The Nuclear Regulatory Commission held their third public meeting in Hampton Wednesday night to discuss concrete degradation at the Seabrook nuclear plant.
An expert from a University of Texas Engineering Lab presented the NRC and the public with an update Wednesday night on extensive testing being undertaken at their Austin facilities. Their team is assessing the risk posed by an Alkali-Silica Reaction known as ASR – which is causing the concrete at the plant to crack.
The owner of the Seabrook plant, NextEra, is paying for the research.
Deputy Director of Reactor Safety at the NRC James Trapp says the NRC will closely follow the research.
NextEra has detailed plans to do a lot of additional research and testing and we really need those results before we can make any conclusions regarding ASR.
NextEra has applied to extend its operating license from 2030 to 2050. Many residents and state representatives from bordering NH and MA towns showed up to request that application be denied.
Others urged a more immediate closure.