Our members have worked millions of hours,10 at the facility, since it began its operations in 1977.11 Failing to approve the new 20 year operating license for12 Davis-Besse would eliminate good paying union jobs.13 And it would also be devastating, I14 believe, to Ottawa County. IBEW 1413 believes that the15 approval of the additional 20 year license for16 Davis-Besse is not an option, but a must.17 The Draft Environmental Impact Statement 18 supports this position and indicates that the impact,19 from extending the life of the plant is minimal, at most.20 Thank you.21 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. Jodi22 followed by Larry Tscherne, and then Ron Donnal.23 Again, I'm very sorry if I mispronounce your name.24 MS. REGAL: Good afternoon, I'm Jodi Regal,25 president of the Board of Ottawa County Commissioners. | |||
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 381 I appreciate the opportunity to comment on2 the environmental impact of continued operations for3 the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, through an4 extended license period.5 The NRC has concluded, in its Draft6 Environmental Impact Statement, the adverse7 environmental impacts of license renewal for8 Davis-Besse are not great enough to deny the option of9 license renewal for energy planning decisionmakers. | |||
10 From my viewpoint, as a county11 commissioner, adverse impacts don't arise from the12 continued operation of the plant, but would result from13 the shutdown of the plant at the end of its current14 licensing period.15 Our nuclear energy facilities provide16 substantial economic benefits to the state, and the17 local community, including high paying jobs, and tax18 revenue, that help to fund local services, and help to19 keep property taxes much lower than they otherwise would20 be.21 Locally the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power22 Station is one of Ottawa County's largest employers, 23 with more than 700 full-time employees. | |||
The plant24 contributes more than 13 million dollars, | |||
: annually, in25 local and state taxes.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 391 In addition, because of supplier demand,2 created by the plant, and consumer demand created by its3 employees, an additional 1,100 jobs are supported. | |||
4 Most of these are small businesses that5 rely on this support to remain successful. | |||
We also6 appreciate the personal contributions the employees of7 Davis-Besse bring to our community. | |||
8 Many are involved in civic organizations 9 and educational endeavors, as well as providing many10 hours of community service. | |||
They are a good neighbor11 and friend to all of us.12 From the safety standpoint, as life-long 13 residents of Ottawa County, the Board has confidence in14 the safe long-term operation of Davis-Besse. | |||
We also15 have confidence in the ability, of the plant leadership, 16 to keep the best interest of the public in mind.17 Our communications with the plant are18 frequent and transparent. | |||
And we are aware of the19 investment and enhancements that have been made at the20 plant, including the 2011 reactor head replacement, and21 the steam generators being installed with this current22 outage, and believe they will support a period of safe23 extended operations. | |||
24 We urge the NRC to continue its strong25 independent oversight of commercial nuclearNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 401 facilities, the operation of existing plants, the2 licensing of new reactors, and the renewal of existing3 facilities, including the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power4 Station.5 We also believe it is important that the NRC6 continue its efforts to resolve, in a timely fashion,7 the outstanding issues that have placed a hold on8 license renewal approvals nation-wide. | |||
9 I would like to thank the NRC for hosting10 this public meeting and for providing the opportunity 11 for comments. | |||
Thank you.12 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. Next we13 will have Larry, followed byRon, and then Bill Buckles.14 MR. TSCHERNE: | |||
Good afternoon, and thank15 you for the opportunity to speak to you this afternoon 16 about the license renewal for Davis-Besse. | |||
17 My name is Larry Tscherne, and I'm the18 business manager of IBEW Local 245. A position that I19 have held for over 17 years.20 Local 245 has a service territory of 2221 counties here in northwest Ohio, including Ottawa22 County. In addition to the 22 counties, we represent 23 over 200 physical employees, at the plant, from the24 operation, maintenance, chemistry, warehousing, 25 radiation protection. | |||
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 411 The plant, as you know, has provided a solid2 tax base to the area, has kept the economy moving, and3 has employed hundreds of workers, in outages, in4 addition to the regular full-time employees. | |||
5 You know, with these full-time employees, 6 I don' t think there are very many others out there, that7 have their hands on, like the members of IBEW Local 245.8 From the reactor operators, right on down9 to maintenance | |||
: services, the warehousing, all the10 maintenance activities, we are very, very familiar with11 the safety culture.12 The labor-management meetings that we13 hold, on a regular monthly basis, in addition to the work14 that we have done together, both here locally, and in15 Washington, through our labor-management committees, 16 and through the IBEW's Code of Excellence. | |||
17 Again, the safety culture, the dedication, 18 and the craftsmanship, I could tell you, is second to19 none. First Energy has been very open and honest.20 Davis-Besse has been very open and honest on all issues21 with us.22 I'm here to tell you that we test them, and23 we question them, on everything that goes, and there24 isn't anything that goes unturned. | |||
25 And I think it is imperative that you goNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 421 along with this process. | |||
Local 245 supports the2 approval of the license renewal, and we ask for your3 approval, also. Thank you.4 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. Next we5 will have Ron Donnal, followed by Bill Buckles, and then6 Brian Dicken.7 MR. DONNAL: Good afternoon. | |||
My name is8 Ron Donnal, I'm with Gem, Incorporated. | |||
Gem is a local9 specialty contractor that provides construction and10 maintenance services. | |||
11 Gem has a 30-plus year history at the12 Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. | |||
We currently have13 150 associates working on site.14 Davis-Besse has provided a clean and safe15 place for our associates to work, and provide for their16 families, while providing reliable power for our17 communities. | |||
18 And I strongly support the extension of the19 operating license. | |||
Thank you.20 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. Bill21 Buckles, followed by Brian Dicken. And that is the end22 of the pre-registered speakers. | |||
I have one more card23 over there. But if anyone else is inspired to speak we24 do have yellow cards out in the lobby, or we can bring25 you one if you let us know.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 431 MR. BUCKLES: | |||
Thank you, IIm Bill Buckles,2 I'm a business agent with the Plumbers and Steamfitters 3 and Service Mechanics in Northwest Ohio.4 And bear with me, because I punched this out5 on my memo pad a little bit ago. Thank you, members of6 the NRC for providing me the opportunity to speak today.7 AgaIn, my name is Bill Buckles, and I have8 been a lifelong resident of Northwest Ohio, living most9 of the time in the view of Davis-Besse Nuclear Power10 Plant.11 I'm here today to support the license12 renewal application that will allow Davis-Besse to13 operate through 2037.14 I would have moved my family out of this15 area, years ago, if I did not have total confidence in16 the safety of this facility. | |||
17 My confidence is bolstered, in part,18 because I have had the privilege of occasionally working19 at the plant as a member of the Northwest Ohio Piping20 industry. | |||
21 As regular maintenance is done by well22 trained, highly skilled men and women, who take great23 pride in their work, and know the importance of24 maintaining a safe environment for us all.25 I also support the license renewal becauseNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 441 I strongly believe that nuclear power has to be part of2 the energy production mix in America, for both economic3 and environmental reasons.4 Finally, as one of the largest employers, 5 in Ottawa County, Davis-Besse is critical to the future6 economic development of this area. The more than 107 million dollars that they pay every year -- sorry, I'm8 losing my screen.9 That they pay every year in local and state10 taxes would be very nearly impossible to replace in the11 current economic climate in this part of the state.12 Thank you for your time.13 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. We will14 have Brian Dicken, followed by Chuck McCune.15 MR. DICKEN: Good afternoon. | |||
My name is16 Brian Dicken, I'm the vicepresident of Public Affairs17 with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. | |||
18 I would like to thank the Nuclear19 Regulatory Commission for this opportunity to share our20 perspectives on the potential license renewal for the21 Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station.22 The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce23 represents more than 2,100 businesses, employing more24 than 140,000 people. Our member companies are located25 throughout the Toledo Region, including Lucas, Ottawa,NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 451 and Wood counties. | |||
2 The Draft Environmental Statement examines3 a number of issues influenced by the operation of4 Davis-Besse, not just the environment, in the5 traditional sense of air and water.6 My comments, today, will focus on the7 economic impact of the power plant. The economic8 impact of Davis-Besse can be felt not just in Ottawa9 County, but across the entire region.10 A recent economic impact study completed by11 Applied Economics, paints a picture of Davis-Besse's 12 contributions. | |||
More than 700 full-time employees live13 and work here in the region, with an annual payroll of14 nearly 61 million dollars.15 Indirect and local revenues, which16 includes sales and income taxes, from these employees, 17 are estimated at 5.3 million per year.18 A sizable portion of the employee payroll19 is spent at local establishments throughout the region.20 Through the multiplier effect, that is the spending from21 the plant employees, at local businesses, an estimated 22 668 additional jobs are produced, with a payroll of23 nearly 26 million dollars.24 Besides the value of the production at the25 plant, the largest component of Davis-Besse's economicNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 461 impact is through vendor purchases. | |||
Throughout the2 state Davis-Besse's operations surpass 66 million,3 annually, with vendors.4 It supports an estimated 430 jobs, and5 nearly 19 and a half million dollars in personal income.6 Taken together, employee and plant spending create7 1,100 jobs, and another 45 andahalf million in payroll,8 in the state, each year.9 The report estimates that the total10 economic impact, of the Davis-Besse Power Station, is11 more than 440 million dollars.12 Members of the Toledo Regional Chamber of13 Commerce | |||
: directly, or indirectly, benefit from the14 operations of Davis-Besse. | |||
15 Our members, nearly 85 percent, are small16 businesses, of 50 or fewer employees. | |||
These17 businesses, in particular, count on business like18 Davis-Besse to survive.19 As your report concluded, we agree that20 granting an additional 20 year license, to the facility, 21 can be done without adverse impacts to the environment 22 of Northwest Ohio.23 In fact, we believe it is necessary to24 preserve the economic stability of our area with the25 renewal.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 471 Livelihoods and jobs depend on affordable 2 energy. Davis-Besse provides that as a resource, and3 we encourage the NRC to work with First Energy to renew4 the license. | |||
