On January 26, 2010 in Kurchatov of Kursk region public hearings were held on the estimation of Kursk NPP influence on the environment at the operation of power unit No. 1 at the capacity exceeding the nominal value. The participants discussed the materials substantiating the license for this kind of activity prepared by Kursk NPP for State Ecological Expertise. They included parameters of the region of NPP location ecologic state, estimates of the influence of the planned activity on the environment, and measures for its protection.

The district citizens, representatives of the executive and legislation branches of Kursk region and adjacent to the NPP municipal establishments, and as well of enterprises, public organizations, educational establishment, Mass Media took part in the public hearings. Managers and specialists of Rosenergoatom Concern OJSC, Kursk NPP, Atomenergoproekt OJSC, N.A. Dolledjal Research and Design Institute of Power (RDIP) took the floor at the hearings.

According to Alexander Uvakin, Kursk NPP General Engineer, power unit No. 1 operation at the capacity exceeding the nominal value became possible as a result of long-term extensional work aimed at substantiation of such operating mode. ТWe have successfully passed the examination of substantiation materials, and proper supervisorsХ permissions have been obtained. Since December, power unit No.1 is in pilot production in accordance with the license issued by Rostekhnadzor for pilot operation at high capacities. For the period passed none of the indexes characterizing safe operation of power unit No. 1 exceeded the permissible values, the more so limits of safe operation. The next stage is passing over to a full-scale industry operation which requires a license as wellУ, - Alexander Uvakin reported. 

The public hearings were held in accordance with the ordinance of Head of Kurchatov city. Within a month prior to beginning of the hearings the citizens had an opportunity of getting acquainted with the materials, to prepare questions, to make comments and proposals. Within 30 days after the public hearings are over the citizens and public organizations can add comments and suggestions into the materials.