SEABROOK CONSTRUCTION FLAWS AND RENEWABLE POWER COMPETITION TO BE TOPIC OF SAPL PUBLIC FORUM TUESDAY

Past and present structural troubles at the Seabrook
nuclear plant and competition from emerging renewable energy alternatives will
be the topic of a Seacoast Anti-Pollution League (SAPL) public forum and annual
meeting this Tuesday, June 25th, starting at 6:30 PM at the Portsmouth
Public Library's Levenson Room. 



The forum, entitled “Seabrook Past and Present: Fatal Flaws at its
Foundation?  Which Winds Blow Toward a Sustainable Future?” will feature
guest speaker Chris Nord, long-time anti-nuclear activist and Clamshell
Alliance founding member, speaking about construction flaws at Seabrook raised
by whistleblowers decades ago and other plant shortcomings now coming home to
roost.  In addition, SAPL director Doug Bogen will present the case for
offshore wind power and other renewable energy supplanting Seabrook and other
dirty power plants in coming decades.



"With proposed re-licensing of Seabrook stalled due to structural
degradation and radioactive waste management issues, we thought it would be a
good time to review the long and often-times scandalous history of its
construction, as well as take stock of power alternatives which are rapidly
developing to supplant Seabrook's power in coming decades. " said Doug
Bogen, executive director of SAPL.  "As federal officials continue to
consider re-licensing Seabrook through 2050, we need to gain greater
perspective on its viability as a future power source, and look at what
technology will provide the best economic engine our region needs to achieve a
sustainable power future."



As Seabrook nuclear plant owners move to re-license for another 20 years of
operation - 17 years ahead of its expiration - citizen groups including SAPL
have attempted to intervene to challenge their proposal.  When the federal
Nuclear Regulatory Commission overturned its own licensing board's decision to
let some of these groups intervene last March, they sued unsuccessfully in
federal court to challenge that ruling.  A key contention was that the
owners' proposal neglected to consider the potential for other power alternatives
for the region, particularly offshore wind.  The plant has also come under
increased scrutiny from federal regulators for the belated discovery of
degrading concrete in its foundation walls, likely due to deficiencies in its
component materials as well as decades of ground water intrusion at the site,
another issue threatening its longer-term viability.



SAPL was founded in 1969, in response to the announcement of an intent to
construct a nuclear power plant in Seabrook.  It played a major role as
intervener in the various hearings before the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) regarding issuance of its initial operating license, and has served in a
watch dog role over public safety and environmental issues at Seabrook ever
since.  "We hope concerned Seacoast resident will join us as we
discuss Seabrook's past and possible future, and recognize SAPL’s 44th year of
protecting our NH Seacoast Environment," said Herb Moyer, SAPL President.



The event is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served. 
A brief business meeting will precede the public forum.  For more info,
contact SAPL at 603-431-5089, go to their Facebook events page, or visit their
website at www.saplnh.org.