Thank you.5 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. Our6 final registered speaker is Chuck McCune. If anybody7 needs a card brought over to them, please, just raise8 your hand.9 MR. McCUNE: Hello, my name is Chuck10 McCune. I'm an electrician for Local 8 of the11 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.12 I have been working, in the electrical 13 construction industry for 34 years. My brothers and14 sisters have built this facility over 35 years ago.15 This plant has been the livelihood of many of my brothers16 and sisters for that time.17 We are tradesmen, and women, who have18 installed backup systems, the backups to the backup19 systems, the safety systems, the radiation detection 20 systems, the emergency shutdown | |||
: systems, and many, many21 more.22 These systems have been installed and23 upgraded, many times, for the safety of this plant, its24 personnel, the community, and the environment. | |||
25 The work we have done, at this facility, isNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 481 of the highest quality, because of two things. First,2 the management has the highest standards for human3 performance of any work on site and, second, we all live4 in this area.5 If we felt there was a problem, at this6 facility, we would be the first to bring this to the7 public's awareness. | |||
8 Because of First Energy's high standards, 9 and commitment to excellence, in the nuclear industry, 10 we feel that an extension of the existing license is a11 positive step forward and should be granted to First12 Energy.13 Thank you.14 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. I didn't15 see any hands go up, and I haven't seen any more yellow16 cards be submitted. | |||
Sorry. You can put a question on17 the record. However, you may not get a response from18 the NRC at this time. But they will be around after the19 meeting. | |||
Okay, go ahead. This is Victoria Clemons.20 MS. CLEMONS: | |||
This is to talk about the21 economic benefits of having a nuclear power plant,22 reminded me of the question I forgot to ask, and I have23 always wanted to ask, and I have never found it on the24 NRC website.25 You do socioeconomic | |||
: studies, you do oodlesNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 491 of studies on economics. | |||
I would like one question2 answered. | |||
What value is used in your calculations for3 a human life? Can one of you answer that?4 MR. LUBINSKI: | |||
This is John Lubinski, the5 Director of the Division of License Renewal.6 When we talk about the economic impacts,7 with respect to the Environmental Impact Statement, we8 look at it in a variety of ways. The first is we are9 looking at the economic impacts on the environment. | |||
10 That is the environment around the site,11 from the continued operation versus one of the12 alternatives, versus the shutdown of the plant. That13 economic impact does not consider any impacts on human14 life, if you will.15 That has to do with just the impacts of the16 changes in the economy. | |||
So when we talk about those17 economic | |||
: impacts, that is the result we are talking18 about there.19 When we start to look at the radiological 20 impacts we are looking at the radiological impacts with21 respect to our current regulations, what the impact22 would be.23 A question was also asked, earlier, about24 do we look at the impacts of the effluence, the radiation 25 effluents? | |||
We do look at those, as well, as part of ourNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 501 Environmental Impact Statement, and look at our2 regulations. | |||
3 Within the regulations themselves, if they4 meet the regulatory standards, then we consider it5 acceptable from the standpoint of being small,6 moderate, large as defined by Ms. Keegan, earlier in her7 discussion. | |||
8 So we don't do an analysis from the9 standpoint of the environmental impacts with respect to10 specific radiation doses, and doing a conversion of that11 radiation dose, to the value of human life, is part of12 that study.13 So, again, it is the economic impacts are,14 the economic impacts of the environment, and then from15 the standpoint of the health impacts, we do look at the16 human health impacts, we look at with respect to the17 radiation dose.18 We take that into consideration with19 respect to the safety standards, to ensure that there20 is plant safety.21 Also, with respect to safety, that question22 has come up a number of times. We don't wait for license23 renewal to assess the safety of the plant. We do that24 on a continuous basis.25 If we identifya safety issue, at the plant,NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 511 we address that issue when it is identified, and we do2 consider, at that point, again the radiation impacts,3 what the dose would be to the members of the public, and4 whether that would have a negative impact.5 And we take those actions as they occur. We6 don't wait for license renewal to address those safety7 issues.8 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. Any other9 yellow cards out there, for speakers? | |||
10 This is Connie Kline.11 MS. KLINE: Mine is also a question, so I12 don't know if you will be able to answer it now.13 Was the recently approved wind farm in14 Herndon and Logan Counties, I don't see how it could have15 been factored in to the Environmental Impact Statement, 16 because it was just. approved by the Ohio Power Siting17 Commission last week, I believe.18 It is a 300 megawatt wind farm. Are you19 familiar with this at all, or is this something you are20 unfamiliar with?21 MR. WITTACK: | |||
This is Brian Wittack, from22 NRC headquarters. | |||
23 With regards to that particular wind farm24 application, I would have to say at this point we are25 not familiar with that. We will have to take that backNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 521 and take a look at the specifics of that.2 But given the recency of it, it was probably3 not part of the assessment. | |||
4 MS. KLINE: Because it is, actually, it is5 planned to have a capacity larger than 300 megawatts. | |||
6 And I believe there is 176 turbines. | |||
And then Cleveland 7 proper is also going to be building, both on-shore and8 off-shore | |||
: turbines, that haven't been approved yet.910 But would that be something that could also11 be taken into consideraTion? | |||
12 MS. KEEGAN: This is Elaine Keegan, again.13 The combination alternative that was evaluated did14 evaluate, it is a combination of wind for 1,50015 megawatts capacity; with solar for 400 megawatt16 capacity, along with the natural gas combined17 alternative. | |||
18 MS. KLINE: Well, why would wind capacity19 have to be twice as much as the megawatt capacity of20 Davis-Besse? | |||
21 MS. KEEGAN: That was what was available 22 for this, it wasn't --23 MS. KLINE: You are saying that that is24 current capacity? | |||
25 MS. KEEGAN: That was the alternative | |||
--NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 531 MS. KLINE: Not projected | |||
--2 MS. KEEGAN: Right, that was what was3 evaluated. | |||
4 MS. KLINE: I 'm sorry, I misunderstood what5 you were saying.6 MS. KEEGAN: No, this is what was7 evaluated. | |||
8 MS. KLINE: So I have only plowed through9 a very small amount of this. I'm still recovering from10 plowing through 600 pages of the Waste Confidence Draft11 Environmental Statement. | |||
12 So 1,500 megawatts of wind power is what is13 currently available? | |||
14 MS. KEEGAN: That is what is currently 15 available, or projected to be available. | |||
16 MS. KLINE: Okay. It is, probably, more17 than that, because this hasn't been factored in. And18 still that wind power, alone, is twice the capacity of19 Davis-Besse, alone, just wind. Thank you.20 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. Are21 there any other comment cards out in the audience? | |||
22 (No response.) | |||
23 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Okay. With that I'm24 going to go ahead and turn the meeting over to Brian25 Wittack for some closing remarks.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 541 As was mentioned | |||
: earlier, the transcript of2 this meeting will be available on-line, along with the3 slides, and a meeting summary.4 MR. WITTACK: | |||
Good afternoon. | |||
Before I5 start into closing comments, I would like to provide6 some follow-up to Ms. Kline's earlier question with7 regards to the date of the sources that were used in the8 study.9 I'm sorry, Ms. Clemons, I'm sorry about10 that. So I did a quick scan of documents, there are11 numerous resources, | |||
: studies, consultations, that were12 done. The Ohio DNR, most recent study, was dated in13 2011.14 The most recent consultations with the U.S.15 Fish and Wildlife Service was as of May 2013. I think16 the gist of your question, and correct me if I'm wrong,17 is that you believe that there is species that are18 endangered, that go beyond what the study identifies, 19 is that correct? | |||
At least two, okay.20 So we are going to take that particular 21 question as a comment, and feed that back to the22 reviewers, to make sure that that gets evaluated and23 incorporated. | |||
24 Also with regards to migratory species,25 there is a fairly extensive discussion in theNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 551 environmental impact section, in the Environmental 2 Impact Statement, chapter 2, particularly section 2.8,3 that discusses migratory species.4 With that, I would like to step into5 closing.6 I'd like to thank everyone for coming out7 on this somewhat blustery day, and contributing your8 valuable time to a process that we consider to be very9 important, and of great value for our licensing process10 at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. | |||
11 We have, in the course of license renewal,12 as Elaine mentioned, we have two public meetings that13 are conducted, initially, in the scoping portion.14 And then, finally, the second public15 meeting is today's public meeting, to go over a review16 of the draft supplement environmental impact statement. | |||
17 We value all the comments that we received18 today, and hope that if you have additional | |||
: comments, 19 that you take the time to submit those additional 20 comments. | |||
21 The means of communication is via22 regulations.gov, as well as through the project23 managers, and the comment period is open through April24 21st.25 So with that, thank you again for comingNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 56123this afternoon, and the meeting is adjourned. | |||
(Whereupon, at 3:15 p.m.,above-entitled meeting was adjourned.) | |||
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 the202) 234-4433}} |
Revision as of 23:25, 1 July 2018
ML14097A254 | |
Person / Time | |
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Site: | Davis Besse ![]() |
Issue date: | 03/25/2014 |
From: | Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, Division of License Renewal |
To: | |
References | |
NRC-650 | |
Download: ML14097A254 (57) | |
Text
Official Transcript of Proceedings NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Davis-Besse Nuclear Power StationDraft Environmental Impact Statement Public Meeting:
Afternoon SessionTitle:Docket Number:(n/a)Location:
Port Clinton, OhioDate:Tuesday, March 25, 2014Work Order No.:NRC-650Pages 1-56NEAL R. GROSS AND CO., INC.Court Reporters and Transcribers 1323 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20005(202) 234-4433 112345678910ii12131415161718192021222324UNITED STATES OF AMERICANUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
+ + + + +DAVIS-BESSE NUCLEAR POWER STATIONPUBLIC MEETINGDRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
+ + + + +Tuesday,March 25th, 2014+ + + + +Port Clinton, OhioThe Public Meeting was held at 2:00 p.m. at theCamp Perry Conference Center, 1000 Lawrence Road,Building 600, Port Clinton, Ohio, Alison Rivera,Facilitator, presiding.
