A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF BRINGING THE SHERON HARRIS NUCLEAR PLANT INTO COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS (2006-9-27/R-16)

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill supports the legal action directed to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) by NC WARN, the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Nuclear Information and Research Service, NC Fair Share, and Students United for a Responsible Global Environment to being the Shearon Harris nuclear Plant  into compliance with Federal Fire Safety Regulations; and

 

WHEREAS, the plant has operated in violation of those regulations for at least the past 14 years and as such has substantially increased the risk to the public.  In addition, the plant owner says it will apply for permission to take up to nine more years to study its fire safety violations instead of fixing them; and

 

WHEREAS, the legal action calls for emergency enforcement action by the NRC to:

 

  1. Immediately suspend Shearon Harris’s license until all fire safety violations are corrected, or
  2. Fine Harris $130,000 for each violation each day it operates until compliance with current law is verified by NRC – without relying on regulatory bypasses such as “interim” fire watches and operator actions; and

 

WHEREAS, the legal action further requests that deliberations on this matter are conducted in open and public proceedings that include hearings in the vicinity of the Shearon Harris plant, and

 

WHEREAS, although the bringers of the legal action are willing to enter into negotiations allowing the plant to remain operating, any continued operation must be based on the establishments of a firm timetable – not exceeding 12 months – for completing the necessary repairs to bring the plant into full compliance with current, applicable fire safety regulations;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council further calls for the NRC to refuse to consider any “early relicensing” of the plant for an additional 20 years – for which an application will be submitted by year end – unless the plant has been brought into full compliance with fire regulations.

 

This the 27th day of September, 2006.