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“My experience has been incredibly disappointing and frustrating,” said state Sen. Katie Muth, a Democrat who represents parts of Montgomery, Chester and Berks counties, where the Limerick generating station sits.
She said in the past, Exelon has given plenty of notice about its refueling projects, which typically took place in June. But this year, Muth said she didn’t find out about the project until just days before it was scheduled to begin.
“And knowing the intricate workforce that needed to come in and fuel rods, I then realized to stop it or push it back to the summer pretty much became a non-existent option,” she said.
Muth was told it would start March 29, but when she and other lawmakers started asking questions, they learned it actually started March 27.
“When you start refueling that Friday night and say you’re doing it Sunday, I think it’s pretty obvious what’s going on,” she added.
Muth joins Montgomery County commissioners and U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean (4th District) in calling for Exelon to be more forthcoming with information that they all say is crucial to protecting not only workers at the plant, but also residents across the region.
They want to know specific locations of where the hundreds of out-of-state workers are residing during the project. They were initially told workers were staying at six hotels, but they later discovered there are workers dispersed across more than 40 locations in Montgomery, Chester and Berks counties, among Airbnbs, campsites and other rentals.
“And now we have no idea if someone is sent home if they’re symptomatic, what does home mean?” Muth questioned.
Muth still hasn’t heard from Exelon if it is paying workers who are isolated after testing positive, or those who are quarantined due to symptoms or potential exposure.
She also wants Exelon to commit to quarantining workers for 14 days before moving on to the next refueling site — something she said so far, the company has refused to do.
Exelon has not responded to KYW Newsradio with information about how many employees or contractors have been sent home with either symptoms or positive coronavirus tests.
The company also isn’t saying if it plans to pay workers and contractors who have to isolate or quarantine because of the virus.
Cases of coronavirus escalate by the day. There are more than 200 cases in Berks County, and another 226 in Chester County, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s latest numbers. Montgomery County officials have reported at least 778 cases.
All Pennsylvanians are under a statewide stay-at-home order from Gov. Tom Wolf, until at least April 30.
“Really, it’s insulting that you want to come into our community, put us at harm,” Muth continued. “You have the money to reduce harm; you’re not taking the steps that we’re asking you to.”