NRC Finds Environmental Impacts of Indian Point Minimal

Not enough environmental impact to justify closing Indian Point—that's the gist of new findings by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

According to newyorknewsday.com, the NRC's updated study, released June 25, considered new data and concluded the effect of water intake and discharge on aquatic life was not major.

Entergy bought Indian Point 10 years ago and says it has invested more than $1 billion in maintenance and improvement. 

The company has been fighting for license renewal for units 2 and 3 for five years. Public interest organizations have argued against renewal; Gov. Andrew Cuomo is against it. The Atomic Safety and Licensing Board held hearings in Tarrytown this fall. 

Proponents of the continued operation of Indian Point were pleased by the NRC's newly released findings. 

“The NRC should approve Indian Point’s license renewal as soon as possible. At more than six years and counting Indian Point’s NRC application is by far the longest and most scrutinized application on record.  And yet the plant is consistently found to be safe passing every conceivable test the NRC and plant opponents lay down. In addition to its considerable regional economic benefits, Indian Point helps the Lower Hudson Valley and New York City environment by alleviating carbon and other toxic emissions," said Jerry Kremer, chairman of the New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance (New York AREA) in a written statement. 

According to the Business Council of Westchester, the State would lose an estimated $75 million per year in property taxes and revenue sharing if Indian Point were shut down. 

Newsday reported that Phil Musegass of Riverkeeper blasted the new supplemental report, saying that the science shows Indian Point has a major impact, particularly on Atlantic sturgeon.