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 212345678910111213141516171819202122232425APPEARANCES:
ALISON RIVERA FACILITATOR JOHN LUBINSKIBRIAN WITTACKBOB HOFFMANELAINE KEEGANJAMNES CAMERONDAVID HILLSVIKTORIA MITLYNGHARRAL LOGARASNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 312345678910111213141516171819202122232425A-G-E-N-D-A WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKSOVERVIEW OF DRAFT SEISELAINE KEEGANQUESTIONS PUBLIC COMMENTSCLOSING REMARKSNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 47333350(202) 234-4433 41 P-R-O-C-E-E-D-I-N-G-S 2 1:30 p.m.3 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Good afternoon, 4 everyone.
I want to welcome you and thank you for5 participating in this meeting, to provide comments on6 the draft supplemental environmental impact statement 7 for the -- prepared by the NRC staff, as part of an NRC8 independent review of the Davis-Besse application, to9 renew its operating
- license, for an additional 20 years.10 My name is Alison Rivera and I will be the11 facilitator for this meeting.
My role, as the12 facilitator, is to help in making sure that this meeting13 runs smoothly, that everyone who wants to speak has an14 opportunity to do so and to try to keep us running on15 time. So thank you for taking your seats in a timely16 manner.17 This is a category 3 public meeting, to18 encourage active participation, and information 19 exchange, with the public, to obtain information on the20 draft supplemental environmental impact statement.
21 Hopefully everyone had a chance to sign in.22 We had a table out front, in the lobby. But if you23 didn't have a chance to do so, please do so at the end24 of the meeting.25 The agenda, for this meeting, does includeNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 51 a presentation, by NRC staff, on the preliminary 2 conclusions, on the review of the supplement 3 environmental impact statement, or the conclusions of4 the supplement environmental impact statement, and the5 preliminary process.6 When the presentation concludes we will7 open the floor for questions and answers, on the8 presentation itself.9 Finally, we will move right into the public10 comment period. There are a few ground rules for this11 public meeting to ensure it runs smoothly.
12 First, and most important, please be13 respectful of your fellow participants.
We want to14 make sure that everyone has a chance to be heard, and15 we are transcribing this meeting.16 So I ask that you do turn off electronic 17 devices or put them on vibrate.
If you do need to take18 a phone call please go out into the lobby to do so.19 Logistically, you all may be more familiar20 with this facility, but the rest rooms are out in the21 lobby, and to the left. Emergency exits are well marked22 throughout this area.23 And if we have to evacuate please follow the24 directions from the security officers.
I would also25 like to let everyone know, as I alluded to, that thisNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 61 meeting is being recorded.
2 So we need to ask that everyone keep their3 side bar conversations, or background noise, to a4 minimum.5 When speaking also, because of the6 recording, we do ask that you use a mic. We have this7 podium mic up here, or there is a center mic towards the8 middle of the room.9 Finally, the NRC is always looking for ways10 to improve our meetings, and your feedback is important 11 to us. We have some postage paid, pre-addressed, 12 envelopes that were out on the registration table, if13 you would like to provide feedback at the close of the14 meeting.15 You can either provide the feedback form to16 any NRC staff, or you may mail it in.17 There are some NRC staff here, at the18 meeting, today that I'd like to take a moment to19 introduce.
First, from NRC headquarters, we have John20 Lubinski, the director of the division of license21 renewal in the office of nuclear reactor regulation.
22 Next we have Brian Wittack the chief of the23 environmental projects management branch; Bob Hoffman24 is standing by the door, he was at the registration 25 table. He is an environmental scientist, with theNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 71 environment review and guidance update branch.2 Elaine Keegan will be delivering the3 presentation.
She is a senior project manager for the4 Davis-Besse environmental projects.
From Region 3, we5 have Jamnes Cameron, the reactor projects branch chief,6 in the division of reactor projects.
7 David Hills, the chief of the engineering 8 branch, in the division of reactor safety; Victoria9 Mitlyng is the senior public affairs officer, she is in10 mid-room.
And Harral Logaras is the regional11 governmental liaison specialist.
12 With that I would like to turn the meeting13 over to Elaine Keegan, project manager in the division14 of license renewal, for a short presentation.
15 Please hold any questions you have, on the16 materials you hear, until the end.17 MS. KEEGAN: Thank you, Alison. I thank you18 all for taking the time to come to this meeting.19 My name is Elaine Keegan, I'm the20 environmental project manager for the Davis-Besse 21 Nuclear Power Station, license renewal review.22 I hope the information we provide, today,23 will help you understand what we have done so far, and24 the role you can help in making sure that the Final25 Environmental Impact Statement is accurate andNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 81 complete.
2 I would like to emphasize that the3 environmental review is not yet complete.
I'd like to4 start by briefly going over the agenda for today's5 presentation.
6 I will discuss the NRC's regulatory role,7 the preliminary findings of our environmental review,8 which addresses the impacts associated with extending 9 the operating
- license, at Davis-Besse, for an10 additional 20 years, and the current schedule for the11 remainder of the environmental review and how you can12 submit comments outside of this meeting.13 The NRC was established to regulate14 civilian use of nuclear materials, including facilities 15 producing electric power. The NRC conducts license16 renewal reviews for plants whose owners wish to operate17 them beyond their initial license period.18 NRC license renewal reviews address safety19 issues related to managing the effects of aging on the20 plant, and the environmental issues related to an21 additional 20 years of operation.
22 In all aspects, of the NRC's regulation, 23 our mission is three-fold; to ensure adequate24 protection of public health and safety, to promote25 common defense and security, and to protect theNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 91 environment.
2 License renewal involves two parallel3 reviews, the safety review and the environmental 4 review. Safety review focuses on the aging of the5 components and structures that the NRC deems important 6 to plant safety.7 The staff's main objection, in the safety8 review, is to determine that the effects of aging will9 be adequately managed by the Applicant.
10 The results of the safety review are11 documented, in a safety evaluation report. The12 environmental review considers, evaluates, and13 discloses, the environmental impacts of continued plant14 operation for an additional 20 years.15 As part of our environmental review, the16 staff considers the scoping comments, submitted by the17 public, reviews the licensee's environmental report,18 conducts an environmental site audit, and consults with19 its other federal and state agencies.
20 The staff then prepares a supplement 21 environmental impact statement, or SEIS, to document22 its environmental review.23 We are here, today, to discuss the24 potential site-specific impacts of license renewal for25 Davis-Besse.
