Environmentalists say they can prove the nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle contribute to increased rates of cancer and birth defects.
Energy giant Southern Company currently operates two nuclear reactors in Burke County. They've petitioned the Public Service Commission for permission to bring an additional two reactors on line.
Charles Utley, field coordinator for the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, said, "We did find that in the area... out of all the data that was used... comparing Burke County to the United States, in Burke County there was a plus 25.1 increase compared to all other states and counties in the U.S. Now I'm not just talking about black folks. I am talking contamination has discrimination."
A spokesperson for Southern Company refutes the evidence in the report saying it's invalid and has previously been rejected by states across the country.
According to the company's website, the two existing reactors in Burke County began operating in the late 1980's. The Commission will decide this July whether or not to grant the company permission to expand.
Energy giant Southern Company currently operates two nuclear reactors in Burke County. They've petitioned the Public Service Commission for permission to bring an additional two reactors on line.
Charles Utley, field coordinator for the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, said, "We did find that in the area... out of all the data that was used... comparing Burke County to the United States, in Burke County there was a plus 25.1 increase compared to all other states and counties in the U.S. Now I'm not just talking about black folks. I am talking contamination has discrimination."
A spokesperson for Southern Company refutes the evidence in the report saying it's invalid and has previously been rejected by states across the country.
According to the company's website, the two existing reactors in Burke County began operating in the late 1980's. The Commission will decide this July whether or not to grant the company permission to expand.
