Nicole Simmons, 732-872-0111, Policy@cleanoceanaction.org

Second Hearing on Oyster Creek’s Draft Discharge Permit

     On October 24, NJDEP held a second public hearing on the draft NJ Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit (NJPDES) for Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station (OCNGS).  The first hearing, held just before Labor Day, was sparsely attended, likely due to summer vacation and the new school year.  Fortunately, NJDEP obliged the request for a second hearing.  Several members of the public, as well as representatives from a variety of groups, attended. 

     After a review of studies describing the ecological harm caused by the current once-through cooling system at OCNGS and laws and regulations, as well as the technological advancements, it is clear that the only acceptable, responsible, logical, and appropriate action is to require the plant to retrofit the once-through cooling water system to a closed-loop system (also NJDEP’s preferred alternative).  OCNGS must join the 21st century and free Barnegat Bay from this obsolete and barbaric system.

     At the hearing, representatives from groups expressed a variety of concerns. Tom Fote, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, pointed out that once-through cooling systems kill large numbers of fish that are important to the fishing industry and that closed-loop systems would significantly reduce this impact. 

     The public is urged to submit written comments by November 7, 2005.  COA is finalizing comments and invites concerned citizens and organizations to sign-on (please notify Nicole by November 5 at Noon).