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 1234567891011121314151617181920212223242510The Generic Environmental ImpactStatement, or GEIS, which was first published in 1996,and updated in 2013, examines the possibleenvironmental impacts that could occur as a result ofrenewing licenses of individual nuclear power plantsunder the regulations in 10 CFR Part 54.The GEIS, to the extent possible, establishes the bounds and significance of thesepotential impacts.
The analysis, in the GEIS,encompasses all operating light water power reactors.
For each type of environmental impact theGEIS established generic findings covering as manyplants as possible.
For some environmental issues the GEISfound that a generic evaluation was not sufficient, andthat a plant specific evaluation was required.
The site specific
- findings, forDavis-Besse, are contained in the draft SEIS, which waspublished on February 26th, 2014.The draft SEIS contains analyses of allapplicable site specific issues, as well as a review ofissues covered by the GEIS, to determine whether theconclusions in the GEIS remain valid for Davis-Besse.
In this process the NRC staff also reviewsthe environmental impacts of potential power generation NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433(202) 234-4433 111 alternatives, to license renewal, to determine if the2 impacts expected from license renewal are unreasonable.
3 For each environmental issue, identified, 4 an impact level was assigned.
The NRC standard of5 significance for impacts was established by the White6 House's Council on Environmental
- Quality, a term for7 significant.
8 The NRC established the three levels of9 potential
- impacts, small, moderate and large, as10 defined on the slide.11 This slide provides a summary of our12 findings with respect to cumulative impacts in the area13 where Davis-Besse is located.
Cumulative impacts are14 defined, by the Council on Environmental
- Quality, as the15 impacts on the environment which result from the16 incremental impact of the action, when added to other17 past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions,18 regardless of which agency, federal or none, or person,19 undertakes other actions.20 NRC's review of cumulative impacts include21 the effects, on the environment, from other past,22 present, reasonably foreseeable, human actions.23 These effects not only include the24 operation of the plant but, also, impacts from25 activities unrelated to the plant.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS.
1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 121 Activities such as future urbanization, 2 other energy producing facilities in the area, and3 climate change.4 Future actions are considered to be those5 that are reasonably foreseeable, through the end of6 plant operation, and including the period of extended7 operation.
8 It is possible an action, by itself, can9 have an impact which is small, but when the other10 actions, in the area, are considered the impact could11 be large or moderate.
12 For aquatic resources, when the cumulative 13 impacts, from historical condition, on Lake Erie's14 western basin, the impacts from invasive species,15 fishing, energy development, urbanization, and16 shoreline development, and climate change, are taken17 into account.18 The staff has determined there would be19 likely a large cumulative impact. For surface water20 there are a number of active and proposed energy21 projects in the area, which have the potential to impact22 large volumes of lake water to be used for cooling23 systems at power plants.24 Other sources of pollution, such as25 sanitary landfills, urbanization, forest management, NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 131 livestock, agricultural production, also have the2 impact, the potential to impact tributaries and Lake3 Eyre.4 Based on this information, plus potential 5 impacts from climate change, the cumulative impact to6 surface water resources, from all past, present, and7 reasonably foreseeable
- actions, would be small to8 moderate.
9 For terrestrial resources, taking into10 account the historical conditions, at the Davis-Besse 11 site, protected
- species, invasive species,12 urbanization, habitat fragmentation, and climate13 change, the staff has determined there would likely be14 a moderate impact.15 With respect to cumulative human health16 impacts, related to microbiological organisms, the17 current operation of Davis-Besse has not been linked to18 the presence or growth of cyanbacteria in lake area.19 However, the staff concludes that the cumulative impact20 would be moderate for Lake Erie.21 In all other areas considered the staff,22 primarily, concluded that cumulative impacts are small.23 This slide lists the site-specific issues24 NRC staff reviewed for the continued operation of25 Davis-Besse, during the proposed license renewalNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 141 period.2 With the exception of historic and3 archeological resources, the direct and indirect4 impacts, for license renewal, on all of these issues,5 were found to be small.6 Which means the effects are not detectable, 7 or are so minor, that they will neither destabilize, nor8 noticeably alter any important attribute of the9 resource.
10 For historic and archeological resources, 11 the staff determined that based on consultation with the12 Ohio State Historical Preservation
- officer, a review of13 the Davis-Besse resource management plan, and the14 potential for additional archeological resources to be15 located on the Davis-Besse
- property, the impact to16 historic and archeological resources would be small to17 moderate.
18 There would be no adverse impact to19 historic properties, in accordance with the National20 Historic Preservation Act.21 This slide lists the federally protected 22 species and habitats in the vicinity of Davis-Besse.
The23 level impacts, from the Endangered Species Act, are24 different from the small, moderate, large, as seen on25 the previous slide.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 151 Under the Endangered Species Act, the2 impact to each species must be identified and3 determined.
The Endangered Species Act has three4 determinations.
5 Lowest is no effect, means that there are6 no impacts, positive or negative, to listed or proposed7 resources.
8 May affect but unlikely to adversely 9 effect, means that all effects are beneficial and10 significance, or discountable.
11 May affect and is likely to adversely 12 affect, means listed resources are likely to be exposed13 to the action, or its environmental consequences, and14 will respond in a negative manner to the use exposure.
15 Staff consulted with the Fish and Wildlife16 Service, National Marine Fisheries
- Service, to identify17 any federally listed endangered species or habitats.
18 No species, under the jurisdiction of the19 National Marine Fishery service are present on the20 Davis-Besse site or within Lake Erie.21 The Fish and Wildlife Service identified 22 four federally listed species that occur in Ottawa23 County. And of those only the Indiana bat was24 determined to have an impact rating of may affect, but25 is unlikely to adversely affect.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 161 The National Environmental Policy Act2 mandates that each Environmental Impact Statement 3 consider alternatives to any proposed major federal4 action.5 A major step in determining whether a6 license renewal is reasonable or not is comparing the7 likely impacts of continued operation of the nuclear8 power plant, with the likely impacts of alternative 9 means of power generation.
10 Alternatives must provide an option that11 allows for power generation capability, beyond the term12 of the current nuclear power plant operating license,13 to meet future system generating needs.14 In the Draft SEIS, the NRC initially 15 considered 17 different alternatives.
After this16 initial evaluation the staff then chose the most likely17 and analyzed these in depth.18 The three on the slide are the most likely19 to be reasonable alternatives.
Some of the20 alternatives, considered but rejected, because they21 could not produce sufficient actual electricity 22 production, include wind power, solar power, wood23 waste, conventional hydroelectric.
24 Finally the staff considered what would25 happen if no action is taken, and Davis-Besse shuts downNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 171 at the end of its current license, without a specific2 replacement alternative.
3 This alternative would result in no power4 generation
- capacity, and would not meet the needs5 currently met by Davis-Besse.
6 NRC's preliminary conclusion is that the7 environmental impacts of renewal, of the operating 8 license for Davis-Besse, would be smaller than those9 feasible and commercially viable alternatives.
10 The no action alternative would have a11 small environmental impact in most areas, with the12 exception of socioeconomic
- impacts, which would be13 small to moderate.
14 The staff concluded that continued 15 operation, of Davis-Besse, is the environmentally 16 preferred alternative.
17 The preliminary conclusion, that we have18 reached, based on a review of likely environmental 19 impacts from license renewal, as well as potential 20 environmental impacts of alternatives to license21 renewal, the NRC's staff preliminary recommendation, in22 the Draft SEIS, is that the adverse environmental 23 impacts, of license renewal for Davis-Besse, are not24 great enough to deny the option of license renewal for25 energy planning decisionmakers.
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 181 For the term beyond the 20 year period, of2 extended operation, the NRC addresses the management of3 spent nuclear fuel and the waste confidence decision and4 rule.5 Previous license renewal SEIS noted that6 environmental impacts of temporary
- storage, of nuclear7 power, of nuclear fuel, for the period following the8 reactor operating license term were addressed by the9 Rule.10 This Draft SEIS does not address potential 11 environmental impacts of storing spent fuel for an12 extended period. That issue will be addressed in the13 NRC's Waste Confidence Environmental Impact Statement 14 and Rule.15 The Draft Rule, and EIS, Environmental 16 Impact Statement, was published on September 13th,17 2013. Public comment period was from September 13th,18 2013, through December 20th, 2013.19 NRC staff is now reviewing, and working to20 resolve, all the public comments that were received.
21 The final Rule and EIS are expected to be published in22 the Fall of 2014.23 Additional information, on the Waste24 Confidence Rulemaking and EIS can be found on the NRC25 public website, that is at the link at the bottom of theNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 191 slide.2 And in August of 2012 the Commission 3 decided that the Agency will not issue licenses4 dependent upon the Waste Confidence Decision until the5 Waste Confidence Rule is completed.
6 However, the Commission directed the staff7 to proceed with license renewals if the result of the8 Waste Confidence EIS, and Rule, identify information 9 that impacts the analysis in the SEIS for Davis-Besse, 10 the NRC staff will perform the appropriate review for11 these issues, and may supplement the SEIS before the NRC12 makes a final decision as to whether or not to review13 Davis-Besse's license.14 I would like to re-emphasize that the15 environmental review is not yet complete.
