Seabrook Nuclear clears hurdle

The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has released the final environmental report on Seabrook Nuclear Station’s license renewal.

In 2010 Seabrook Station applied to the federal government to extend its operating license from 2030 to 2050.

The NRC has concluded, "the [environmental] impacts would not preclude renewing the plant’s license for an additional 20 years."

The NRC is still working on a safety review, scheduled to be completed next summer. That report will address the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) causing small cracks in concrete at the facility.

So far the NRC has found that the cracks do not threaten public safety.

However, opponents insist that any defects in the concrete are cause for concern.

In addition, many opponents argue that it is too early for the NRC to consider renewing a license that will not expire until 2030. The long-term impacts of ASR have yet to be determined.