NRC hears concerns at Palisades meeting

SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) - The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission held a public meeting in West Michigan Wednesday to inform residents about a safety investigation into the Palisades nuclear power plant.

The Covert Township nuclear plant was forced to close twice this summer because of safety concerns.

Because Palisades' safety rating was downgraded in January, the plant must undergo increased inspections and oversight.

Additional NRC inspectors will be in town for the next few weeks to essentially grade the company on its emphasis on safety.

After the two shutdowns, dozens of people who live nearby came to be heard at the Wednesday night meeting in South Haven.

"I don't feel safe," said Bette Pierman of Benton Harbor. "I don't think they should be open. There's problems that have happened here at Palisades. Numerous problems over the last year."

Some who were upset about the plant made signs. Others voiced concern to not only Palisades owners and operators, but also to the NRC -- which is why the federal oversight authority held the meeting.

"Nuclear power plants are very technical. There's a lot of technicality around it, so we're here to try and help answer those questions and explain our process, explain what we're doing," said Prema Chandathil of the NRC.

NRC inspectors told 24 Hour News 8 they were in town to answer questions from people who live in the area -- and to ask them.

NRC inspectors questioned Palisades operators on a review and performance plan.

"We ask these questions. We are aware of the issues and we track the issues," Chandathil said.

And authorities maintained the plant is not a danger to residents.

"The plant is safe. If the plant wasn't safe, the NRC wouldn't hesitate to go ahead and shut them down," Chandathil said.

But that didn't soothe all of resident's concerns.

"If there's a nuclear catastrophe that happens at this plant, my food source is going to be impacted," said Pierman. "My drinking water is going to be impacted. Everything about my life is going to be impacted and I don't feel like they're doing what they need to do to protect us."

Eight additional inspectors will fly in Monday and spend two weeks critically evaluating all of the problem areas at Palisades. Their findings will let the NRC know if the improvements have been made.