Resident urges township to assess evacuation risk if Three Mile Island Unit 1 reopens

At the public‑comment portion of the Sept. 16 Lower Paxton Township supervisors meeting, Gene Stilp introduced himself as director of No TMI Restart and urged the board to analyze evacuation planning related to Constellation Energy’s reported intent to restart Three Mile Island Unit 1.

Stilp argued that large‑scale evacuations would overwhelm roadways and that special facilities — hospitals, nursing homes, and schools — present unique challenges that are not fully accounted for in public plans. "Evacuation is impossible," he told the board, and he urged supervisors to "analyze whether or not evacuation is possible or impossible" by conferring with public‑safety directors and the county.

Stilp said a recent evacuation plan included in his materials mapped destinations for tens of thousands of residents and students and that he had filed litigation in Dauphin County to remove language he said made school compliance mandatory; he described ongoing settlement discussions. He also urged the board to consider a red‑team exercise and to press federal and county authorities for clearer planning and safeguards.

Board members acknowledged the safety concern but said decisions to restart the plant and regulatory jurisdiction are not within the township's direct authority and that evacuation planning would likely require coordination with Dauphin County emergency management. One supervisor said she would talk to county officials and investigate whether the township has a role in local evacuation planning.

Stilp's remarks did not prompt an immediate formal action by the board. The meeting record shows supervisors listened and said they would examine whether the township should pursue further coordination with county and emergency officials.