NRC: News Release - 2006-116 - NRC Accepts Vogtle Early Site Permit Application for Review

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NRC NEWS U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
Office of Public Affairs	Telephone: 301/415-8200
Washington, DC 20555-0001	E-mail: opa@nrc.gov
www.nrc.gov

No. 06-116

September 20, 2006

NRC ACCEPTS VOGTLE EARLY SITE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR REVIEW
Printable Version

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has commenced review of Southern Nuclear Operating Co.’s application for an Early Site Permit (ESP) on property near the Vogtle nuclear power plant, about 23 miles southeast of Augusta, Ga.

The NRC staff has determined that the application contains sufficient information for the agency to formally “docket,” or file, the application and begin its technical review. Docketing the application does not preclude requesting additional information as the review proceeds; nor does it indicate whether the Commission will grant the application.

The ESP process allows an applicant to address site-related issues, such as environmental impacts, for possible future construction and operation of a nuclear power plant at the site. The NRC’s formal review will address site safety, environmental protection and emergency planning issues. If the agency approves the request, Southern Nuclear could reference the permit at any time for up to 20 years in an application with the NRC for approval to begin construction of one or more nuclear reactors at the site.

The Vogtle Early Site Permit application is available electronically on the NRC’s Web site on this page: http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/new-licensing/esp/vogtle.html. A copy of the application is also available for public review at the NRC Public Document Room, located at 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD; telephone: 800/397-4209 or 301/415-4737. Local residents may view the application at the Burke County Library, 130 Highway 24 South in Waynesboro, Ga.

Future NRC announcements will notify the public of the opportunity to request a hearing concerning the Vogtle ESP, along with public meetings near the site to discuss environmental issues.

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