NRC Studying Oyster Creek, Millstone Plants For Potential Health Risks
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Two nuclear power plants in the Tri-State Area will be part of a study looking into the potential health risks posed by the facilities.
In all, the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission will survey health statistics for residents who live near seven nuclear facilities nationwide, including Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station in New Jersey and Millstone Nuclear Power Plant in Conn.
WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reports
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"We've had this question come up repeatedly as we interact with the public. What relationship is there between living near a nuclear power plant and cancer risk?" NRC spokesman Scott Burnell told WCBS 880's Peter Haskell.
The science has shown living near a nuclear plant is safe, but the research is more than 20 years old, Haskell reported.
"The studies are going to look at the best available data and if they show us something new, we will take that into account," Burnell said.
An industry group called this new study a waste of time and money, citing the prior research. But Burnell said the agency is committed to being fully transparent.
"Even if the answer remains the same, it is worthwhile," Burnell told Haskell.
The study will cost about $2 million, Haskell reported.
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