EcoLur
Metsamor residents are worried with the problem with Armenian nuclear power plant. As it’s known, the operating life of current nuclear power plant finishes in 2016. But the plant won’t be closed down, on the contrary, the operating life will be prolonged to that time when the second unit, more powerful one, will be put into service. The public hearings on construction of second unit were held both at local and national levels. Nevertheless, public was not pleased with hearing results. The main problems as trust in safety level, health and social immunity of Metsamor workers and residents, supply with water, vicinity to densely populated settlements and increase in safety zone, burial of radioactive wastes, supply with fuel, seismic protection, as well as alternative variants of energy policy in Armenia were left without any answers.
Center for Developing Armavir Chairman Naira Arakelyan says, “We can’t either measure or check the statements made by ANPP workers that everything is in order and they are not exposed to radiation. As a citizen, I can state that the construction of power unit can be profitable for Armenia. But realizing the unit also bears potential radiation hazard and having the example of Japan, I oppose to the construction of second unit. What does Metsamor have, except for ANPP? Nothing. If we don’t have ANPP, we will have only unemployment.”
Metsamor resident, “It’s not like we don’t believe them. But now people get ill more frequently, not to mention ill children, women bear pregnancy worse and worse. I don’t link it with radiation by 100%. We don’t live next to ANPP, what it means, we are not exposed to radiation at all? Who will prove it to us? We should have precautions, green zone, high-level medical care. But we are told, we are not exposed to anything and don’t take any measures.”
July 06, 2012 at 17:06