March 16, 2010

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) -- Georgia's Environmental Protection Division will hold a public meeting in April to discuss draft air quality permits associated with the $14.5 billion addition of two new reactors to Plant Vogtle.

Builders need the permits because of air pollution that could be created by the plant's emergency diesel engines, which will be kept at the site in case electrical power is unavailable whenever the nuclear plant is shut down.

Georgia's Air Protection Branch proposed approval of the permit application after concluding that the engines "will not cause adverse impact on ambient air quality" or create any health risks.

Tom Moorer, the environmental affairs manager for plant operator Southern Nuclear says there would be 13 engines and diesel fuel storage tanks as well.

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