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safety experts in the world, and move forward, in order to save a small amount of money for this big <br />corporation. <br />Allen Spalt said that Carrboro is only about 20 miles from the Shearon Harris plant. He <br />thanked Orange County and North Carolina WARN for their part in trying to open up this process. His <br />board sent a letter to their congressional delegation about a proposal from the NRC, in which they seek <br />an exemption from the Sunshine Act, where they can not meet as a majority to talk about policy issues <br />outside of a public meeting. All government officials in North Carolina operate under this act. The NRC <br />is proposing that three of their five commissioners could meet together to have private discussions of <br />public issues. His board thinks that this is unfortunate, and it further undermines the confidence in the <br />NRC process. He then asked Mr. Lochbaum and Dr. Thompson about the meaning of a probability of an <br />accident, and what the consequences may be. <br />Mr. Lochbaum said that when a plant does a risk assessment, they decide what they <br />would do when an accident happens. The proposed activity would increase the risk. <br />Dr. Thompson said that there is literature on risk analysis. There is a risk of a pool <br />accident at the Harris plant, and this risk can be eliminated by using dry storage. <br />Dr. Jerry Gray explained how Physicians for Social Responsibility began. They started <br />up in the 1960's because of concerns about the medical affects from the nuclear weapons buildup. This <br />led to radioactive waste and its dangers to people. They believe that nuclear waste should be stored on <br />site where it is produced for at least 50 years. <br />Commissioner Pollard said that two and a half years ago she asked Mary McDowell to <br />review the NRC report that was sent to them on a periodic basis, because she wanted to understand <br />what they were saying. She found out about how the risk from these pools was determined. Chatham <br />County feels that all risks should be evaluated by competent scientists and regulators not affiliated with <br />CP&L. Chatham County appreciates the work of Orange County in hiring a consultant to follow through <br />on this process of intervention. They hope the dialogue will continue. <br />Moderator Conner then asked for some more questions from the concerned citizens. <br />J. D. Garten, from Chatham County, said that she had the opportunity to participate in <br />the emergency drill at the Shearon Harris plant. She asked what the plans are to continue this multi- <br />county collaboration. <br />Allen Spalt said that there is generally a growing sense that jurisdictions need to be <br />working together on transportation, energy, the Harris plant, etc. Our state organizations are working <br />together and he feels that jurisdictions will work together more in the future. <br />Will Zedelman, with North Carolina Citizens Research Group in Durham, asked Steven <br />Carr about the open process, and would CP&L support reopening the comment period for the public so <br />they can comment on the information that CP&L blanked out of its original application, and was not <br />available to the public until the NRC made them reveal it in the middle of March. <br />Steven Carr said that CP&L has offered to let anyone see the portions that were not <br />disclosed, because it is proprietary and confidential information that belongs to the plant, not to CP&L. <br />Anyone who wishes to see this information may sign an appropriate nondisclosure agreement to protect <br />the plant's interests. CP&L welcomes any comments at any time. <br />Joe Bowser, from Durham County Board of Commissioners, thanked Orange County for <br />taking the lead on this issue. He is committed to the people of Durham County - their health, safety and <br />well being. He did not expect to be confronted with an issue like this. We all know that the nuclear <br />industry carries danger with it. Therefore, when a situation like this comes up they must do whatever they <br />can to protect their citizens. He made reference to the comment about Orange County wasting their <br />money on this intervention. He said that money can not replace us if we do not do our job now and an <br />accident does happen. He asked if the present cooling capacity can be increased to accommodate <br />additional rods. <br />Dr. Thompson said that the applicant could set forth a detailed plan for upgrading this <br />system, and that complete plan should have been included in this application. <br />Joe Bowser said they have some problems with this project. They would like to see <br />CP&L storing this waste where it is produced. Money should not outweigh the health and safety needs of <br />the people in this community. <br />Joe Capowski from Chapel Hill City Council thanked the people from CP&L. He has had <br />two tours of the Shearon Harris plant, and found everyone to be straight forward in answering all of his <br />questions. They asked repeatedly if this was the safest way to do it, and CP&L said that it is extremely