KSAT 12 News
San Antonio, TX

SAN ANTONIO -- A group opposed to the building of two new nuclear reactors at the South Texas Project said Tuesday that two key issues need to be addressed before CPS Energy makes a multi-billion dollar investment in the project.

Members of Energy Mia said they are concerned about the tremendous amount of water it takes to run nuclear reactors.

"We're concerned we don't have the water for this resource," said Cindy Weehler of Energia Mia. "It's a lot of water".

According to Energy Mia, the two reactors would withdraw 23,170 gallons per minute from the Colorado River.

"I look at the science and I say, 'What's the probability that the water will be available and how do you predict that probability based on numbers that we've had in the past?" said Lauren Ross, an environmental engineer. "In San Antonio it's your money, because if you invest in the power plant and they can't cool it and that plant goes off line, you're not selling the electricity and you're still paying the bill."

But Mike Kotara, CPS Energy Executive Vice President For Energy Development, said he's not concerned about a lack of water because the utility company has water rights established with the Lower Colorado River Authority since the 1970s.

"We have long standing water rights for all four units and that's the good thing about this project," Kotara said.

Energy Mia is also concerned about contamination risks.

"These are constituents that cause cancer, cause salmutations and birth defects," Ross said.

Kotar said that tests are conducted for possible contamination.

"We ... test wells all around the property," Kotara said.

Ross said that the severe drought and record high temperatures this summers are also reasons why CPS Energy needs to look for alternative sources of energy besides nuclear.

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