Environment DEC
From the December 2007 issue
State Requests Full Environmental Assessment at Indian Point Nuclear Plant
The question of whether to renew the operating license of the Indian Point Nuclear Generating Facility in Westchester County for another 20 years merits a full environmental review by federal authorities, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) said in comments submitted to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Indian Point Nuclear Generating Facility is located on the banks of the Hudson River
Licenses for Two Generating Units to Expire
DEC filed comments jointly with the state Attorney General's office and on behalf of all New York State executive agencies as part of the Indian Point license renewal process established by NRC. The current licenses for Indian Point Unit 2 and Unit 3 (located in Buchanan, along the Hudson River) expire in 2013 and 2015, respectively. The owner, Entergy Nuclear Operations Inc., has requested authorization to operate each unit an additional 20 years. A final decision is not likely before 2009.
The NRC has stated that it will employ what's known as a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) when evaluating Entergy's application. DEC contended, in its comments, that the GEIS option is insufficient. Among other things, a GEIS would forgo a site-specific review of issues relevant to Indian Point. Federal laws (the National Environmental Policy Act), the facts of this case, and the unique location of Indian Point (in such close proximity to New York City) require a full and comprehensive review of all adverse impacts, DEC said. Among the environmental concerns are discharges into the Hudson and the impact on aquatic life, effects on endangered species, and impacts on groundwater. Also, DEC said the assessment must cover accidental releases, possible terrorist attacks, and evacuation plans, as well as the long-term storage of spent fuel.
More Information
To read the full comments submitted by DEC, go to the Background Documents of Notable Permit Applications web page on DEC's website. Scroll down to the Indian Point subheading. The files are in pdf form. Also, see Related Links below.
Related Links:
Energy Information Administration - Indian Point (leaving DEC's site)
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (leaving DEC's site)
