Conservation Law Foundation Shows Inadequate Leak Response at Vermont Yankee and Calls for Shutdown in New Testimony

CONTACT:
Karen Wood, CLF, (617) 850-1722, or kwood@clf.org
Sandra Levine, CLF,(802) 223-5992 x13 or (802) 249-2607 (mobile)

MONTPELIER, VT JULY 2, 2010— In testimony filed today with the Vermont Public Service Board PSB), Conservation Law Foundation’s (CLF) experts find fault with Entergy’s response to the leaks at Vermont Yankee nuclear facility in Vernon, Vermont, stating that inadequate monitoring and prevention measures have allowed unlawful contamination of groundwater and the environment.  The testimony shows that Entergy knew about the potential for leaks for many years and is failing now to take reasonable steps to prevent leaks and appropriately clean up the site. CLF’s testimony urges the PSB to shut down the plant.

The PSB opened an investigation of the plant in March to evaluate the ongoing leaks of radioactive material and to determine what action should be taken, including a potential shutdown of the plant. Plant owner Entergy filed sworn testimony in April. Today’s testimony represents CLF’s response to that testimony.

CLF submitted testimony from two experts: David Lochbaum, a nuclear engineer with the Union of Concerned Scientists, and Stratton French, a consulting hydrologist. Mr. Lochbaum’s testimony states that the leaks are unlawfully contaminating groundwater and the environment.  He noted State permits do not allow “releasing radioactively contaminated water via holes in underground piping and using sampling of monitoring wells to check the migration of radionuclides to groundwater and/or the Connecticut River.”  For years, Entergy has known about and identified numerous potential sources of leaks but repeatedly took inadequate steps to prevent leaks.  Mr. Lochbaum recommends that the PSB prohibit the plant from operating until the leaks are fixed and Entergy undertake the  necessary measures to prevent future leaks of radioactively contaminated water into the environment.  Such measures include regular inspections, providing access to all systems, and eliminating uncontrolled discharges to groundwater and the river.

Mr. French’s testimony emphasizes Entergy’s inadequate assessment of the leaks.  He states poor monitoring allowed the leaks to continue for months, and failed to identify either the extent or the source of the leaks.  As a result bedrock water supplies and the Connecticut River likely are contaminated.  Entergy’s poor evaluation means the limited clean up planned for the site is insufficient.

“Entergy’s response to the leaks is too little and too late,” said CLF senior attorney Sandra Levine.  “The continued contamination of groundwater and the Connecticut River must stop.  Entergy is shortchanging Vermont and leaving an expensive hazardous waste site to clean up in the future.”

The Conservation Law Foundation (www.clf.org) works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England.  CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovative strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region.  Founded, in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.