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Victorians should trust nuclear regulators

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  • Originally published August 31, 2008 at 1:05 a.m., updated August 31, 2008 at 1:05 a.m.

Editor, the Advocate:

Recently, I and 400 more public-spirited citizens attended a “public outreach” meeting that was put on by United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC). The following was noted or well defined and is entered:

USNRC is a well staffed and qualified agency and had some of the people who oppose nuclear energy read the fine print under their logo stating “protecting people and the environment.” They should have a different viewpoint. This agency takes 4 years to grant a permit.

“Terrorism” is an important issue, but all of the plants built to date have extraordinarily thick cement construction to contain in the case of unusual events. Secondly, one hand held weapon or an airplane would never get through to their target.

Water is a big issue and should be. A qualified speaker stated there were no problems. You can be assured GBRA has looked at the overall picture and is not going to over commit. There are several days each year that you cannot pump water out of the river for City of Victoria (daily usage 10-12,000,000 gallons per day and a return of 7,000,000 gallons per day with treated sewage water.) Some of the water used, 1,000,000 to 1,500,000, comes from the existing wells which are capable of 25,000,000 gallons per day. Victoria does not have a water problem related to long term growth.

The G.E.- Hitachi system is in all probability an improvement or a more efficient system of older units that are safe and dependable. G.E. is not going to build or sell a multi-billion dollar system that will fail or create unsafe conditions. They would be out of business.

The application approval date is several years off and will have numerous meeting before final approval. To those of you who utilize the Internet or read and may have a lot of questions and objections, you deserve a say so. But remember that the “agency” is professional and their knowledge, skills and expertise are directed to your needs.

Nuclear energy is clean, safe and cheaper. An alternate energy source for South Texas would be to grow mesquite wood commercially and use it to fuel your power plants.

Melvin Klotzman

Victoria


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