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Environmentalists concerned: Turkey Point nuclear station could be allowed to operate for 80 years

FPL on the way to licensing Turkey Point nuclear plant for another 20 years, By MARCIA HEROUX POUNDS, SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL , OCT 29, 2019 Turkey Point nuclear power plant, which is located about 20 miles south of Miami and helps power Florida Power & Light’s electric grid, has gotten a green light for extending its license.

The staff of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission recommended Monday that the commission approve the extension of Turkey Point for another 20 years, given its “limited” environmental impact. Renewing the licenses, as requested by FPL, “would not be unreasonable,” the staff says in its favorable report.

Juno Beach-based FPL said it was “pleased with this step forward,” which would allow FPL to operate the nuclear power plant for as long as 80 years total. If the extensions are approved, Turkey Point could be the oldest nuclear power plant in the country, according to data by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

……… Environmentalists have objected to extension of nuclear licenses or new plants due to concerns about climate change and environmental issues.

In 2018, FPL requested that customers pay more than $100 million to clean up environmental issues caused by Turkey Point’s cooling tanks leaking into Biscayne Bay. In April of this year, the Florida Supreme Court sided with the Florida Public Service Commission in allowing FPL to collect from customers for the cleanup.

If the license extension is granted, the twin nuclear units 3 and 4 at Turkey Point could be operated through 2052 and 2053. That could also have an impact on other nuclear power plants built in the 1970s and 1980s that are looking to extend their licenses. …….

FPL also has proposed two new nuclear power plants at the Turkey Point site, and has received a license. “We’re not planning to build a new nuclear plant at this time,” Silagy told the Sun Sentinel’s Editorial Board.  https://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-bz-fpl-turkey-point-extension-20191029-eqspitkaa5bkbc2td4a6nl25di-story.html

October 31, 2019 - Posted by | safety, USA

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