2 new nuclear reactors discussed

HOLLY SPRINGS — About two dozen people showed up this afternoon for the first public hearing by federal regulators to address the environmental impact of adding two nuclear reactors to the Shearon Harris nuclear plant.

Officials with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission want to hear about potential environmental effects — to native wildlife and on water levels, for instance — that could result from adding the reactors at the site in southwest Wake County.

Progress Energy has not decided whether it will build the new reactors, and would need NRC approval.

Vinnie DeBenedetto, a Holly Springs councilman, urged officials to pay for widening roads in the communities surrounding the plant in case of a nuclear disaster.

“There’s a fear among citizens that, should there be an emergency, the inadequate roads will be gridlocked,” he said.

Nina Woode, a spokeswoman with the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition, a pro-nuclear group, argued that nuclear energy is the best choice to meet future power needs.

“Nuclear energy is clean,” Woode said. “It’s the only large-scale emissions-free source of electricity.”

The NRC will hold a second public meeting from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W. Ballantine St.

Before tonight’s meeting, a one-hour open house will allow the public to speak informally to NRC staff.