Your16 comments today, as well as all written comments, 17 received by the end of the comment period on April 21st,18 will be considered by the NRC staff as we develop the19 Final SEIS.20 We currently plan to issue the Final in21 September of 2014. Those comments that are within the22 scope of the environmental review, and provide new and23 significant information, can help to change the staff' s24 findings.
25 The Final SEIS will contain the staff'sNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 201 final recommendation on the acceptability of license2 renewal, based on the work we have already performed, 3 and any new and significant information received in the4 form of comments during the comment period.5 I am the primary contact for the6 environmental review. Juan Uribe is the primary7 contact for the safety review. There are a limited8 number of copies of the Draft SEIS available on CD in9 the entryway.
10 In addition the Ida Rupp Public Library in11 Port Clinton and the Toledo Lucas County Public Library12 in Toledo, have paper copies available for review.13 You can also find electronic copies of the14 Draft SEIS, along with other information, about the15 Davis-Besse license renewal, on-line.16 Please be aware that any comments that you17 provide, to the NRC, will be considered public records,18 and entered into the Agency-wide documents access and19 management system, or ADAMS.20 Do not include any information, address,21 telephone number email, that you do not want made22 public.23 The staff will address written comments in24 the same way we address the spoken comments received25 today. You can submit written comments, either on-line,NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 211 or via convention mail.2 To submit comments on-line visit the3 website regulations.gov.
Search for docket ID4 NRC-2010-0298.
5 If you have written comments, today, you6 may give them to me, or any other NRC staff member. And7 that concludes my presentation.
8 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you, Elaine9 and, thank you for your attention, everyone.
Before we10 do move into the public comment period, we are going to11 go ahead and open the floor up, for about ten minutes,12 of question and answer on the materials you just heard,13 or if you need a clarification on the presentation.
14 If you raise your hand we will recognize you15 and you can move to the mic. Yes, sir. And I ask, as16 you approach the mic, when you get there, could you17 please introduce yourself so we can get your name on the18 record. Thank you.19 PARTICIPANT:
Can we be anonymous?
20 FACILITATOR RIVERA: I'm afraid not.21 MR. PUBLIC: John Q. Public. As I'm22 listening to this, it sounds like a boilerplate that23 came out of a Wordperfect file.24 And I'd like to know what the premise of25 this was. Am I to believe that you are assuming in this,NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 221 and it looks like you are assuming, but you don't always2 assume, that the plant will discharge nothing more than3 heat.4 And that is how it looks. You are looking5 at the impact of fish, of people, and things like that.6 Is --7 MS. KEEGAN: We would --8 MR. PUBLIC: -- that -- am I correct to9 believe that, that you are not even addressing a10 radiation discharge?
11 MS. KEEGAN: No, we look at all,12 everything.
We look at all the radiological, 13 environmental data. We look at radiological effluent14 data, we evaluate that, make sure that it is within the15 regulations.
We look at everything.
16 MR. PUBLIC: Okay, a second part of this17 question, there are a couple of parts. You made no18 mention of the condition of the structures, the19 compromised structures, and what the level of20 compromise is.21 And should that be in this?22 MS. KEEGAN: That is on the safety side.23 That is being evaluated.
24 MR. PUBLIC: But if that structure fails25 you are going to be too late.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 231 MS. KEEGAN: But the safety of -- the2 safety evaluation is looking at all the safety part of3 the plant. If it is not deemed safe we are going to look4 into it further.5 Our review isn't complete until our staff6 is satisfied that we have all the answers that we need.7 MR. PUBLIC: Okay. Since this is an8 environmental impact, somewhere in the middle of your9 briefing, there was a matrix of impact of entities, 10 people, socioeconomic, the fish.11 The biggest one was missing, if you can go12 back to that.13 MS. KEEGAN: I'm trying. That slide?14 MR. PUBLIC: Well, it could be that one.15 Okay, let's say it is that one. You are talking about16 the fish, you are talking -- I don't know, aquatic17 resources.
18 The biggest impact, I would believe, would19 the aviary resources, because they are going to have the20 quickest
- emission, and quickest exposure to the21 facility, here, if there is a leakage or a release of22 radiation, because they are going to be airborne.
23 And we are on the Black Swamp, which is one24 of the biggest flyways in North America.
I mean, North25 America, South America, the butterflies come throughNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 241 here, the birds come through here, many, many other2 organisms come here.3 And I think you are missing the boat,4 literally, on this slide right here, not considering 5 that.6 MS. KEEGAN: Well, it is not on the slide,7 but our staff looked at the impacts on aquatic and8 terrestrial species in the whole evaluation.
9 This is just a brief summary.
In the10 document it lists everything that was looked at, and11 everything that was reviewed.
And they looked at the12 swamp, I forget the name of it.13 But they looked at that, they evaluated the14 impact to it. So our staff looked at as much as they15 could, they did an environment, or an independent 16 review.17 MR. PUBLIC: Okay, because that impact18 goes from the Arctic Circle to the tip of South America.19 And that is a serious impact.20 MS. KEEGAN: Our biologists looked at all21 the species that are in this area, and the impact that22 would be to these. We had people look at the23 radiological impact from the site releases.
24 It was a very thorough review. We looked25 at a lot of independent information, not just what wasNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 251 provided by the licensee.
2 MR. PUBLIC: Well, your next slide, or it3 was the next one after that, it talked about the4 organisms that are here. It should really talk about5 any organism that comes through here.6 MS. KEEGAN: Well, these are only the ones7 that are threatened and endangered, that is what this8 slide is.9 MR. PUBLIC: Right, residents.
10 MS. KEEGAN: Right. And in the11 Environmental Impact Statement, and we have a copy out12 there, they look at the bald eagles. There are other13 species that are identified.
I don't remember them14 off-hand, but it is looked at, it is reviewed.
15 MR. PUBLIC: Okay. I guess the key word is16 fly-way.
That is all I got to say.17 MS. KEEGAN: We will look into that and18 evaluate it.19 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you, sir. Are20 there any other questions, or clarifications, needed on21 the presentation?
Yes, ma'am?22 Could you please approach the mic and23 introduce yourself?
You can come up here, if you want,24 it is closer.25 MS. KEEGAN: It is closer, feel free.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 261 MS. KLINE: This is just procedural.
And2 I just wanted to be on the record.3 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Could you just4 introduce yourself?
5 MS. KLINE: My name is Connie Kline. I6 attend a lot of NRC meetings.
I have, and I will put7 this in my comments, too.8 I have never attended one where there has9 not been a copy of the powerpoint information that is10 presented.
And I have also attended one where there11 haven't been name plates.12 I know that you are wearing name tags. I13 was just at a Perry meeting last week. That is a big14 major oversight.
I know it is going to be available 15 after the meeting, but you know we should all have it16 right in front of us.17 I will have that information.
18 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Do you all have19 cards? Thank you. Thank you, that is great feedback.
20 MS. KLINE: That is not everything.
21 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Okay.22 MS. KLINE: I didn't get, on the slide, the23 800 number for Juan Uribe.24 MS. KEEGAN: We will go ahead and put that25 slide back up.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 271 MS. KLINE: Okay, good, thank you.2 MS. KEEGAN: I will just leave that slide3 up for a while.4 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Does anyone else have5 questions on the presentation?
6 MS. JODLOWSKI:
Yes, ma'am. My name is7 Janet Jodlowski and I just wanted some clarifications 8 on a couple of things that were said.9 When you are talking about the Waste10 Confidence
- Decision, and there were comments that, I11 believe if I understood correctly, to be the NRC staff12 that would be working to resolve all public comments13 received.
14 And under the environmental review that the15 staff continues to consider all public comments because16 they are not all in yet.17 And I was wondering if you could define18 resolve, and consider what depth will it be? Will it19 be to resolutions and considerations?
20 MS. KEEGAN: With respect to the Waste21 Confidence Rule a large number of public comments were22 received during the public comment period.23 NRC staff is reviewing the comments now,24 and they are working to address each comment.
And the25 actual responses to the comment will be published in theNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 281 Final Environmental Impact Statement for Waste2 Confidence.
3 So you will be able to see how staff4 actually answered your comments.
5 MR. LUBINSKI:
Elaine, if you don't mind,6 if I could add to that? This is John Lubinski.
And I'm7 the Director of the Division of License renewal at NRC8 Headquarters.
9 And your question was specific to the Waste10 Confidence
- Decision, and the Waste Confidence Rule.11 And let me, also, clarify one difference in between what12 we are doing here, today, and the Waste Confidence 13 Decision.
