In six years, one of your neighbors expects to retire after five decades on the job, but there won't be a party or pocket watch.

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Officials are now working on plans for the future of the nation's oldest nuclear generator, the Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Ocean County's Lacey Township.

The plant is slated to close in the year 2019, which is 10 years before the operating license expiration date. It was part of Governor Christie's 10-point plan to rehabilitate the Barnegat Bay. There were also other concerns after plant owner Exelon called building necessary cooling towers too cost prohibitive. But the plant provides energy to thousands.

What happens to that? What about the 700- plus people who work at the facility?

All of these topics and more will be covered this Wednesday at two information sessions at the Lacey Middle School. Lacey Mayor David Most has been an employee of the plant for several years.

"We've been talking since December of 2010's announcement from the Christie Administration about the possibility of exploring other energy generation methods. All signs now are pointing to a natural gas facility."

One of the major benefits, the existing facility has a substation behind the reactor building, capable of delivering 800 megawatts of energy. The state's energy master plan discusses the importance of replacing the plant's capacity upon it's closure.

The plant provides more than $70 million in wages, property taxes and purchases of goods and services from Jersey businesses. A feasibility study was conducted by Birdsall Services Group in the amount of $22,500.

The meetings will also be a place for you to voice your comments and concerns and get questions answered.

The times are from 4 - 6 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lacey Middle School, 660 Denton Ave, Forked River.

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