Vt. Yankee upgrade could increase radiation

Burlington Free Press, June 19, 2003

The Associated Press

MONTPELIER -- Increased power production at Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant will mean more radiation and environmental impacts outside the plant, according to the state's nuclear engineer.

William Sherman, the engineer with the Department of Public Service, said Tuesday that any increase in radiological releases would have an environmental effect.

The Public Service Board, which regulates Vermont utilities, is expected to rule by October whether the Mississippi-based company that bought Vermont 's lone nuclear plant last year will be allowed to join about 30 nuclear plants of similar type around the country in boosting its power output.

Entergy Nuclear also must obtain approval from federal regulators in order to complete the project, estimated to cost at least $60 million.

Sherman testified Tuesday that the radioactivity would still be within state limits. However, when coupled with increased radiation coming from a new treatment process the plant was on the verge of re-employing, he said the state's maximum would be all but reached.

Entergy Nuclear wants to increase power production at Vermont Yankee by 20 percent, or 110 megawatts of power at a plant that on average produces 510 megawatts of power.

The internal core temperature of the reactor core will not change.

Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee vice president Jay Thayer said the 20 percent power increase would result in up to a 28 percent increase in radiation.

Raymond Shadis, staff member of the New England Coalition, a Brattleboro anti-nuclear group, said there were inconsistencies in Thayer's estimates.