14 This is a plant specific supplement 15 environmental impact statement, with respect to16 Davis-Besse.
And we are having this public meeting to17 gain input.18 As part of the Waste Confidence Decision19 that is, actually, a rulemaking that is being done under20 the Administrative Procedures Act, and the rules that21 are required to follow for amending our regulations, and22 developing a rule.23 So we will be addressing the comments, as24 Elaine said, each of the comments received will be25 specifically addressed, to determine itsNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 291 applicability, to determine its impact, whether there2 would be changes needed to that Rule.3 And once the Rule is published those4 comments, as well as the NRC's response to those5 comments, and how they were handled, whether they were6 accepted, whether changes were made to the Rule, or7 whether the Rule was sufficient, even based on the8 comment, will be documented as part of the requirements 9 of the Administrative Procedures Act.10 MS. KEEGAN: Does that answer your11 question?
12 We will be around after the meeting if you13 would like to talk further.14 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Any other? I see one15 more hand.16 MS. CLEMONS:
Victoria
- Clemons, and I'm a17 resident in Port Clinton.18 I want to ask, first, about the slide on the19 threatened and endangered species.
What date did the20 Ohio DNR provide that information to you? Do you know21 the date that that information was provided?
22 You have listed four species.
Today there23 are actually six endangered species in Ottawa County and24 there is, actually, evidence of two more. With this new25 information I believe a Generic Environmental ImpactNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 301 Statement would not be adequate.
2 I think NRC, EPA, Fish and Wildlife3 Service, need to do a new survey, an actual full scale4 survey and a new full scale impact statement.
5 The shoreline and marshes, I would add to6 the statement that John Q Public made. The shoreline 7 and marshes of the western basin of Lake Erie are of8 global importance.
9 Davis-Besse rests on the crossroads of two10 major migration
- pathways, both east and west, from the11 Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the North Pole to the12 South Pole.13 Some of these new identified species are14 migratory.
So, thank you.15 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. It16 sounds a little bit like we are moving into more comment17 type feedback.
So does anybody have questions on the18 presentation, or the materials you heard?19 If not we can go ahead and move -- sure, hold20 on one second.21 MR. LUBINSKI:
- Actually, I'm sorry, you22 did start with a question about the date of the survey.23 What we can do is we do have the document here, and there24 are a whole list of references in the back.25 And if you catch us afterwards, during theNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 311 break, we can specifically tell you that. Sorry, we2 would have to look that back in the references.
And if3 not we can get that for you.4 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Are there any5 questions before we move on to the public comment6 portion of the meeting?7 (No response.)
8 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Okay, seeing none we9 are going to go ahead and move into the public comment.10 This is the part of the meeting where you have an11 opportunity to provide your comments on the Draft12 Supplement environmental impact statement.
13 As I said, earlier, there are a number of14 things that we can do to make sure that this part runs15 smoothly.
I will go ahead and remind you of that now.16 First, as I mentioned
- earlier, we are17 recording the meeting, so we do need you to speak at18 mics, and keep conversations down to a minimum, to avoid19 the background noise.20 We do have yellow cards that those who21 pre-registered to sign up I have them. If you do, while22 you are hearing other people's
- comments, feel compelled 23 to speak, please feel free to go ahead and get a yellow24 card.25 We are asking that everyone who speaks putsNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 321 their name down on a yellow card, so that we can give2 them to the reporter, so that they have your official3 name for the transcript.
4 If you have written comments, as Elaine5 mentioned, you can give them to any NRC staff member,6 or we will ensure that they get into the transcript, or7 submit them through the methods she mentioned.
8 Finally, for those, when you are making9 your comments, I will apologize in advance if I10 mispronounce your name, when I call you to the mic.11 But please do begin by identifying 12 yourself, with your name. And if you would like to13 mention an affiliation, you may do so at that time.14 And, finally, because we do want to make15 sure that everyone has an opportunity to be heard, we16 would appreciate it if you would keep your comments to,17 approximately, five minutes.18 If you start going over you will start19 seeing me giving you some signals, or maybe I might start20 moving toward your personal space a little bit.21 Please forgive me. Again, it is all in the22 interest of trying to make sure that everyone who would23 like to speak has an opportunity to do so.24 So with that, our first speaker is going to25 be Guy Parmigian.
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 331 MR. PARMIGIAN:
Good afternoon.
My name2 is Guy Parmigian, P-A-R-M-I-G-I-A-N.
And I'm the3 Superintendent with the BEnton-Carroll-Salem local4 school district.
5 Our school district's geographical 6 boundaries include more than 100 square miles. And our7 school district includes the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power8 Station.9 I know I speak for the educators across10 northwest Ohio when I say that Davis-Besse serves an11 important role supporting the educational backbone of12 our communities.
13 In fact the plant provides more than 5.814 million dollars,
- locally, in annual property taxes15 which provide a direct and substantial benefit to our16 school districts.
17 Benton-Carroll-Salem school district is18 unique in that approximately 20 percent of our revenues19 are the results of Davis-Besse's operations within the20 boundaries of our school district.
21 Given the unique relationship between our22 school district institution, and the Davis-Besse 23 Nuclear Power Station, I would be remiss if I did not24 discuss how Davis-Besse has been a good neighbor, 25 community minded, and invested in the success of theNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 341 kids of Benton-Carroll-Salem schools.2 For example, site vicepresident Ray Lief,3 and some of his key staff members, have committed to4 ongoing communications for the benefit of both of our5 institutions.
6 In our discussions we have talked about7 working together to install light poles, to illuminate 8 our soccer field. The donation of computers, and the9 partnering on educational and mentoring opportunities 10 for our students.
11 We are eager to continue to work together12 on projects that benefit our kids. But Davis-Besse 13 commitment to the community goes much farther than14 simply contributing to the tax base.15 The plant's young nuclear professionals 16 have taken on a highly active role in public and17 educational outreach about nuclear power generation.
18 For example, over the past year,19 Davis-Besse hosted two Teach the Teacher events for20 middle and high school teachers across northwest Ohio.21 About 85 teachers attended these events to learn more22 about the fission process, nuclear power plant electric23 generation and distribution, and careers in nuclear24 power.25 This program has helped us develop enhancedNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 351 curriculums that embrace science and technology, two2 subjects of ever-increasing importance in our world3 today.4 Davis-Besse employees also reached out to5 more than 1,000 families, through Bowling Green State6 University
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math7 Fair.8 At the Davis-Besse booth children learned9 about nuclear power by dressing in radiation worker10 clothing, generating electricity by cranking a wheel,11 and operating a steam turbine.12 The Davis-Besse facility has also extended13 a welcoming, and transparent, hand to college students, 14 and other professional development groups. These15 groups are invited to tour the plant on a regular basis.16 And Davis-Besse representatives often17 visit schools, and other organizations, to provide18 presentations on nuclear power.19 Recently the plant has hosted groups from20 Ohio State University, Bowling Green State University, 21 and the University of Toledo.22 Davis-Besse employees have organized 23 several fundraisers, earning more than 5,000 dollars,24 to benefit local schools through events such as a golf25 outing and a chili cook-off.
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 361 Continued, long-term operation, of the2 plant will allow the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station,3 to maintain its commitment to education in Ottawa4 County, and beyond, both through annual tax5 contributions and the public outreach activities 6 conducted by its dedicated professionals.
7 This is an invaluable contribution to our8 communities that will benefit students for generations 9 to come.10 Thank you for the opportunity to share my11 perspective on the benefits of license renewal for the12 Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station.13 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. For the14 future speakers I will give a list of three so that you15 will know when your turn is coming.16 Next we are going to have Brad Goetz,17 followed by Jodi Regal, and then Larry Tscherne.
Brad?18 MR. GOETZ: Good afternoon.
My name is19 Brad Goetz, I'm the business manager of International 20 Brotherhood of Electrical
- Workers, Local 1413. We21 represent the security folks at Davis-Besse.
22 I have been the business manager for 2423 years. I have been an employee for 30 years, and I have24 been a life-long resident of Ottawa County, and raised25 my family nine miles from the plant.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., NW.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 371 The IBEW and local 1413 has a long history2 with First Energy, and our experience with safety has3 been positive.
4 As all of you know, as a parent, you5 wouldn't allow your family to come in harm's way, and6 I do not believe that is the case with Davis-Besse, nor7 as a business manager would I let any of our members go8 into a plant that was not safe.9 Our members have worked millions of hours,10 at the facility, since it began its operations in 1977.11 Failing to approve the new 20 year operating license for12 Davis-Besse would eliminate good paying union jobs.13 And it would also be devastating, I14 believe, to Ottawa County. IBEW 1413 believes that the15 approval of the additional 20 year license for16 Davis-Besse is not an option, but a must.17 The Draft Environmental Impact Statement 18 supports this position and indicates that the impact,19 from extending the life of the plant is minimal, at most.20 Thank you.21 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. Jodi22 followed by Larry Tscherne, and then Ron Donnal.23 Again, I'm very sorry if I mispronounce your name.24 MS. REGAL: Good afternoon, I'm Jodi Regal,25 president of the Board of Ottawa County Commissioners.
