NRC seeks comments on nuclear plant relicensing

RICHLAND, Wash. — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is seeking public comments on a plan to relicense the Pacific Northwest's only commercial nuclear power plant for another 20 years.

The agency has issued a draft environmental impact statement on relicensing Columbia Generating Station in Richland. The statement has a preliminary conclusion that there are no environmental impacts that would preclude a 20-year extension of the plant's operating license.

Public meetings on it will be held Sept. 27 in Richland.

Columbia Generating Station is a boiling-water reactor on the Columbia River. The plant's current operating license will expire on Dec. 20, 2023. The license may be renewed for up to an additional 20 years if NRC requirements are met.