US regulators take public comments on nuclear fuel plan
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — U.S. nuclear regulators have hosted their final public hearing on a proposal to build a multibillion-dollar complex in southern New Mexico to store spent nuclear fuel from commercial power plants around the country, and there’s still disagreement about whether granting a license to Holtec International would be a good thing.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission heard from both supporters and critics during Wednesday’s meeting. In a preliminary recommendation, the commission favored approval of a license for Holtec International to build the facility in southeastern New Mexico.
The NRC staff’s preliminary recommendation states there are no environmental impacts that would preclude the commission from issuing a license for environmental reasons. A study on the project’s impact on human safety is pending and will require another round of public comment.
New Jersey-based Holtec is seeking a 40-year license to build what it has described as a state-of-the-art complex near Carlsbad. The first phase calls for storing up to 8,680 metric tons of uranium, which would be packed into 500 canisters. Future expansion could make room for as many as 10,000 canisters of spent nuclear fuel.
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