CONGRESSMAN LAWLER RESPONDS TO NEWS THAT HOLTEC INTERNATIONAL WILL HALT
THEIR PLANS TO DUMP RADIOACTIVE
WASTEWATER IN THE HUDSON RIVER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nathaniel Soule│nate.soule@mail.house.gov│(914)-255-4642
Pearl River, NY, 4/13/2023… Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement in response to the news that Holtec International is halting plans to expedite the dumping of radioactive wastewater from its storage tanks at the Indian Point nuclear power plant into the Hudson River.
“Over the past few months, I have had numerous conversations with Holtec International executives and representatives about the decommissioning of Indian Point, including the plan to dump over 500,000 gallons of radioactive wastewater into the Hudson River. During the course of those conversations, we discussed other alternatives, including storing the radioactive wastewater in tanks on site, to allow for the natural radioactive decay of the wastewater.
In addition, I conveyed to Holtec International the importance of including local stakeholders and the public in these discussions to ensure any plan to dispose of the wastewater was safe, environmentally sound, and had broad support from the community.
In recent weeks, I have spoken with state and local officials, as well as environmental groups about our shared concerns and what potential actions could be taken to address those concerns. Simply put, we all agree about the need to protect the Hudson River and our residents from any potential harmful impacts.
Which is why I was extremely dismayed by Holtec International’s recent announcement that they would be expediting the discharge of radioactive wastewater into the Hudson River from August to May.
Tonight, in speaking with representatives of Holtec, I’m happy to announce that they have delayed such action and are in discussions with federal and state agencies about the process moving forward.
However, this must be the start of this conversation. As I did previously, I strongly urge them to meet with all federal, state, and local officials to discuss the next steps and evaluate all possible options, including the storage of the radioactive wastewater in tanks to allow for the natural radioactive decay of tritium.”
New York’s 17th District, which includes all or parts of Rockland, Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties, is a suburban district located just north of New York City.
