Bill > S540

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), to conduct a comprehensive examination and report on the potential negative environmental and economic impacts of discharging radioactive materials from nuclear power plant spent fuel pools. Specifically, the bill mandates an investigation into the discharge of spent fuel pool water, including any methods that might increase evaporation rates, focusing on materials with elevated radioactivity levels such as tritium and boron. The report must analyze potential impacts on industries like fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and restaurants, and include regular monitoring of land, air, and water pollution levels. Importantly, the bill places a moratorium on any such discharge until 90 days after the DEP and DPH complete and issue their report, effectively preventing any radioactive material release until a thorough assessment of potential risks has been conducted and recommendations for mitigation have been developed.

Military Affairs and Security

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S540