These investigations were required to develop the final design of the planned reactor and to support UniStar's September 2008 submission of a Combined License Application (COLA) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

UniStar is proposing a 1,600MWe pressurized water reactor, based on AREVA NP's Evolutionary Power Reactor (EPR) design, for the site. As a sub-contractor to AREVA NP, GEI was responsible for the geotechnical, geological and hydrological characterization of the site, which included subsurface investigation for potential onshore and offshore facilities.

In addition to the design and execution of the site characterization program, GEI was responsible for field and laboratory-based studies and preparation of the supporting documentation for detailed engineering of the proposed plant and the COLA.

The field program consisted of onshore and offshore borings from beneath Lake Ontario to determine geotechnical properties of soil and bedrock for excavation and foundation support; installation of groundwater wells to determine water levels, flow characteristics and water quality; and onshore and offshore seismic surveys to identify the depth to bedrock, shear-wave velocities and potential faults or zones of weakness.

"GEI's unique combination of technical expertise, collaborative spirit and ingenuity in providing innovative solutions was critical to the success of the project," said Robert Bonisolli, AREVA Project Manager. "GEI was a valued partner on this project."

The successful completion of GEI's site work for the proposed Nine Mile Point 3 project was based on the company's ability to manage a large number of subcontracted personnel, interface with multiple companies responsible for various aspects of plant design and facility layout, manage all activities under a rigorous quality-assurance program required by the NRC, and meet the customer's schedule to achieve a September 2008 COLA submission.

"Nuclear energy offers a large-scale, cost-effective, clean, emission-free energy source that can support U.S. economic growth and play a role in developing energy independence," said Dr. Robert N. Lambe, P.G., project manager for GEI Consultants' work at Nine Mile Point.

"We are proud to have assisted AREVA and UniStar in the development of what is hoped to be one of the first nuclear power plants to be built in the United States in more than 35 years. Our team completed highly technical evaluations while maintaining the highest standards of quality and, along with UniStar and AREVA personnel, achieving a safety record of more than 100,000 hours on this project without a reportable incident."

Since its founding in 1970, GEI has been involved with geotechnical studies at more than 20 nuclear power plants throughout the United States. The firm's work has ranged from consultation on seismic issues to geological and geotechnical investigations for site selection and licensing.

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