Bill > H2488

This bill amends Chapter 111 of the General Laws to require owners and operators of nuclear power facilities in Massachusetts that store spent nuclear fuel in dry casks to provide continuous, real-time reporting to the Department of Public Health's Radiation Control Division. Specifically, the bill mandates reporting on two key metrics for each dry cask: the temperature and the rate of helium and radiation release. The purpose of this reporting requirement is to prevent, mitigate, or alleviate potential impacts on the commonwealth's resources and citizens' health from radiation emitted by spent nuclear fuel. The legislation applies to facilities that have generated electricity for retail customers in Massachusetts and are not considered stranded assets, and it directs the Department of Public Health, in consultation with the Attorney General's office, to develop and implement rules and regulations to facilitate this reporting system. Dry casks are robust, sealed containers used to store used nuclear fuel after it has been removed from a reactor's spent fuel pool, providing a method of long-term nuclear waste storage that isolates radioactive materials from the environment.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2488