Agenda - 03-16-1999 - 9i - Laserfiche WebLink

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alternatives to CP&L's spent fuel storage expansion proposal; and 6) related travel, lodging, phone, etc., expenses. It is estimated that, to get through the pre-hearing conference (which is the next or upcoming step in the intervention process), the County will incur approximately $6000 in additional consulting fees and expenses related to Dr. Thompson's assistance in preparing contentions and providing expert testimony. The estimated total cost for the intervention effort, through the pre- hearing conference, is $31,000. It has also been suggested that the County host a public information meeting on Apri17`~ at the Chapel Hill Town Council meeting room. This meeting, which would be video taped for cable broadcast, would feature Dr. Thompson making a public presentation of his report and with additional comment and information presented by David Lochbaum, a prominent nuclear safety engineer with the Union of Concern Scientists. It is estimated that the County would incur another $4000 in fees to Dr. Thompson (David Lockbaum would reportedly appeaz on a pro bono basis) and travel and lodging expenses for Thompson and Lockbaum. If the BOCC determines that County will proceed through at least the pre- conference hearing and will hold a public information meeting, the total cost will be approximately $35,000. The BOCC will have to allocate at least an additional $3500 to have a public information meeting and to complete the pre-hearing process. It is at this point where the NRC makes its determination that: a) the County does or does not have standing; b) does or does not have valid contentions; and c) a public hearing will or will not be held. The BOCC will then have to determine if it wishes to proceed with the public. hearing process, appeal the NRC decision or drop the entire issue The cost of proceeding with the intervention through the hearing process is estimated to be an additional $51,000 in consulting and legal fees and expenses. The total of all costs through the NRC's public hearing process and including the April 7`~ public meeting is estimated to be approximately $86,000. RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends that the BOCC agree to hold a public information meeting and agree to allocate an additional $5000 ($3500 to cover actual projected costs with an additional $1500 for contingencies) to the intervention and public information process.