A final decision is due on PSEG Nuclear's Early Site Permit application which could allow the utility to build a new nuclear plant.
LOWER ALLOWAYS CREEK TWP. -- It's now up to a federal review board to recommend whether a key permit be issued that could allow the construction of a new nuclear reactor in Salem County.
A hearing has been set for March 24 before the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board on PSEG Nuclear's application for an early site permit.
This is the final step in a long review process which began back in 2010 when the utility first filed its application. If the board -- an independent body within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission -- backs the utility's request, it would then be up to the members of the NRC to give the final OK.
NRC Spokesman Neil Sheehan says PSEG has requested a permit that would be good for 20 years.
It's just the first of many federal, state and local regulatory hurdles that need to be cleared before construction could begin.
Even if the permit is issued, the utility isn't ready to put shovels in the ground.
"This regulatory process has conducted a thorough review of our application," said Joe Delmar, spokesman for PSEG Nuclear. "Though it is not a commitment to build, the early site permit provides us with a 20-year window to pursue a construction and operating license."
Estimates are that construction of a new reactor could cost billions of dollars.
PSEG Nuclear currently operates three reactors -- Salem 1, Salem 2 and Hope Creek -- at its Artificial Island generating complex in Lower Alloways Creek Township.
Salem County officials have backed the idea of a new plant because of the thousands of construction jobs it would create and the millions of dollars it would pump into the local economy.
"The community and elected officials have been so supportive throughout this process," Delmar said. "We all recognize that a construction project for a new plant would create thousands of jobs and have a significant economic impact for South Jersey and the local community."
PSEG Nuclear is already the largest employer in Salem County.
The site that PSEG Nuclear has picked for a possible new plant is along the Delaware River at the Island, north of the current Hope Creek reactor site.
Construction would include an additional access road from the mainland to the Island, officials said earlier in outlining their plans.
The hearing later this month marks a nearly six-year review process. Public forums have been held and comments gathered.
While several environmental groups have spoke up opposing any new plant, none requested formal hearings on the permit application, officials said.
The environmental and safety impacts of a new plant have already been reviewed by federal officials and no issues have been found.
After the Atomic Safety licensing Board concludes its review and makes a decision on the application, that will be passed on to the full NRC board. The time between the board's action and when the NRC will act in the past has varied between two and five months.
While there will be no public testimony allowed at the hearing, written statements can be submitted via email to hearing.docket@nrc.gov before March 24.
The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. at NRC Headquarters, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland.
Besides the three nuclear reactors in Salem County, there is a fourth in New Jersey, Oyster Creek in Lacy Township.
Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @TheSJTimes. Find NJ.com on Facebook.