Public Invited To Discuss Proposed New Nuclear Plant In Michigan

MONROE (WWJ) - Concerned about nuclear power? The public is invited to a meeting to discuss the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Fermi 3 nuclear plant in Monroe.

The meeting happens 1-4 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at Monroe Community College La-Z-Boy Center, 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe. The topic is whether DTE Energy should be permitted to build a new nuclear facility just southwest of the existing Fermi plant to provide even more nuclear power.

Objectors from groups including the Sierra Club and "Don't Waste Michigan" say the sales forecasts used in DTE's Fermi 3 application are dated, four to five years old, and misleading as Michigan shrinks in population and residents continue to cut back on power use.

Michael Keegan with "Don't Waste Michigan" said another nuclear plant in Michigan just isn't necessary. He also said the impact of another plant could be devastating to Lake Erie.

"These past few summers we've seen huge algae blooms that are just devastating the lake. One more huge thermal polluter on the lake is going to push beyond, we are already on the tipping point so one more huge thermal polluter is going to exacerbate the problem of algae in the environment," said Keegan.

A preliminary federal finding shows that there are no environmental reasons that should prevent the plant from being constructed.

A statement from DTE says they are looking at all possible ways to generate electricity --and are proposing the most economical and environmentally responsible methods.