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 381 I appreciate the opportunity to comment on2 the environmental impact of continued operations for3 the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, through an4 extended license period.5 The NRC has concluded, in its Draft6 Environmental Impact Statement, the adverse7 environmental impacts of license renewal for8 Davis-Besse are not great enough to deny the option of9 license renewal for energy planning decisionmakers.
10 From my viewpoint, as a county11 commissioner, adverse impacts don't arise from the12 continued operation of the plant, but would result from13 the shutdown of the plant at the end of its current14 licensing period.15 Our nuclear energy facilities provide16 substantial economic benefits to the state, and the17 local community, including high paying jobs, and tax18 revenue, that help to fund local services, and help to19 keep property taxes much lower than they otherwise would20 be.21 Locally the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power22 Station is one of Ottawa County's largest employers, 23 with more than 700 full-time employees.
The plant24 contributes more than 13 million dollars,
- annually, in25 local and state taxes.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 391 In addition, because of supplier demand,2 created by the plant, and consumer demand created by its3 employees, an additional 1,100 jobs are supported.
4 Most of these are small businesses that5 rely on this support to remain successful.
We also6 appreciate the personal contributions the employees of7 Davis-Besse bring to our community.
8 Many are involved in civic organizations 9 and educational endeavors, as well as providing many10 hours of community service.
They are a good neighbor11 and friend to all of us.12 From the safety standpoint, as life-long 13 residents of Ottawa County, the Board has confidence in14 the safe long-term operation of Davis-Besse.
We also15 have confidence in the ability, of the plant leadership, 16 to keep the best interest of the public in mind.17 Our communications with the plant are18 frequent and transparent.
And we are aware of the19 investment and enhancements that have been made at the20 plant, including the 2011 reactor head replacement, and21 the steam generators being installed with this current22 outage, and believe they will support a period of safe23 extended operations.
24 We urge the NRC to continue its strong25 independent oversight of commercial nuclearNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 401 facilities, the operation of existing plants, the2 licensing of new reactors, and the renewal of existing3 facilities, including the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power4 Station.5 We also believe it is important that the NRC6 continue its efforts to resolve, in a timely fashion,7 the outstanding issues that have placed a hold on8 license renewal approvals nation-wide.
9 I would like to thank the NRC for hosting10 this public meeting and for providing the opportunity 11 for comments.
Thank you.12 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. Next we13 will have Larry, followed byRon, and then Bill Buckles.14 MR. TSCHERNE:
Good afternoon, and thank15 you for the opportunity to speak to you this afternoon 16 about the license renewal for Davis-Besse.
17 My name is Larry Tscherne, and I'm the18 business manager of IBEW Local 245. A position that I19 have held for over 17 years.20 Local 245 has a service territory of 2221 counties here in northwest Ohio, including Ottawa22 County. In addition to the 22 counties, we represent 23 over 200 physical employees, at the plant, from the24 operation, maintenance, chemistry, warehousing, 25 radiation protection.
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 411 The plant, as you know, has provided a solid2 tax base to the area, has kept the economy moving, and3 has employed hundreds of workers, in outages, in4 addition to the regular full-time employees.
5 You know, with these full-time employees, 6 I don' t think there are very many others out there, that7 have their hands on, like the members of IBEW Local 245.8 From the reactor operators, right on down9 to maintenance
- services, the warehousing, all the10 maintenance activities, we are very, very familiar with11 the safety culture.12 The labor-management meetings that we13 hold, on a regular monthly basis, in addition to the work14 that we have done together, both here locally, and in15 Washington, through our labor-management committees, 16 and through the IBEW's Code of Excellence.
17 Again, the safety culture, the dedication, 18 and the craftsmanship, I could tell you, is second to19 none. First Energy has been very open and honest.20 Davis-Besse has been very open and honest on all issues21 with us.22 I'm here to tell you that we test them, and23 we question them, on everything that goes, and there24 isn't anything that goes unturned.
25 And I think it is imperative that you goNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 421 along with this process.
Local 245 supports the2 approval of the license renewal, and we ask for your3 approval, also. Thank you.4 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. Next we5 will have Ron Donnal, followed by Bill Buckles, and then6 Brian Dicken.7 MR. DONNAL: Good afternoon.
My name is8 Ron Donnal, I'm with Gem, Incorporated.
Gem is a local9 specialty contractor that provides construction and10 maintenance services.
11 Gem has a 30-plus year history at the12 Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station.
We currently have13 150 associates working on site.14 Davis-Besse has provided a clean and safe15 place for our associates to work, and provide for their16 families, while providing reliable power for our17 communities.
18 And I strongly support the extension of the19 operating license.
Thank you.20 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. Bill21 Buckles, followed by Brian Dicken. And that is the end22 of the pre-registered speakers.
I have one more card23 over there. But if anyone else is inspired to speak we24 do have yellow cards out in the lobby, or we can bring25 you one if you let us know.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 431 MR. BUCKLES:
Thank you, IIm Bill Buckles,2 I'm a business agent with the Plumbers and Steamfitters 3 and Service Mechanics in Northwest Ohio.4 And bear with me, because I punched this out5 on my memo pad a little bit ago. Thank you, members of6 the NRC for providing me the opportunity to speak today.7 AgaIn, my name is Bill Buckles, and I have8 been a lifelong resident of Northwest Ohio, living most9 of the time in the view of Davis-Besse Nuclear Power10 Plant.11 I'm here today to support the license12 renewal application that will allow Davis-Besse to13 operate through 2037.14 I would have moved my family out of this15 area, years ago, if I did not have total confidence in16 the safety of this facility.
17 My confidence is bolstered, in part,18 because I have had the privilege of occasionally working19 at the plant as a member of the Northwest Ohio Piping20 industry.
21 As regular maintenance is done by well22 trained, highly skilled men and women, who take great23 pride in their work, and know the importance of24 maintaining a safe environment for us all.25 I also support the license renewal becauseNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 441 I strongly believe that nuclear power has to be part of2 the energy production mix in America, for both economic3 and environmental reasons.4 Finally, as one of the largest employers, 5 in Ottawa County, Davis-Besse is critical to the future6 economic development of this area. The more than 107 million dollars that they pay every year -- sorry, I'm8 losing my screen.9 That they pay every year in local and state10 taxes would be very nearly impossible to replace in the11 current economic climate in this part of the state.12 Thank you for your time.13 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. We will14 have Brian Dicken, followed by Chuck McCune.15 MR. DICKEN: Good afternoon.
My name is16 Brian Dicken, I'm the vicepresident of Public Affairs17 with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.
18 I would like to thank the Nuclear19 Regulatory Commission for this opportunity to share our20 perspectives on the potential license renewal for the21 Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station.22 The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce23 represents more than 2,100 businesses, employing more24 than 140,000 people. Our member companies are located25 throughout the Toledo Region, including Lucas, Ottawa,NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 451 and Wood counties.
2 The Draft Environmental Statement examines3 a number of issues influenced by the operation of4 Davis-Besse, not just the environment, in the5 traditional sense of air and water.6 My comments, today, will focus on the7 economic impact of the power plant. The economic8 impact of Davis-Besse can be felt not just in Ottawa9 County, but across the entire region.10 A recent economic impact study completed by11 Applied Economics, paints a picture of Davis-Besse's 12 contributions.
More than 700 full-time employees live13 and work here in the region, with an annual payroll of14 nearly 61 million dollars.15 Indirect and local revenues, which16 includes sales and income taxes, from these employees, 17 are estimated at 5.3 million per year.18 A sizable portion of the employee payroll19 is spent at local establishments throughout the region.20 Through the multiplier effect, that is the spending from21 the plant employees, at local businesses, an estimated 22 668 additional jobs are produced, with a payroll of23 nearly 26 million dollars.24 Besides the value of the production at the25 plant, the largest component of Davis-Besse's economicNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 461 impact is through vendor purchases.
Throughout the2 state Davis-Besse's operations surpass 66 million,3 annually, with vendors.4 It supports an estimated 430 jobs, and5 nearly 19 and a half million dollars in personal income.6 Taken together, employee and plant spending create7 1,100 jobs, and another 45 andahalf million in payroll,8 in the state, each year.9 The report estimates that the total10 economic impact, of the Davis-Besse Power Station, is11 more than 440 million dollars.12 Members of the Toledo Regional Chamber of13 Commerce
- directly, or indirectly, benefit from the14 operations of Davis-Besse.
15 Our members, nearly 85 percent, are small16 businesses, of 50 or fewer employees.
These17 businesses, in particular, count on business like18 Davis-Besse to survive.19 As your report concluded, we agree that20 granting an additional 20 year license, to the facility, 21 can be done without adverse impacts to the environment 22 of Northwest Ohio.23 In fact, we believe it is necessary to24 preserve the economic stability of our area with the25 renewal.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 471 Livelihoods and jobs depend on affordable 2 energy. Davis-Besse provides that as a resource, and3 we encourage the NRC to work with First Energy to renew4 the license.
