Ongoing Clash Over Radioactive Waste Dump in Hudson

M.C. Millman

The controversial dump of nuclear waste into the Hudson River by Holtec International has yet to be resolved. 

Environmental activists sprang to action when Holtec International, the company responsible for decommissioning Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant, announced its plans last February to dump the wastewater into the river. Holtec claims that the radioactive content in the wastewater will be within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) allowed levels. Holtec's plan was halted in April when the state senate and assembly passed the Save the Hudson bill to stop the release of nuclear wastewater, as reported by Rockland Daily here.

The governor's signature is still needed for the bill to become law. To date, Governor Hochul has been silent on the issue. Many organizations are petitioning to get the governor to sign the bill. 

Last night, activists attended a meeting held by the Decommissioning Oversight Board, where they advocated for the bill's prompt signing.

"It's very, very frustrating. I feel like the real core issues are not being answered," says Tina Volz, member of Stop Holtec Coalition. "I think it's something that they've made their mind up about already. I think they're facilitating Holtec's plan."