Harris N-plant clears bar to extended license

Progress Energy has cleared a hurdle in its bid to extend the operating license of the Shearon Harris nuclear plant by 20 years.

The Raleigh utility persuaded administrative law judges to reject safety concerns raised by nuclear critics who are challenging the license extension.

Durham-based N.C. Waste Awareness and Reduction Network and Maryland-based Nuclear Information and Resource Service expect to appeal the ruling Aug. 3 by the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board to keep their challenge alive.

The groups want to litigate safety issues that the atomic board said fall outside the scope of a relicensing proceeding. The atomic board said such proceedings are limited by law to reviewing a nuclear plant's safety components and environmental impacts as the plant ages.

Progress Energy is seeking to extend the license of the Shearon Harris plant in southwestern Wake County until 2046. The plant was originally licensed in 1986 by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The NRC, along with Progress Energy, opposes the license extension challenges. The final decision rests with the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board, an independent panel.

Nuclear critics want the license extension hearings opened to review allegations that for years Shearon Harris has failed to comply with federal fire safety standards, that the plant outside Raleigh is not prepared for an attack by aircraft, and that the regional emergency evacuation plan is flawed.