NRC will seek public input on Duke project

Local citizens will get an opportunity May 1 to have their say concerning Duke Energy's proposed nuclear power station.

That's when the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission will host the first of a series of public input sessions at the Gaffney High School Auditorium.

People who wish to comment must register at the school between 5-7 p.m. The 3-hour meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Each person will have three minutes to voice their opinion.

The public meeting is part of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's review of Duke Energy's 8,000-page combined construction and operating license application.

The detailed review includes submission of additional information, site visits and public input.

Duke Energy official George Acker said the public comments will be included in the NRC's report.

Acker said he expects a "good turnout" for the public meeting.

Duke's application seeks to construct a two-unit nuclear plant on a 2,000-acre site in the McKowns Mountain community.

The proposed power station would have a generating capacity of 2,234 megawatts.

Rita Sipe, Duke Energy spokesperson, said the Nuclear Regulatory Commission estimates it will take at least 42 months to review the construction and operating license application.

A final decision to build the nuclear station won't be made before 2010, Duke Energy officials have said.