PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE
AND
ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
MEMBERS PRESENT: Public Safety - B. Ryan (Chair), M. Kaplowitz, R. Wishnie
Environment & Health - M. Kaplowitz (Chair), B. Ryan, V. Pinto
LEGISLATORS: L. Bronz, U. LaMotte
BOARD STAFF: R. Vega, T. Bernard, P. Neglia, Program Specialists
S. Vanderberg, C. Ryer, Secretaries
Mr. Ryan called the joint meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Both committees had quorums present. The meeting was held in the main room of the Westchester County Center.
The purpose of this joint meeting was to continue - from the meeting of March 21 - the public hearing being conducted on two resolutions now before the Board: one, introduced by Mr. Ryan, calling for an independent, non-governmental review of the Indian Point Radiological Emergency Evacuation Plan, and the other, introduced by Mr. Kaplowitz, calling for the closing and decommissioning of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Station.
Page 2
PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE
JT. W/ ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
APRIL 30, 2002
Approximately 750 people were in attendance. The speakers at this hearing were, for the most part, those persons who attended the March 21 hearing and signed up to speak, but were unable to as time for speakers ran out.
The large majority of speakers commented on the resolution calling for the closing of the nuclear plants. Most of those pointed to the possibility of terrorist attack causing a dangerous radiological release and their belief that the evacuation plan will not work.
Speakers opposed to closing the plants – most identifying themselves as employees of Entergy, including Local 1-2 union members - claimed the plants are safe.
Few speakers commented on the resolution calling for an independent, non-governmental review of the radiological emergency preparedness plan.
After about an hour into the hearing, most of the large contingent of Entergy employees walked out of the hall. Although the walkout did not disrupt the hearing, it was noisy as employees shouted their dissatisfaction with a procedure they claimed allowed mostly those persons opposed to the nuclear plants to speak. It was charged that sign-up cards were given out in bulk to the anti-nuclear crowd.
Some additional points made by speakers:
· Independent radiological monitoring is needed
· Small nursery schools are not covered in the evacuation plan
· Peak fatality zone, as defined by NRC is 17.5 miles
The public hearing was concluded and the joint meeting adjourned promptly at 10 p.m.