Agency plans second meeting on Areva project

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has agreed to hold a public meeting in Boise on a proposal by French nuclear giant Areva Inc. to build a uranium enrichment plan in eastern Idaho.

The federal agency initially rejected a request for a second meeting in Idaho to take public comment on the project.

A second public meeting was sought by the Snake River Alliance and other officials as a means for broadening public input on the agency’s environmental impact statement.

The Snake River Alliance opposes Areva’s $4 billion Eagle Rock plant, saying the nuclear facility could have a profound impact on the state and region.

The company intends to produce fuel for nuclear reactors at the facility.

The NRC is hosting its the Boise public meeting Aug. 9, then a second in Idaho Falls Aug. 12.