Second reactor at Clinton Power Station draws divided response; community leaders welcome idea of new construction

Community leaders spoke in favor of Exelon Generation Company LLC, which on Sept. 25 filed an early site permit application, seeking the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval of property adjacent to the Clinton Power Station site for the potential placement of a second nuclear reactor.Roger Cyrulik, mayor of Clinton, said another reactor would provide a boost to the local economy, and he has had no concerns about his health or the safety of the environment."It'd be a big economic boost for the community," he said.Others, including members of No New Nukes, a group opposed to building a new reactor, voiced environmental concerns.Many made a statement without saying a word, as dozens of community members brought signs saying, "We Support Nuclear" while others wore bright yellow shirts declaring "No New Nukes."An early site permit is the first step in the potential development of a second reactor. But it doesn't necessarily mean a new facility will be built, said Ann Mary Carley, manager of nuclear communications for Exelon Nuclear.It just means that if the early site application was approved after the 33-month review process, and if Exelon decides to build another nuclear plant, this would be the spot.Terry Ferguson, a member of the DeWitt County Board, farms land flanking the power plant. He said a farmer's livelihood depends on a clean, healthy environment. One gauge he uses for a healthy environment is the prevalence of wildlife, which he says is abundant in the area.The DeWitt County Board also supports the measure, he said.Steve Vandiver, director of economic development for Clinton, welcomes the development of a second plant. He said the power station has been a socio-economic workhorse for DeWitt County and a good community partner. Taxes paid by the plant have helped improve the schools into some of the finest in the state, he said.Carolyn Treadway of Normal voiced concerns about radioactive nuclear waste."For the sake of the sacredness of life, do not approve Clinton Reactor No. 2," she said. "Think of the future generations and the legacy of lethal radiation we are leaving to them to tend. Weep and mourn. Then act in every way possible to decrease energy consumption and to develop renewable energy resources so that Clinton Reactor No. 1, and every other nuclear power plant, can be closed down forever as soon as possible."Treadway was flanked by several members of No New Nukes, including Samuel Galewski, a biology professor at Millikin University.Geoff Ower, a biology major and co-president of the Illinois State University chapter of the Student Enviornmental Action Coalition, also opposed the expansion of the Clinton nuclear power station. Nuclear power poses a significant threat to national public health and safety, he said."Building a new reactor in the middle of our food supply is not a risk that should be taken," he cautioned.Harold Weinberg, a retired optometrist in Clinton, said a growing population will need more electric energy and this is one way to obtain it."You either have this, or fog and smog."Mike Frazier can be reached at 421-7985.