Fed sides with activists on Plant Vogtle

The federal agency overseeing nuclear power plants says the effects of dredging on the Savannah River must be explored before permits for a proposed expansion at Plant Vogtle can be considered. Late last week, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Atomic Safety & Licensing Board agreed with environmental groups which says the effect of dredging was not addressed in earlier studies. Southern Nuclear Operating Co. has applied for permits to add two reactors to the plant. The company has notified the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that dredging would be needed to accommodate shipments of reactor components for an expansion.
(Associated Press)