GEI Consultants Completes Site at Proposed New Nuclear Plant for AREVA and UniStar Nuclear Energy

Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, Owego, NY

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.

About AREVA

As the leading U.S. nuclear vendor and a key player in the electricity transmission and distribution sector, AREVA Inc.’s 5,300 U.S. energy employees are committed to serving the nation and paving the way for the future of the electricity market. With 45 locations across the nation and nearly $2 billion in energy revenues in 2007, AREVA Inc., through its subsidiaries, combines U.S. leadership, access to worldwide expertise and a proven track record of performance. In the U.S. and in more than 100 countries around the world, AREVA is engaged in the 21st century’s greatest challenges: making energy available to all, protecting the planet, and acting responsibly toward future generations. AREVA Inc. is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.

About UniStar Nuclear Energy

UniStar Nuclear energy, a strategic joint venture between Constellation Energy Group (NYSE: CEG) and EDF Group, is powering the nuclear renaissance in North America through industry leadership, disciplined business practices and effective risk management. Based in Baltimore, MD, UniStar provides the licensing, construction and operating services needed to support the expansion of clean, safe and sustainable nuclear energy in the United States.

About GEI Consultants, Inc.

GEI’s team of multi-disciplined engineers and scientists deliver geotechnical, environmental, integrated water resources and ecological solutions to diverse clientele nationwide. The firm has provided a broad range of consulting and engineering services on over 25,000 projects in 50 states and 22 countries. For more information, please visit www.geiconsultants.com.

Media Contact:

Susan Shelby, CPSM
Rhino Public Relations for GEI Consultants, Inc.
978.468.1528

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