Thank you.5 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. Our6 final registered speaker is Chuck McCune. If anybody7 needs a card brought over to them, please, just raise8 your hand.9 MR. McCUNE: Hello, my name is Chuck10 McCune. I'm an electrician for Local 8 of the11 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.12 I have been working, in the electrical 13 construction industry for 34 years. My brothers and14 sisters have built this facility over 35 years ago.15 This plant has been the livelihood of many of my brothers16 and sisters for that time.17 We are tradesmen, and women, who have18 installed backup systems, the backups to the backup19 systems, the safety systems, the radiation detection 20 systems, the emergency shutdown
- systems, and many, many21 more.22 These systems have been installed and23 upgraded, many times, for the safety of this plant, its24 personnel, the community, and the environment.
25 The work we have done, at this facility, isNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 481 of the highest quality, because of two things. First,2 the management has the highest standards for human3 performance of any work on site and, second, we all live4 in this area.5 If we felt there was a problem, at this6 facility, we would be the first to bring this to the7 public's awareness.
8 Because of First Energy's high standards, 9 and commitment to excellence, in the nuclear industry, 10 we feel that an extension of the existing license is a11 positive step forward and should be granted to First12 Energy.13 Thank you.14 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. I didn't15 see any hands go up, and I haven't seen any more yellow16 cards be submitted.
Sorry. You can put a question on17 the record. However, you may not get a response from18 the NRC at this time. But they will be around after the19 meeting.
Okay, go ahead. This is Victoria Clemons.20 MS. CLEMONS:
This is to talk about the21 economic benefits of having a nuclear power plant,22 reminded me of the question I forgot to ask, and I have23 always wanted to ask, and I have never found it on the24 NRC website.25 You do socioeconomic
- studies, you do oodlesNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 491 of studies on economics.
I would like one question2 answered.
What value is used in your calculations for3 a human life? Can one of you answer that?4 MR. LUBINSKI:
This is John Lubinski, the5 Director of the Division of License Renewal.6 When we talk about the economic impacts,7 with respect to the Environmental Impact Statement, we8 look at it in a variety of ways. The first is we are9 looking at the economic impacts on the environment.
10 That is the environment around the site,11 from the continued operation versus one of the12 alternatives, versus the shutdown of the plant. That13 economic impact does not consider any impacts on human14 life, if you will.15 That has to do with just the impacts of the16 changes in the economy.
So when we talk about those17 economic
- impacts, that is the result we are talking18 about there.19 When we start to look at the radiological 20 impacts we are looking at the radiological impacts with21 respect to our current regulations, what the impact22 would be.23 A question was also asked, earlier, about24 do we look at the impacts of the effluence, the radiation 25 effluents?
We do look at those, as well, as part of ourNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 501 Environmental Impact Statement, and look at our2 regulations.
3 Within the regulations themselves, if they4 meet the regulatory standards, then we consider it5 acceptable from the standpoint of being small,6 moderate, large as defined by Ms. Keegan, earlier in her7 discussion.
8 So we don't do an analysis from the9 standpoint of the environmental impacts with respect to10 specific radiation doses, and doing a conversion of that11 radiation dose, to the value of human life, is part of12 that study.13 So, again, it is the economic impacts are,14 the economic impacts of the environment, and then from15 the standpoint of the health impacts, we do look at the16 human health impacts, we look at with respect to the17 radiation dose.18 We take that into consideration with19 respect to the safety standards, to ensure that there20 is plant safety.21 Also, with respect to safety, that question22 has come up a number of times. We don't wait for license23 renewal to assess the safety of the plant. We do that24 on a continuous basis.25 If we identifya safety issue, at the plant,NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 511 we address that issue when it is identified, and we do2 consider, at that point, again the radiation impacts,3 what the dose would be to the members of the public, and4 whether that would have a negative impact.5 And we take those actions as they occur. We6 don't wait for license renewal to address those safety7 issues.8 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. Any other9 yellow cards out there, for speakers?
10 This is Connie Kline.11 MS. KLINE: Mine is also a question, so I12 don't know if you will be able to answer it now.13 Was the recently approved wind farm in14 Herndon and Logan Counties, I don't see how it could have15 been factored in to the Environmental Impact Statement, 16 because it was just. approved by the Ohio Power Siting17 Commission last week, I believe.18 It is a 300 megawatt wind farm. Are you19 familiar with this at all, or is this something you are20 unfamiliar with?21 MR. WITTACK:
This is Brian Wittack, from22 NRC headquarters.
23 With regards to that particular wind farm24 application, I would have to say at this point we are25 not familiar with that. We will have to take that backNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 521 and take a look at the specifics of that.2 But given the recency of it, it was probably3 not part of the assessment.
4 MS. KLINE: Because it is, actually, it is5 planned to have a capacity larger than 300 megawatts.
6 And I believe there is 176 turbines.
And then Cleveland 7 proper is also going to be building, both on-shore and8 off-shore
- turbines, that haven't been approved yet.910 But would that be something that could also11 be taken into consideraTion?
12 MS. KEEGAN: This is Elaine Keegan, again.13 The combination alternative that was evaluated did14 evaluate, it is a combination of wind for 1,50015 megawatts capacity; with solar for 400 megawatt16 capacity, along with the natural gas combined17 alternative.
18 MS. KLINE: Well, why would wind capacity19 have to be twice as much as the megawatt capacity of20 Davis-Besse?
21 MS. KEEGAN: That was what was available 22 for this, it wasn't --23 MS. KLINE: You are saying that that is24 current capacity?
25 MS. KEEGAN: That was the alternative
--NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 531 MS. KLINE: Not projected
--2 MS. KEEGAN: Right, that was what was3 evaluated.
4 MS. KLINE: I 'm sorry, I misunderstood what5 you were saying.6 MS. KEEGAN: No, this is what was7 evaluated.
8 MS. KLINE: So I have only plowed through9 a very small amount of this. I'm still recovering from10 plowing through 600 pages of the Waste Confidence Draft11 Environmental Statement.
12 So 1,500 megawatts of wind power is what is13 currently available?
14 MS. KEEGAN: That is what is currently 15 available, or projected to be available.
16 MS. KLINE: Okay. It is, probably, more17 than that, because this hasn't been factored in. And18 still that wind power, alone, is twice the capacity of19 Davis-Besse, alone, just wind. Thank you.20 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Thank you. Are21 there any other comment cards out in the audience?
22 (No response.)
23 FACILITATOR RIVERA: Okay. With that I'm24 going to go ahead and turn the meeting over to Brian25 Wittack for some closing remarks.NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 541 As was mentioned
- earlier, the transcript of2 this meeting will be available on-line, along with the3 slides, and a meeting summary.4 MR. WITTACK:
Good afternoon.
Before I5 start into closing comments, I would like to provide6 some follow-up to Ms. Kline's earlier question with7 regards to the date of the sources that were used in the8 study.9 I'm sorry, Ms. Clemons, I'm sorry about10 that. So I did a quick scan of documents, there are11 numerous resources,
- studies, consultations, that were12 done. The Ohio DNR, most recent study, was dated in13 2011.14 The most recent consultations with the U.S.15 Fish and Wildlife Service was as of May 2013. I think16 the gist of your question, and correct me if I'm wrong,17 is that you believe that there is species that are18 endangered, that go beyond what the study identifies, 19 is that correct?
At least two, okay.20 So we are going to take that particular 21 question as a comment, and feed that back to the22 reviewers, to make sure that that gets evaluated and23 incorporated.
24 Also with regards to migratory species,25 there is a fairly extensive discussion in theNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 551 environmental impact section, in the Environmental 2 Impact Statement, chapter 2, particularly section 2.8,3 that discusses migratory species.4 With that, I would like to step into5 closing.6 I'd like to thank everyone for coming out7 on this somewhat blustery day, and contributing your8 valuable time to a process that we consider to be very9 important, and of great value for our licensing process10 at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
11 We have, in the course of license renewal,12 as Elaine mentioned, we have two public meetings that13 are conducted, initially, in the scoping portion.14 And then, finally, the second public15 meeting is today's public meeting, to go over a review16 of the draft supplement environmental impact statement.
17 We value all the comments that we received18 today, and hope that if you have additional
- comments, 19 that you take the time to submit those additional 20 comments.
21 The means of communication is via22 regulations.gov, as well as through the project23 managers, and the comment period is open through April24 21st.25 So with that, thank you again for comingNEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 (202) 234-4433 56123this afternoon, and the meeting is adjourned.
(Whereupon, at 3:15 p.m.,above-entitled meeting was adjourned.)
NEAL R. GROSSCOURT REPORTERS AND TRANSCRIBERS 1323 RHODE ISLAND AVE., N.W.(202) 234-4433 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005-3701 the202) 234-4433