February 13, 2006
NOTE TO EDITORS:

(An edited version of this statement was published in The News & Observer Friday as a letter)

Progress Energy Misinformed Media on Shearon Harris Safety Record

Progress Energy seriously misinformed the media on January 23 rd by implying a November report proves the Shearon Harris nuclear plant has a safe track record.   That NRC “performance indicator” report is a very narrow snapshot of Harris' record, and it excludes fire safety; security problems; and risks from loss of offsite power.   (we believe Duke Energy will cite the same misleading information)

Harris ranks among the nation's worst in those categories, and in cooling system failures.  Fire is the leading risk factor – 50% industry-wide – for nuclear meltdown.  Harris ranks lowest in at least two major fire safety categories, remaining in violation of federal regulations for many years.

NRC's report also ignores uncorrected design flaws (as with Harris' backup cooling system) siren failures and the risk from storing radioactive fuel rods – although Harris has one of the nation's largest waste stockpiles.  The latest set of security failures is Harris' third in recent years, and newly discovered federal documents bolster guards' reports that security equipment has malfunctioned for years.

All this data is from NRC, but isn't included in the report Progress cited.  News coverage of Harris problems has been sporadic, therefore many people assume it's safe enough to build more reactors.  Harris workers are diligent, but nuclear technology is complex, and cost-cutting pressures great.

With climate change advancing rapidly, the debate over big new power plants is too important for the industry's PR machine to prevent scrutiny through largesse to civic leaders.   Debate isn't democratic when one side puts millions of public dollars into the pockets of the audience. 

Good journalism requires scrutiny of nuclear spinmasters (and watchdogs), particularly unsupported claims that nuclear energy is safe, economical and “emissions-free.”  If Progress' case is valid, it should answer all questions – openly – about its record and plans, instead of trash-talking its critics.   At the very least, Harris must come into compliance with all regulations, correct all design flaws, and lower the density of its nuclear waste pools.  NC WARN will soon publish more details on the Shearon Harris track record.

Also, Progress must openly justify why North Carolina should gamble billions on new plants instead of transitioning to safe, economical, job-producing, climate-protecting electricity. 

Jim Warren
Executive Director
NC WARN:  Waste Awareness & Reduction Network
P.O. Box 61051
Durham , NC 27715-1051
919-416-5077
919-286-3985 fax
e-mail: ncwarn@ncwarn.org
www.ncwarn.org