SEABROOK, N.H. (AP) — The Seabrook Station nuclear power plant is a step closer to receiving its 20-year license extension from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Seacoastonline.com reports the commission recently issued a positive finding in a safety evaluation report of its review of Seabrook Station's application to extend its original 40-year license.

The report details owner NextEra Energy's commitments made in relation to managing the effects of aging structures and components at the plant.

NRC Region I spokesman Neil Sheehan said he expects the license will be issued by month's end. He said NRC regulations allow for the issuance of the extension before this summer's expected hearing on a contention filed by C-10, the Newburyport, Massachusetts-based nuclear watchdog group, regarding the plant's concrete degradation.

C-10 Executive Director Natalie Hildt Treat called the pre-hearing decision-making "crazy."