At Meeting, Residents Mixed on Third Reactor

January 31, 2009 

McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Amanda Christman Standard-Speaker, Hazleton, Pa.

Quality-of-life issues such as public health and safety and
nuclear waste storage were among concerns expressed by residents at a public
meeting on PPL's proposed third nuclear reactor.The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission held the meeting
Thursday night at Berwick High School to gather public input as part of its review
of PPL's application.

Cindy Hartman of Salem Township said waste being stored at the
current facility in Salem Township was supposed to be hauled to Nevada for
safe storage when plans were unveiled for the two reactors 30 years ago.

Mary Creasie of Beach Haven agreed. "Who builds a home without a
sewage system?" she asked.

Bill Davenport said it's up to local politicians to get the waste
moved to Nevada for safe storage, or to have it recycled.

Creasie was also concerned about nuclear energy as a whole,
saying it
is a target for terrorists in an area that is not equipped to handle
an evacuation, among other environmental risks.

Gene Stilp, of the group Pull the Plug on PPL, wore a giant
electrical plug on his back that read "PULL THE PLUG ON THE THIRD REACTOR."

Salem Township resident Ken Fatula said the commission should
do a health study in the area to see if the nuclear plant has indeed led to
health problems.

Fatula said he is tired of "alarmism" in the area ignited by
certain factions that are only concerned with "anti-capitalism." He said
people who work at the plant are "very bright," and urged others to do research
on nuclear energy.

Other people spoke about PPL bringing jobs and financial
stability to the area.

"PPL has quite simply been a great neighbor and friend," Stephen
Phillips said.

Chuck Henry, emergency management coordinator in Nescopeck and a
Beaver Township supervisor, said he believes the nuclear plants are
run efficiently. Henry said removing nuclear waste is a major concern of
most residents.

PPL is unsure if it will even build a third reactor, said Joe
Scopelliti, community relations manager at the plant. He said the
economy, the need for electric power and approval by the commission will
drive PPL's plans.

PPL Bell Bend LLC submitted a combined license application for
the reactor on 882 acres in Luzerne County, west of the existing
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station and about 5 miles northeast of Berwick.

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