2023-Sierran-digital - Flipbook - Page 13
Environmental Justice Denied to Community Surrounding
Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant
By Art Desloges
In the process of decommissioning the Plymouth Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant, Holtec International, the
decommissioning company, must dispose of 1.1 million gallons of water containing radionuclides and other
contaminants. This nuclear waste is harmful to human health, the environment, and the economy. This health
threat extends hundreds of miles around Plymouth and could last thousands of years.
For the past two years, Holtec has sought to dispose
of this radioactive water by dumping it into Cape
Cod Bay. Grassroots groups and elected of昀椀cials
banded together to stop Holtec from this discharge.
These grassroots groups compelled State regulators
to consider the health impact to the surrounding
community and environmental harm. This
resulted in the MA Department of Environmental
Protection issuing an interim denial to discharge this
contaminated water into Cape Cod Bay. A permanent
ruling is in process.
At 昀椀rst, this appeared to be a success story for
environmental justice--a process that requires that
those groups that are impacted by a policy decision
get real and meaningful input into the decision.
However, it was recently uncovered through a whistleblower letter, that Holtec is force evaporating this
radioactive water into the public air. They installed industrial grade water heaters to heat the contaminated water
forcing accelerated evaporation. The Plymouth Board of Health has stated that this is a threat to human health.
We must permanently stop Holtec from this forced evaporation of radioactive water now or in the future. Holtec
is bound to comply with the MA Clean Air Act. We need the Governor of Massachusetts to investigate violations
of this Act by Holtec and stop them from these emissions.
Please join us and sign the petition at https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-emissions-of-radioactive-water-intothe-air-by-holtec-international asking the Governor to immediately investigate this matter and stop Holtec from
contaminating our air and jeopardizing our health. The MA Sierra Club supports this petition.
Investing Your Dollars for Impact
The Massachusetts Chapter works with communities across the state to advocate for climate and energy
justice, and to preserve our environment for future generations. As a volunteer-run, grassroots organization
we know the power of people working together to make change happen.
Your support allows us to:
• Advocate for just, ambitious, and achievable climate action
• Elect climate and environmental champions up and down the ballot
• Hold public of昀椀cials accountable across the state
• Educate, inspire, and support local and frontline activists
• Protect and enjoy Massachusetts lands and waters
When you’re sending a donation by mail, be sure to write on your check (in the Memo) and on your mail-in
slip “Massachusetts Chapter.” If giving online, make sure to give through the Chapter website! https://www.
sierraclub.org/massachusetts/donate. If you have questions about giving, please contact Kira Liu at (617)
423-5775 or email kira.liu@sierraclub.org.
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