The Plymouth Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel convened on November 25, 2024, to discuss critical issues surrounding the decommissioning of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant and its implications for local waters. A significant focus of the meeting was the potential release of radioactive wastewater and its environmental impact, particularly in Cape Cod Bay.

Dr. Ken Buesseler, a marine radiochemist, presented an overview of radioactive isotopes, specifically cesium-137, and their origins. He explained that the majority of cesium-137 in the ocean stems from nuclear weapons testing conducted from 1945 to the early 1960s, with a smaller contribution from notable nuclear accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima. Buesseler emphasized the challenge of measuring human-made radioactivity against the backdrop of naturally occurring radioactivity in the ocean, highlighting the complexity of assessing environmental safety.

Following Buesseler, Irina Ritina, a physical oceanographer, shared findings from a study on the transport of wastewater from the Pilgrim plant. Using a numerical model of ocean currents, Ritina's research indicated a high probability that any released wastewater would flow towards the inner coastlines of Cape Cod Bay, particularly affecting areas near Dennis, Wellfleet, and Provincetown. The study revealed that seasonal changes in wind patterns significantly influence the movement of the wastewater plume, with stronger winds in winter and fall pushing water into the bay, thereby limiting the plume's ability to exit without first approaching the shoreline.

The panel's discussions underscored the importance of ongoing research to monitor and understand the behavior of radioactive materials in marine environments. The findings are crucial for ensuring the safety of local waters and addressing community concerns about the decommissioning process. As the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant transitions towards decommissioning, the insights gained from this meeting will play a vital role in shaping future environmental policies and practices in Plymouth and surrounding areas.